Smallpox Virus Stocks Final eradication of variola virus Although the smallpox virus (Variola) was eliminated from nature in the late 1970s, the job of eradicating this virus was never entirely finished. Hundreds of viable samples (collectively called "stocks") of smallpox virus, perhaps the most deadly disease in human history, remain in storage at laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia, and near Novosibirsk, Russia. Although the world's governments have repeatedly resolved to destroy all remaining smallpox stocks, the US and Russia have failed to do so. In fact, they have recently expanded their activities with the virus, including proposals to genetically-engineer it and unauthorized transfers of smallpox DNA. In collaboration with Third World Network, the Sunshine Project is working to oppose the expansion of dangerous research involving variola virus and to achieve the final step in its eradication - the destruction of all remaining virus stocks. Please visit www.smallpoxbiosafety.org to learn more about this program.