Author: Carmen Shaw

Pandora Report 8.7.2026: Fauci Contempt Vote, AIxBio Threats, and One Health Fronts

by Carmen Shaw, posted in Pandora Report

Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights continued congressional scrutiny of Anthony Fauci following his Senate hearing, ongoing One Health threats from H5N1 avian influenza and New World screwworm, and efforts to address the opportunities and risks of AI-enabled biology. The Pandora Report will be taking a break next week and will return on August 21, 2026.

Thank you for reading, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon!

Join the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for a two-day workshop, “Preparing for a Future of AI-Enabled Biology,” on August 11-12. The event will explore emerging technology, key uncertainties, and priorities for strengthening global preparedness.

Fauci Faces Continued Congressional Scrutiny Over COVID-19 Response

Following last week’s Senate hearing, former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci is facing continued congressional scrutiny over his role in the U.S. COVID-19 response. A Senate committee voted to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress after he declined to answer questions about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The vote escalated a months-long dispute between Fauci and congressional investigators over questions related to COVID-19 origins, federal research funding, and pandemic decision-making. The proceedings followed the release of Fauci’s private COVID-era diary entries and additional records, including a copy of his government-issued phone. While critics have argued the materials raise concerns about transparency, fact-checkers have noted that they provide insight into Fauci’s personal experiences and frustrations during the crisis, but do not resolve ongoing scientific questions or debates surrounding COVID-19 origins.

Further Reading:

One Health on Two Fronts

By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor 

Australia confirmed its first mass wildlife mortality from H5N1 bird flu earlier this week after more than 80 dead and sick greater crested terns were found on an island off South Australia’s south-east coast. Seventy-four cases have been confirmed nationally since June, mostly in South Australia, but fortunately no farms have yet been affected. In response to the recent mainland wildlife detections, the Australian government performed a risk assessment to better understand the potential impact on the country’s many species of native birds and mammals. More than 2,000 birds and mammals were listed from low to high risk based on their vulnerability and susceptibility, considering their habitat, ecology, behavior, and information from the global outbreaks.

Although the country’s biosecurity response has been excellent, Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough noted that funding to protect wildlife has gone backwards: “We won’t be able to stop bird flu spreading through wildlife, so the best response to that needs to be dealing with all the other threats. The foxes, the cats, the rats on islands, making sure wetlands are well connected, that we’re not seeing habitat destruction occurring in key nesting areas; that work hasn’t been happening at a scale which reflects the seriousness of this list.” Five seabirds, including the critically endangered Herald petrel, face extreme risk, meaning likely extinction if the virus reaches them, and more than 80 threatened species rank high or worse. Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls and several marine mammals would probably survive infection but with severely reduced populations. Vaccination requires two doses, which is impractical, if not impossible, in wild flocks, so trials are focused on captive breeding facilities.

Half a world away, Texas and surrounding states continue to battle New World screwworm. In an article published this week in Nature Ecology & Evolution, authors Andrews, Weese and Bogoch argue that the June 2026 screwworm re-emergence in Texas, the first overland US detection since the early 1980s, is the result of waning investment rather than any failure of the science. Sterile fly production and surveillance lapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a front pushed south over 47 years rebounded to the Texas border within only three. They acknowledge that this is a One Health problem, in which human and animal health are linked. Human myiasis is a real though comparatively uncommon problem; a huge economic toll is borne from livestock and companion animal infestations, and wildlife carry the biggest burden in sheer morbidity and mortality. The elimination of screwworms from the U.S. will require long-term, active effort to keep at bay, meaning infrastructure that must be funded, staffed, and defended indefinitely. Anything short of this sustained investment will only lead to continual re-emergence and subsequent animal and financial losses.

Prevention is invisible when it works. A sterile fly plant running at capacity and a seabird colony free of rats produce no headlines, which is precisely why the funding behind them erodes quietly. The gaps go unnoticed until they explode open, and by then the cost of response will be orders of magnitude higher than the sustained maintenance would have been.

Further Reading: 

IN OTHER NEWS

U.S. Public Health Leadership, Preparedness, and Trust

Global Health Security, Pandemic Preparedness, and International Cooperation

Biological Threats, Outbreaks, and One Health

Emerging Technologies and Evolving WMD Risks

Biological War: A Scenario

From investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen, this book explores the catastrophic consequences of a deliberate biological attack or laboratory accident, tracing how a rapidly spreading pathogen could trigger cascading failures across public health systems, government, critical infrastructure, and society.

Drawing on interviews with senior experts in national security, medicine, science, and the military, Jacobsen presents a fast-paced, scenario-based narrative that examines the hours, days, and weeks following the release of a biological agent. Like her bestselling Nuclear War: A Scenario, the book uses a fictionalized but research-informed account to highlight the challenges of biodefense, pandemic preparedness, and crisis response in the face of an existential biological threat.

Further Reading:

NEW: Army Mad Scientist Series with Dr. James Giordano – Lecture

From the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS): “Join us for our virtual event, Braking Biowarfare: Deterrence Left-of-Denial featuring Dr. James Giordano, Head of the Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies in the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University. He will examine the need to shift contemporary biodefense beyond traditional reactive paradigms toward proactive strategies that prevent, delay, disrupt, and disincentivize the development and operationalization of weaponizable bioscience and biotechnology before their deployment.”

