Virus Field Research: Reduce Risks and Enhance Benefits

Researchers estimate that 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases come from nonhuman animals. Virus field research-the collection of virus samples from wildlife and the environment and subsequent virus characterization-allows scientists to monitor viral populations, understand their biology and obtain information that may help predict, prevent, and respond to future viral outbreaks. GAO identified three policy options that may help enhance the benefits and decrease the risks of virus field research.