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Originally Posted by Jerrek
What is mixamytosis?
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I believe its a naturally occurring virus found in rabbits.
Although it isn't as stupid as it sounds:
US develops lethal new viruses
New Scientist vol 180 issue 2419 - 01 November 2003, page 6
The genetically engineered viruses should kill only mice. But critics say the work is risky and unnecessary
A SCIENTIST funded by the US government has deliberately created an extremely deadly form of mousepox, a relative of the smallpox virus, through genetic engineering. The new virus kills all mice even if they have been given antiviral drugs as well as a vaccine that would normally protect them.
The work has not stopped there. The cowpox virus, which infects a range of animals including humans, has been genetically altered in a similar way. The new virus, which is about to be tested on animals, should be lethal only to mice, Mark Buller of the University of St Louis told New Scientist. He says his work is necessary to explore what bioterrorists might do.
But the research brings closer the prospect of pox viruses that cause only mild infections in humans being turned into diseases lethal even to people who have been vaccinated. And vaccines are currently our main defence against smallpox and its relatives, such as the monkeypox that reached the US this year.
Taken from issue 2419 of New Scientist (1/11/2003)