This virtual event will take place on Tuesday, August 18 from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB)

From the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH): “The 28th PACCARB public meeting will explore how microbiome science can support AMR prevention, drive novel interventions, and build public awareness and understanding of microbiome-focused health measures. The meeting will focus on innovative and emerging topics in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the microbiome.”

This hybrid meeting will take place on September 9-10 from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Exponential AI and Biotech Growth: Translating Technical to Policy – Workshop

From AI for SynBio: “The continued acceleration of agentic artificial intelligence (AI), Biological Design Tools (BDTs), and Biological AI Models (BAIMs) has transformed the technological landscape, enabling tremendous benefits and potential misuse that could massively impact national security, defense, health, and economy. Mitigating this risk will require collaboration across Government, Industry, and Academia with both technical and policy focuses. Significant effort, especially at the federal level, has been made to raise awareness of this challenge, yet additional discussion is necessary to keep pace with the ever-evolving speed of this global technology.’

This workshop will take place from September 15-17 at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Biosecurity Simulation Exercise (BSX 2026): Laboratory Incidents & Deliberate Biothreats

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “This table-top simulation exercise aims to enhance inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary preparedness for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity (LBB) and deliberate biothreat events (DBE). Through lectures, discussions, and structured, scenario-driven exercises, participants will explore decision-making to detect, risk-assess, and manage high-consequence biological incidents under conditions of incomplete information and unfolding events. Participants will collaborate in teams, building on expert perspectives to address issues in surveillance, diagnostics, public health response, security assessment, and risk communication.”

This in-person event will take place from August 27-28. Learn more and register here.

Data and Situational Awareness for Medical and Public Health Preparedness and Response: A Workshop Series

From the National Academies: “The Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies workshop series will explore how medical, public health, emergency management, and critical infrastructure data are collected, integrated, analyzed, and translated into real-time information to support timely, coordinated decision-making before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.”

This workshop series will take place on September 23. Learn more and register here.

Training Course on ‘Biotechnology Innovation and Biosecurity’

From the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit: “This training focuses on strengthening capacities in biosecurity, biosafety, and biological risk management in the context of rapid advances in biotechnology with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to manage biothreats at the intersection of humans, animals, plants and the environment. It addresses the governance, technical, and operational dimensions of preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats, while promoting responsible and peaceful scientific research and innovation in accordance with article X of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).”

This in-person event will be held from October 12-16 in New Delhi, India. Learn more and apply here.

Biomanufacturing for Defense & Security Summit

From Diversified Solutions Incorporated (DSI Groups): “This event will bring together senior thought leaders and stakeholders from across DoW, Military Research Labs, Federal Government, Commercial Industry, & Academia to discuss how each are advancing biomanufacturing to enhance national security objectives, produce critical materials for defense applications, and strengthen the overall U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing base. Biomanufacturing is crucial for U.S. national security because it enables domestic production of critical materials, medicines, and defense supplies, reducing reliance on foreign adversaries, which in turn creates resilient supply chains for the military and economy.”

This event will take place from October 27-28 at the National Harbor, MD. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Researcher, Built Environment Team – Job Opening

From Blueprint Biosecurity: “The built environment encompasses the indoor spaces where people work, learn, gather, and receive care. Equipping these spaces with additional layers of protection against infectious airborne pathogens can help reduce risk in these spaces and support safer, more resilient communities. This work will focus on identifying and advancing promising interventions to mitigate pathogen transmission in occupied indoor spaces and strengthen society’s ability to contain outbreaks before they become widespread. Blueprint Biosecurity is hiring up to two Researchers to work directly with the Built Environment Program Director to lay the groundwork for new areas of interest and expand Blueprint’s portfolio.”

Learn more and submit your application here by August 21.

NEW: Respiratory Protection Program Officer, PPE Team – Job Opening

From Blueprint Biosecurity: “One of the most impactful ways to suppress pathogen transmission and save lives in a future outbreak is to ensure that highly protective respiratory PPE can be deployed to millions of critical workers on day one. Despite this, if a pandemic occurred tomorrow, U.S. stockpiles and supply chains would be unable to meet the demand. This problem motivated the development of the Blueprint for Pandemic PPE and has shaped our efforts to mobilize tens of millions of dollars toward advancing its goals. To build upon this momentum, Blueprint Biosecurity is hiring up to two Program Officers to expand our PPE team. These program officer roles are structured into two distinct tracks: Research Management or Grant Evaluation. Both positions will work closely with the PPE Program Director to help build a more resilient future in which critical workers have access to respirators during emergencies.

Learn more and submit your application here by August 21.

NEW: Horizon Fellowship

From Horizon Institute for Public Service: “Through our fellowship, we place fully-funded fellows at host organizations to help tackle policy challenges related to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies. Fellows selected for our program receive policy-focused training, mentorship, and support in matching with a host organization for a full-time, fully-funded fellowship based in the Washington, DC area. Fellows join a collaborative, close-knit community of public service-oriented experts. Potential host organizations include executive branch offices, congressional offices, national laboratories, and think tanks.”

Learn more and submit your application here by August 30.

