Disclosure of scientific findings with dual use potential

In connection with the studies by the group of Ron Fouchier on the airborne transmissibility of H5N1 in ferrets, and the debate about whether such studies should be published or not, the SECB has considered the disclosure of scientific findings on pathogenic organisms. The SECB calls for scientific data to be published without censorship.

SECB reflections on the disclosure of scientific findings with dual use potential

Final Report of the Programme for Monitoring the Impacts of Streptomycin Use in Fire Blight Control 2008-2012

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.

Final Report Summary

Recommendations on the classification of activities using prions and of BSE diagnostics

The SECB’s Recommendations are intended to help users to classify activities using prion genes and prion proteins, and to classify BSE diagnostics. They also indicate which safety measures are needed when working in contained systems. Both Recommendations have been completely revised.

Classification of activities using prion genes and prion proteins

Classification and safety measures of BSE diagnostics

Recommendation for Work at Sites Potentially Contaminated with Anthrax Spores

This recommendation is aimed at construction firms, companies dealing with contaminated sites, analytical laboratories and other companies working at sites that may be contaminated with anthrax spores, and also at the cantonal enforcement agencies responsible for such fields of activity. Possibly contaminated sites include former tanneries or knacker’s yards (dumps for animal carcasses). The recommendation provides information on investigations that must be made, and on protective measures for employees.

Recommendation Anthrax

Activity Report 2008-2011

The SECB has published its Activity Report 2008-2011.

Resignations of various members of the SECB and new elections

At the end of the term of office, we are saying goodbye to several members of the SECB. We thank Angelika Hilbeck, Philipp Hübner, Andreas Lang, Beatrice Lanzrein, Paul Mäder, Barbara Oppliger, Doris Rentsch and Peter Stamp warmly for their tireless work and their huge commitment to the SECB.

As of 1. January 2012 the Federal Council appointed the following new members to the Committee: Dirk Dobbelaere, Eric Dumermuth, Urs Klemm, Brigitte Mauch-Mani, Monika Maurhofer, Kathrin Mühlemann († 01.11.2012) and Nicola Schönenberger. As of 1. January 2013 Matthias Meier was also appointed. We welcome the new members to the SECB and wish them great success and enjoyment in this important work.

The Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety (SECB), a permanent federal advisory committee, advises the Federal Council and the federal agencies on the drafting of laws, ordinances, guidelines and recommendations.

It advises the federal and cantonal authorities on the enforcement of these regulations.

It issues statements on licence applications and publishes recommendations on safety measures for studies using genetically modified or pathogenic organisms.