The SECB commissions external studies and expert reports on specific topics. These studies and reports contribute to improving biosafety.

Final Report of the Programme for Monitoring the Impacts of Streptomycin Use in Fire Blight Control 2008-2012 (Summary, 2013): In January 2008, the antibiotic streptomycin was first authorised in Switzerland for the treatment of fire blight in orchards. Similar exceptional approvals have been granted every subsequent year until an effective alternative solution can be found. The use of streptomycin is time-limited and associated with various conditions, one of which is that it must be accompanied by a monitoring programme. The Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety (SECB) felt that, beyond the investigation of resistance development by Erwinia amylovora, the fire blight pathogen, there were further questions to be considered. The SECB therefore launched a multidisciplinary monitoring programme in cooperation with various federal agencies, research institutions, and other experts. The main goal of this project is to obtain data to permit an objective evaluation of the risks that could be associated with the use of streptomycin. The Final Report of this Programme was approved in February 2013. It can be ordered from the SECB Secretariat.

Tenacity of viruses (2012): Work with high concentrations of viruses is often carried out in laboratories. The issue of the viruses’ ability to survive outside their host cell is thus very important for biological safety. Their tenacity – i.e. their ability to survive under suboptimal conditions – must therefore be determined. The SECB has cofunded a study by the Institute of Virology and Immunoprophylaxis, to investigate the survivability of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in solutions and in dried form on surfaces. The sensitivity of VSV to disinfectants is also being tested. The results of the study will help to increase safety in the handling of viruses in the laboratory.

A method for differentiating between DNA of live vs. dead micro-organisms (2010): In laboratories working with micro-organisms, regular investigations are conducted to monitor the safety measures adopted. Microbial contamination of equipment and surfaces is detected using wipe samples which are tested for the presence of specific DNA. In this context it is important to be able to differentiate between DNA of live vs. dead cells and organisms. The methods used until now mostly require a cultivation step. A method using propidium monoazide (PMA), which only permeates dead cells, is described in the literature. The Cantonal Laboratory of Basel-Stadt, with financial support from the SECB, has adapted this method to Staphylococcus aureus as a model organism.

Detection method for Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in soil (2009): The Bolle di Magadino region in the canton of Ticino is regularly flooded. These conditions favour the apparition of mosquitoes (Aedes vexans and Aedes sticticus). The region is therefore regularly treated with Vectobac, an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) as active ingredient, a bacteria that produces toxins lethal for mosquitoes. The SECB has given its consent to the use of Vectobac, provided it be accompanied by long-term monitoring. With financial support from the SECB, the cantonal microbiology institute of Bellinzona (Istituto Cantonale di Microbiologia) has now developed a fast and specific method for the detection and quantification of Bti in soil.

Ecological impacts of genetically modified crops (2006) (pdf): We can now look back on 10 years of experience worldwide in the cultivation of genetically modified crops. The SECB commissioned the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture, Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon, to summarize and discuss the scientific data on the possible ecological impact of genetically modified crops, published in peer-reviewed journals. The study focuses on insect-resistant maize and herbicide-tolerant varieties of soybean and oilseed rape. It primarily reflects the authors' own opinions.

Lists of organisms

These lists serve to classify organisms and biological containment systems according to the risk that they pose to human health and the environment. Account is taken of existing lists, notably those issued by the EU. The lists of organisms are published by FOEN with assistance from the SECB and other agencies.

Classification of Organisms