NEW: Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS) Fellowship Programme

From ACHS: “The ACHS Fellowship Programme aims to inspire and connect the next generation of health security leaders and innovators. Launched in 2025 by ACHS, based at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), National University of Singapore (NUS), the ACHS Fellowship Programme is a highly competitive, part-time fellowship that provides graduate students and early- to mid-career professionals with an opportunity to deepen their expertise, expand their professional network, and build leadership skills through educational opportunities and project work.”

Learn more and submit your application here by August 31.

WHO Internship Programme

From WHO: “A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena. WHO’s Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience in various areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health.”

Learn more and apply here.

OpenAI Bio Bug Bounty Program

From OpenAI: “As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our safeguards for advanced AI capabilities in biology, we’re evolving our GPT‑5.5 Bio Bug Bounty to become an ongoing private program—the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program. The program will remain focused on universal jailbreaks that can defeat our predefined biosafety challenge against OpenAI’s frontier models, starting with GPT‑5.6 and going forward. The reward for a universal jailbreak for the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000 for both GPT‑5.6 and GPT‑5.5. Smaller awards may be granted for partial wins at our discretion.”

Learn more and submit your application here.

Disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD – Training Program

From Asser Institute and OPCW: “By 2026, pressure on the international arms control system has reached a point few experts anticipated would arrive so quickly, driven largely by intense geopolitical fragmentation. There is a critical need for professionals who possess the legal, technical, and diplomatic expertise to navigate these modern complexities. This intensive five-day training provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework.”

This program will take place from October 26-30 in The Hague, the Netherlands. Learn more and register here.

Pandora Report 7.31.2026: Is the U.S. Ready for the Next Pandemic?

by Carmen Shaw, posted in Pandora Report

Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights Anthony Fauci’s contentious Senate hearing on the nation’s COVID-19 response, the state of U.S. public health preparedness as infectious disease threats continue to rise, ongoing H5N1 and New World screwworm challenges, and evolving biosecurity policies at home and abroad.

Anthony Fauci Pleads the Fifth During Contentious Senate COVID-19 Hearing

Former top US health official Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a tense July 29 hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, declining to answer questions related to the origins of COVID-19 and the nation’s handling of the pandemic. The hearing, led by Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), followed the public release of Fauci’s COVID-era diaries and focused on allegations that federal funding supported risky viral research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Fauci’s attorneys advised him not to testify, citing ongoing legal concerns despite the presidential pardon he received from former President Joe Biden. Republican senators criticized his refusal to answer questions and raised the possibility of contempt proceedings, while Democratic lawmakers characterized the hearing as politically motivated and defended Fauci’s public health record.

Is America Becoming Less Prepared for the Next Pandemic?

By Carmen Shaw, Pandora Report Managing Editor

The United States is confronting several infectious disease threats at once – hantavirus, screwworm, Ebola, cyclospora, measles, whooping cough, and bird flu. Former CDC officials warn that major changes made by the administration to the nation’s public health infrastructure – reducing funding, cutting staff, changing priorities, and shuttering USAID – have left the US in worse shape than before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to The Guardian, 80% of senior leadership positions at the CDC still lack permanent officials, and the agency has lost an estimated 25-30% of its workforce. Given the dearth of proper “boots on the ground” experience, the US appears less prepared for the next major public health emergency.

It has also been reported that the Trump administration has quietly reduced the role of the HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which supports research aimed at improving patient safety, healthcare quality, and emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, Politico reported that the State Department will move forward with dispensing approximately $600M in previously delayed vaccine funding after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held up the funding for months due to concerns about vaccine safety. Separately, a new analysis found that while the U.S. has strengthened several aspects of its Ebola response since the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic – including airport screening, lab diagnostics, and hospital preparedness – experts warn that maintaining these capabilities will require sustained investment and experienced personnel.

These concerns surrounding the U.S. international disease response capacity grow as disease activity continues to rise nationwide. U.S. cyclospora infection cases have reached record levels in 2026 following multiple foodborne outbreaks. U.S. measles cases have surpassed last year’s total and reached their highest level in more than three decades, driven by declining childhood vaccination coverage and several outbreaks around the nation. Taken together, these developments paint a troubling picture for the US – even as disease threats continue to mount, the nation’s public health infrastructure appears to be backsliding.

California Judge Rules H5N1 Quarantine Locations to Stay Confidential

By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor 

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge ruled against disclosing the names and locations of California dairies quarantined during the 2024-25 bird flu outbreak, siding with state agriculture officials. More than 750 dairies were quarantined statewide during that period as officials worked to contain the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The suit was filed by the California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA), which argued that making the information public would improve oversight of the state’s response, help protect dairy workers, and provide researchers with data to better understand the outbreak. The judge acknowledged the public interest in government transparency but concluded that protecting producer confidentiality would encourage farmers to report sick animals promptly and cooperate with disease investigations. Amanda Murray, California’s acting state veterinarian and branch chief of Animal Health and Food Safety Services, wrote, “Loss of this trust would likely have a chilling effect, wherein producers would either delay reporting or not report clinical signs of disease.” Out of fear of public backlash, some farms might have culled sick animals and disposed of them themselves, potentially spreading the disease unintentionally. Industry groups have praised the decision as vital to maintaining trust between producers and regulators, while CRLA says it’s weighing further legal options.

