Deadly viruses can be assembled with purchases over the Internet

AFP, June, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — Trained terrorists could assemble smallpox and other deadly viruses in the absence of laws preventing them from ordering the basic ingredients over the Internet, a British newspaper reported.

The Guardian said it obtained a short sequence of smallpox DNA, though it made sure it ordered a sample which had three small modifications to render it harmless before it was mailed to a home in London.

The deadly smallpox virus has existed only in laboratories since being eradicated from the world's population 30 years ago, it said.

One study estimated that, because most people on the planet have no resistance to the extinct virus, an initial release which infected just 10 people would spread to 2.2 million people in 180 days, it added.

DNA sequences could also be obtained over the Internet for poliovirus and 1918 flu, it added.

The Guardian said researchers have legitimate reasons ...