In a startling revelation on the Plum Island website the United States on June 1, 2008 commenced a ‘research project’ under the guise of Foreign Animal Disease Vaccinations and Diagnostics. The research will study African Swine Fever (ASFV) and to conduct ‘biological counter measures’.

The study will identify and recruit a qualified scientist from the republic of Georgia to come to Plum Island for the purpose of acquiring knowledge and development of molecular biological skill sets. Furthermore, development of such skilled sets according the PIADC website is, “will be applied to ASF research and development through ongoing Classical Swine Fever vaccination discovery”. ASFV is a look-a-like virus to CSFV (genetically modified creation) which was previously studied at the biological warfare laboratory PIDAC. The research will initiate planning activities, basic research, and ‘vaccination’.

The qualified Republic of Georgia scientist will be qualified in carrying out and training exercises with minimal supervision. The chose scientist will develop skill sets that will transfer ASF knowledge to other Republic of Georgia scientists. The program is a collaborative effort between the United States and the Republic of Georgia. The research will be supported by the USDA-DOE through an interagency agreement administered through Oakridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE).

The Republic of Georgia scientist will be trained in foreign animal disease (FAD), vaccination discovery, inclusive of cell culture, virus titration, virus cloning, viral analysis, sequencing, tissue collection and necropsy. The scientist will also have access to viral samples and genomic sequencing.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with collaboration from ARS, Plum Island, and the Republic of Georgia will prepare and submit their research and vaccination proposal targeting the Eurasian response. The Project Number: 1940-32000-050-04.