Cattle Imports from Mexico to Resume Amid Ongoing NWS Outbreaks

Last Friday, USDA announced a phased reopening of the US-Mexico border to cattle imports, despite the ongoing efforts to prevent further spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) into the country. Imports will start August 24 at the Douglas, Arizona port, with New Mexico crossings to follow pending Mexico’s compliance with a joint action plan targeting NWS. Sonora and Chihuahua were identified as lower-risk source states in Mexico due to stronger inspection infrastructure. The decision follows sustained pressure from Republicans and cattle industry groups to reopen the border amid elevated beef prices, a concern shared by the administration, which aims to lower prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had previously resisted reopening the southern border over screwworm concerns, while acknowledging the economic challenges it posed to various sectors of the industry in Texas. The Biden administration first closed the border to cattle imports in late 2024 following detection of NWS in southern Mexico. The Trump administration then temporarily reopened the border from January to May 2025, before closing it again as screwworms moved northward in Mexico. While many industry groups applaud the move, others, including the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA), remain wary that reopening risks reintroducing the parasite before containment is complete. USCA President Justin Tupper responded to the decision, saying, “Any effort to lower beef prices must not come at the expense of U.S. cattle herd health. We’ve been encouraged to rebuild the domestic herd; it is of utmost importance, and unnecessary exposure to animal health threats is a risk we do not need to take.”

Further Reading: 

IN OTHER NEWS

Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Biosecurity Governance and High-Risk Research

Rising Temps, Rising Risks: Infectious Disease in the 2026 El Niño Year

From the Pandemic Center: “Climate variability, including El Niño-driven shifts in temperature and rainfall, is reshaping infectious disease risks by altering the environments where pathogens and vectors thrive. This year is progressing towards a historically severe El Niño event — a naturally occurring climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

What impact will this compounding climate event have on disease prevalence, and which regions are most vulnerable? In this Pandemic Center webinar, we will convene an expert panel to discuss these questions and more.”

This webinar will take place on July 31 at 12:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

Data and Situational Awareness for Medical and Public Health Preparedness and Response: A Workshop Series

From the National Academies: “The Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies workshop series will explore how medical, public health, emergency management, and critical infrastructure data are collected, integrated, analyzed, and translated into real-time information to support timely, coordinated decision-making before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.”

This workshop series will take place on September 23. Learn more and register here.

Preparing for a Future of AI-Enabled Biology – A Workshop

From the National Academy of Medicine (NAM): “Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the life sciences, including how researchers study biology, develop vaccines and treatments, and detect disease outbreaks. While these advances could improve public health and preparedness, they also raise important questions about safety, security, and the possibility of misuse.”

This event will take place on August 11-12. Learn more and register here.

Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention

From the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA): “We will convene the Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Chaired by Ambassador Frederico S. Duque Estrada Meyer of Brazil, the meeting will bring together State Parties, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society representatives to continue discussions on strengthening the Convention and advancing efforts to address biological threats. Public sessions will be webcast through UN Web TV, and side events are expected throughout the week.

This event will take place from August 17-21 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn more and register by July 31st here.

Biosecurity Simulation Exercise (BSX 2026): Laboratory Incidents & Deliberate Biothreats

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “This table-top simulation exercise aims to enhance inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary preparedness for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity (LBB) and deliberate biothreat events (DBE). Through lectures, discussions, and structured, scenario-driven exercises, participants will explore decision-making to detect, risk-assess, and manage high-consequence biological incidents under conditions of incomplete information and unfolding events. Participants will collaborate in teams, building on expert perspectives to address issues in surveillance, diagnostics, public health response, security assessment, and risk communication.”

This in-person event will take place from August 27-28. Learn more and register here.

Training Course on ‘Biotechnology Innovation and Biosecurity’

From the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit: “This training focuses on strengthening capacities in biosecurity, biosafety, and biological risk management in the context of rapid advances in biotechnology with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to manage biothreats at the intersection of humans, animals, plants and the environment. It addresses the governance, technical, and operational dimensions of preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats, while promoting responsible and peaceful scientific research and innovation in accordance with article X of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).”

This in-person event will be held from October 12-16 in New Delhi, India. Learn more and apply here.

Biomanufacturing for Defense & Security Summit

From Diversified Solutions Incorporated (DSI Groups): “This event will bring together senior thought leaders and stakeholders from across DoW, Military Research Labs, Federal Government, Commercial Industry, & Academia to discuss how each are advancing biomanufacturing to enhance national security objectives, produce critical materials for defense applications, and strengthen the overall U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing base. Biomanufacturing is crucial for U.S. national security because it enables domestic production of critical materials, medicines, and defense supplies, reducing reliance on foreign adversaries, which in turn creates resilient supply chains for the military and economy.”

This event will take place from October 27-28 at the National Harbor, MD. Learn more and register here.

WHO Internship Programme

From WHO: “A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena. WHO’s Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience in various areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health.”

Learn more and apply here.

OpenAI Bio Bug Bounty Program

From OpenAI: “As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our safeguards for advanced AI capabilities in biology, we’re evolving our GPT‑5.5 Bio Bug Bounty to become an ongoing private program—the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program. The program will remain focused on universal jailbreaks that can defeat our predefined biosafety challenge against OpenAI’s frontier models, starting with GPT‑5.6 and going forward. The reward for a universal jailbreak for the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000 for both GPT‑5.6 and GPT‑5.5. Smaller awards may be granted for partial wins at our discretion.”

Learn more and submit your application here.

Disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD – Training Program

From Asser Institute and OPCW: “By 2026, pressure on the international arms control system has reached a point few experts anticipated would arrive so quickly, driven largely by intense geopolitical fragmentation. There is a critical need for professionals who possess the legal, technical, and diplomatic expertise to navigate these modern complexities. This intensive five-day training provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework.”

This program will take place from October 26-30 in The Hague, the Netherlands. Learn more and register here.

Pandora Report 7.24.2026

by Carmen Shaw, posted in Pandora Report

Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights a multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations, updates on the continued global spread of H5N1 avian influenza from Cambodia to New Zealand, and the DHS’s new AI-enabled biological threat detection challenge under the Genesis Mission.

Taco Bell Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Recalled Iceberg Lettuce

By Carmen Shaw, Pandora Report Managing Editor

The CDC, FDA, and public health officials are investigating a new multistate outbreak of the diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclospora, which has been linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in 9 states. As of July 24, at least 1,947 confirmed illnesses and 98 hospitalizations have been reported across Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with no deaths recorded. Epidemiological investigations have identified iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the likely source of the outbreak, prompting a voluntary recall of all affected lettuce products distributed to consumers, restaurants, and retailers in at least 27 states.

Illness onset dates range from June 22 to July 20, 2026. Despite the recall, public health officials expect to see the number of confirmed cases continue to rise because it can take up to 6 weeks for laboratory testing to determine whether an illness is associated with the outbreak. The FDA continues to advise the public to avoid all products listed in Taylor Farms’ voluntary recall.

The outbreak has also temporarily affected Taco Bell’s business performance, with consumer foot traffic declining nearly 30% following public notification of the investigation. However, industry analysts expect the financial impact to be short-lived, citing the company’s rapid removal of affected lettuce from its supply chain and proactive public communications. The CDC also continues to investigate other unrelated cyclosporiasis outbreaks occurring nationwide.

Further Reading:

Bird Flu Claims New Territory from Cambodia to New Zealand

By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor 

Cambodia has confirmed its fifth human H5N1 case of the year, involving a 9-month-old girl who is currently hospitalized and receiving intensive care. No source of infection has yet been identified, though her close contacts are being given Tamiflu as a precaution. Cambodia reported 19 human cases in 2025, eight of them fatal, with most recent infections involving a reassorted strain which blends an older clade circulating since 2014 with the globally spreading 2.3.4.4b clade. Meanwhile in the US, APHIS reported a second consecutive egg-farm outbreak in Utah, bringing the 30-day national poultry toll to 1.49 million. New cattle detections in Utah and Idaho added four cases each, pushing the year’s total to 81.

Just days after confirming bird flu in a migratory bird, New Zealand detected the first infection of H5N1 in a native bird late last week. The country’s chief veterinary officer Mary van Andel says the disease is likely to become endemic within months, mirroring outcomes elsewhere in the world. Further spillover into native wildlife is probable and experts warn the consequences could be severe. In response, the Department of Conservation has begun vaccinating 300 core breeding birds across five of the country’s most endangered species, including kākāpō and takahē. Officials stress there is no food safety risk, and chicken and eggs remain safe to eat.

These developments fit a broader global picture. The dominant strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, has now reached every continent following the recent detections in Australia and New Zealand, closing the last geographic gap in the outbreak. Since 2020, the virus has proven unusually adept at jumping into mammals, including foxes, seals, and, unexpectedly, U.S. dairy cattle. Fortunately, human infection remains uncommon, with over 880 sporadic cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1997 and no sustained human-to-human transmission documented. Still, scientists are watching newer, more severe genotypes and evidence of possible asymptomatic infection, which points to a virus that continues to evolve and could eventually pose a global pandemic risk.

Further Reading: 

DHS Launches AI-Driven Biological Threat Detection Challenge

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) announced a new set of national challenges – part of the “Genesis Mission” – aimed at bolstering the U.S.’ security and global leadership in critical and emerging technology. This includes an initiative to deploy AI-enabled platforms to rapidly detect, characterize, and attribute emerging biological threats to safeguard public health and the bioeconomy. By leveraging federal biological data resources, national laboratories, and cross-agency collaboration, this effort aims to shorten detection and response timelines, deter adversaries, and protect Americans from the misuse of biotechnology.

IN OTHER NEWS 

NEW: DC Biosecurity Happy Hour

Join the DC Biosecurity Happy Hour, an informal event for biosecurity enthusiasts in DC to get to know each other outside of Zoom calls and talk about new ideas in the space.

This event will take place on Tuesday, July 28, from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Rising Temps, Rising Risks: Infectious Disease in the 2026 El Niño Year

From the Pandemic Center: “Climate variability, including El Niño-driven shifts in temperature and rainfall, is reshaping infectious disease risks by altering the environments where pathogens and vectors thrive. This year is progressing towards a historically severe El Niño event — a naturally occurring climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

What impact will this compounding climate event have on disease prevalence, and which regions are most vulnerable? In this Pandemic Center webinar, we will convene an expert panel to discuss these questions and more.”

This webinar will take place on July 31 at 12:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

Data and Situational Awareness for Medical and Public Health Preparedness and Response: A Workshop Series

From the National Academies: “The Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies workshop series will explore how medical, public health, emergency management, and critical infrastructure data are collected, integrated, analyzed, and translated into real-time information to support timely, coordinated decision-making before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.”

This workshop series will take place on July 21, July 28, and September 23. Learn more and register here.

Tracking Health Security Progress and Building Resilience in Africa – A Webinar

From the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI): “The world is shifting from a period of urgent health actions to one of vast growing neglect, even as biological threats continue to rise. Against this backdrop, the 2026 Africa Health Security Index shows great progress has been made across the continent – but substantial gaps remain.

Join NTI, the Brown University Pandemic Center, Economist Enterprise, and the Science for Africa Foundation for a discussion of the findings and recommendations of the 2026 Africa Health Security (AHS) Index, an independent assessment of health security capacities in Africa.

This webinar will convene global experts and policymakers to discuss how the AHS Index can shape policy decision-making and drive meaningful action to strengthen health security capacities and improve preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics.”

This virtual event will take place on July 29 from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM ET (3:30-5:00 PM EAT). Learn more and register here.

Preparing for a Future of AI-Enabled Biology – A Workshop

From the National Academy of Medicine (NAM): “Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the life sciences, including how researchers study biology, develop vaccines and treatments, and detect disease outbreaks. While these advances could improve public health and preparedness, they also raise important questions about safety, security, and the possibility of misuse.”

This event will take place on August 11-12. Learn more and register here.

Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention

From the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA): “We will convene the Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Chaired by Ambassador Frederico S. Duque Estrada Meyer of Brazil, the meeting will bring together State Parties, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society representatives to continue discussions on strengthening the Convention and advancing efforts to address biological threats. Public sessions will be webcast through UN Web TV, and side events are expected throughout the week.

This event will take place from August 17-21 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn more and register by July 31st here.

Biosecurity Simulation Exercise (BSX 2026): Laboratory Incidents & Deliberate Biothreats

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “This table-top simulation exercise aims to enhance inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary preparedness for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity (LBB) and deliberate biothreat events (DBE). Through lectures, discussions, and structured, scenario-driven exercises, participants will explore decision-making to detect, risk-assess, and manage high-consequence biological incidents under conditions of incomplete information and unfolding events. Participants will collaborate in teams, building on expert perspectives to address issues in surveillance, diagnostics, public health response, security assessment, and risk communication.”

This in-person event will take place from August 27-28. Learn more and register here.

Training Course on ‘Biotechnology Innovation and Biosecurity’

From the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit: “This training focuses on strengthening capacities in biosecurity, biosafety, and biological risk management in the context of rapid advances in biotechnology with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to manage biothreats at the intersection of humans, animals, plants and the environment. It addresses the governance, technical, and operational dimensions of preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats, while promoting responsible and peaceful scientific research and innovation in accordance with article X of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).”

This in-person event will be held from October 12-16 in New Delhi, India. Learn more and apply here.

Biomanufacturing for Defense & Security Summit

From Diversified Solutions Incorporated (DSI Groups): “This event will bring together senior thought leaders and stakeholders from across DoW, Military Research Labs, Federal Government, Commercial Industry, & Academia to discuss how each are advancing biomanufacturing to enhance national security objectives, produce critical materials for defense applications, and strengthen the overall U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing base. Biomanufacturing is crucial for U.S. national security because it enables domestic production of critical materials, medicines, and defense supplies, reducing reliance on foreign adversaries, which in turn creates resilient supply chains for the military and economy.”

This event will take place from October 27-28 at the National Harbor, MD. Learn more and register here.

WHO Internship Programme

From WHO: “A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena. WHO’s Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience in various areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health.”

Learn more and apply here.

OpenAI Bio Bug Bounty Program

From OpenAI: “As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our safeguards for advanced AI capabilities in biology, we’re evolving our GPT‑5.5 Bio Bug Bounty to become an ongoing private program—the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program. The program will remain focused on universal jailbreaks that can defeat our predefined biosafety challenge against OpenAI’s frontier models, starting with GPT‑5.6 and going forward. The reward for a universal jailbreak for the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000 for both GPT‑5.6 and GPT‑5.5. Smaller awards may be granted for partial wins at our discretion.”

Learn more and submit your application here.

Disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD – Training Program

From Asser Institute and OPCW: “By 2026, pressure on the international arms control system has reached a point few experts anticipated would arrive so quickly, driven largely by intense geopolitical fragmentation. There is a critical need for professionals who possess the legal, technical, and diplomatic expertise to navigate these modern complexities. This intensive five-day training provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework.”

This program will take place from October 26-30 in The Hague, the Netherlands. Learn more and register here.

Pandora Report 7.17.2026

by Carmen Shaw, posted in Pandora Report

Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights a new proposal to modernize U.S. biosecurity governance, the continued global spread of H5N1 avian influenza and New World screwworm, the escalating Ebola outbreak in the DRC, and upcoming events and opportunities focused on biosecurity, One Health, pandemic preparedness, and emerging biotechnology.

FAS Proposes Overhaul of U.S. Biosecurity Governance Towards Adaptive Frameworks

A new briefing paper from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), authored by Sam Weiss Evans, argues that the United States’ fragmented biosecurity governance system is ill-equipped to address emerging risks posed by biotechnology and calls for a fundamental shift from reactive, piecemeal oversight to a centralized, adaptive governance model. The paper contends that existing authorities are dispersed across multiple agencies, creating regulatory gaps as advances in areas such as AI-enabled biology, gene synthesis, and cloud laboratories outpace current policies. To modernize biosecurity, the author outlines seven design requirements for a new institutional framework, including proactive and multi-sectoral risk identification, oversight spanning the full innovation lifecycle, the ability to develop and test new governing tools, and continuous adaptation as technologies evolve.

Bird Flu and New World Screwworm: A Week in Review

By Margeaux Malone, Pandora Report Associate Editor 

H5N1 avian influenza has once again expanded into new territory. New Zealand confirmed its first case this week after a migratory seabird found near Wellington tested positive. Fortunately, officials have found no evidence of poultry infections, mass wildlife mortality, or transmission between wild birds within the country. Nevertheless, health officials have started a vaccination program for 300 core breeding birds from five endangered species, including the flightless takahe and kakapo. The vaccine was trialed last year with no adverse side effects, but it is uncertain how effective it was given that those birds had not been exposed to the virus. “We are ​incredibly worried about New Zealand’s biodiversity because our birds have never ​had to deal with anything like this before,” said Brett Gartrell, professor of wildlife health at Massey University.

Meanwhile, multiple human H5N1 bird flu cases were reported in Asia. Cambodia reported its 5th human H5N1 case of 2026, a 9-month-old girl from Phnom Penh confirmed positive on July 9. No source of exposure has been identified yet. This brings Cambodia’s total to 39 cases since a 2023 reemergence of the older 2.3.2.1e clade. Bangladesh confirmed its 3rd H5N1 case of the year in a child from Sylhet Division.

As New World screwworm continues to spread, officials warn that feral hogs could carry the parasite into Oklahoma. So far, Texas has not reported any screwworm cases in wildlife, though this may be due to the challenge of monitoring non-domestic animals. Feral swine pose a unique risk because they roam widely, are difficult to track, and often develop injuries from fighting that would attract infestations. Screwworm control in these animals would be extremely difficult as infested animals could not be medicated. Though the wild populations are a problem, state veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall said the most immediate threat is currently illegal interstate transport of hogs, a felony in Oklahoma. Officials are coordinating with hunters, wildlife rehabilitators, and commercial hunting operations to expand surveillance. Ranchers and the public are urged to report animals with unusual wounds or maggots immediately.

Further Reading: 

IN OTHER NEWS 

Foodborne Disease & Public Health

Ebola Outbreak Response

Global Health Policy and Governance

Emerging Biotechnology, AI, and Synthetic Biology

NEW: Strategic Preparedness Exchange and Archive Repository (SPEAR) and Practical Preparedness Solutions – A Webinar

From Shield Initiative: “The SHIELD Initiative invites you to a dynamic webinar introducing SPEAR, the Strategic Preparedness Exchange and Archive Repository. This new, user-friendly platform is designed to make preparedness and response resources accessible to frontline preparedness practitioners across public health, health care, and emergency management.”

This virtual event will take place on July 21 from 3:00–4:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Bagels & Biotech: Synthetic Cells

Join the National Academy of Medicine and science, technology, and policy professionals from the Washington, DC region for breakfast and conversations as we explore how breakthroughs in synthetic cell systems could transform biomedical and health applications, including therapeutics, diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and distributed biomanufacturing.

This event will take place on July 22 from 8:30-10:30 AM ET at The Keck Center in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.  

NEW: The Global One Health Movement: Why Social Scientists are Critical to Making One Health Thinking, Acting, and Decision-Making the Default for Humankind – a Webinar

From the One Health Commission: “As global health challenges become increasingly interconnected, the integration of social sciences into the One Health approach is more important than ever. In this inspiring session, Dr. Stroud will discuss how social scientists contribute to making One Health thinking, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making the global standard. The webinar will also explore innovative approaches to addressing food safety, food security, public health, animal health, environmental sustainability, and other complex challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.”

This virtual event will take place on July 22 at 11:00 AM ET (5:00 PM CET). Learn more and register here.

The 100 Days Mission and the Future of Vaccine Readiness – Webinar

From the Pandemic Center Biosecurity Game Changers Fellows: “Convened and moderated by and intended for early-to-mid-career professionals, the Game Changers Seminar Series shines a spotlight on major challenges that will confront the next generation of biosecurity leaders and explores impactful next steps that can be taken to lean forward faster to prevent biological crises.

This seminar will explore the future of vaccine readiness through the lens of the 100 Days Mission. The discussion will examine the scientific, policy, financing, and implementation requirements to achieving this goal, drawing on lessons from the recent Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks to inform future pandemic preparedness.”

This webinar will take place on July 17 at 11:00 AM ET. Learn more and register here.

Data and Situational Awareness for Medical and Public Health Preparedness and Response: A Workshop Series

From the National Academies: “The Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies workshop series will explore how medical, public health, emergency management, and critical infrastructure data are collected, integrated, analyzed, and translated into real-time information to support timely, coordinated decision-making before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.”

This workshop series will take place on July 21, July 28, and September 23. Learn more and register here.

Tracking Health Security Progress and Building Resilience in Africa – A Webinar

From the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI): “The world is shifting from a period of urgent health actions to one of vast growing neglect, even as biological threats continue to rise. Against this backdrop, the 2026 Africa Health Security Index shows great progress has been made across the continent – but substantial gaps remain.

Join NTI, the Brown University Pandemic Center, Economist Enterprise, and the Science for Africa Foundation for a discussion of the findings and recommendations of the 2026 Africa Health Security (AHS) Index, an independent assessment of health security capacities in Africa.

This webinar will convene global experts and policymakers to discuss how the AHS Index can shape policy decision-making and drive meaningful action to strengthen health security capacities and improve preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics.”

This virtual event will take place on July 29 from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM ET (3:30-5:00 PM EAT). Learn more and register here.

Preparing for a Future of AI-Enabled Biology – A Workshop

From the National Academy of Medicine (NAM): “Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the life sciences, including how researchers study biology, develop vaccines and treatments, and detect disease outbreaks. While these advances could improve public health and preparedness, they also raise important questions about safety, security, and the possibility of misuse.”

This event will take place on August 11-12. Learn more and register here.

Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention

From the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA): “We will convene the Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Chaired by Ambassador Frederico S. Duque Estrada Meyer of Brazil, the meeting will bring together State Parties, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society representatives to continue discussions on strengthening the Convention and advancing efforts to address biological threats. Public sessions will be webcast through UN Web TV, and side events are expected throughout the week.

This event will take place from August 17-21 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Learn more and register by July 31st here.

Biosecurity Simulation Exercise (BSX 2026): Laboratory Incidents & Deliberate Biothreats

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “This table-top simulation exercise aims to enhance inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary preparedness for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity (LBB) and deliberate biothreat events (DBE). Through lectures, discussions, and structured, scenario-driven exercises, participants will explore decision-making to detect, risk-assess, and manage high-consequence biological incidents under conditions of incomplete information and unfolding events. Participants will collaborate in teams, building on expert perspectives to address issues in surveillance, diagnostics, public health response, security assessment, and risk communication.”

This in-person event will take place from August 27-28. Learn more and register here.

Training Course on ‘Biotechnology Innovation and Biosecurity’

From the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit: “This training focuses on strengthening capacities in biosecurity, biosafety, and biological risk management in the context of rapid advances in biotechnology with an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to manage biothreats at the intersection of humans, animals, plants and the environment. It addresses the governance, technical, and operational dimensions of preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats, while promoting responsible and peaceful scientific research and innovation in accordance with article X of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).”

This in-person event will be held from October 12-16 in New Delhi, India. Learn more and apply here.

Biomanufacturing for Defense & Security Summit

From Diversified Solutions Incorporated (DSI Groups): “This event will bring together senior thought leaders and stakeholders from across DoW, Military Research Labs, Federal Government, Commercial Industry, & Academia to discuss how each are advancing biomanufacturing to enhance national security objectives, produce critical materials for defense applications, and strengthen the overall U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing base. Biomanufacturing is crucial for U.S. national security because it enables domestic production of critical materials, medicines, and defense supplies, reducing reliance on foreign adversaries, which in turn creates resilient supply chains for the military and economy.”

This event will take place from October 27-28 at the National Harbor, MD. Learn more and register here.

NEW: WHO Internship Programme

From WHO: “A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena. WHO’s Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience in various areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health.”

Learn more and apply here.

NEW: OpenAI Bio Bug Bounty Program

From OpenAI: “As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our safeguards for advanced AI capabilities in biology, we’re evolving our GPT‑5.5 Bio Bug Bounty to become an ongoing private program—the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program. The program will remain focused on universal jailbreaks that can defeat our predefined biosafety challenge against OpenAI’s frontier models, starting with GPT‑5.6 and going forward. The reward for a universal jailbreak for the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000 for both GPT‑5.6 and GPT‑5.5. Smaller awards may be granted for partial wins at our discretion.”

Learn more and submit your application here.

NEW: Disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD – Training Program

From Asser Institute and OPCW: “By 2026, pressure on the international arms control system has reached a point few experts anticipated would arrive so quickly, driven largely by intense geopolitical fragmentation. There is a critical need for professionals who possess the legal, technical, and diplomatic expertise to navigate these modern complexities. This intensive five-day training provides a comprehensive, practical overview of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework.”

This program will take place from October 26-30 in The Hague, the Netherlands. Learn more and register here.

Senior Fellow and Director, The Technology and Global Security Program – Job Opening

From The Henry L. Stimson Center: “The Henry L. Stimson Center, an award-winning foreign policy think tank, seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as Senior Fellow and Director of its newly established Technology and Global Security Program. The Program will work on the security implications of a broad range of emerging and converging technologies, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, additive manufacturing, uncrewed systems, distributed ledger technologies, nuclear technologies, and other innovations reshaping the international security landscape.”

Learn more and submit your application here.