Post by sarahconnor on Jun 13, 2010 6:38:59 GMT -5
Below, copy of our last correspondence with the Australian Government, Department of Health & Aging concerning Morgellons;
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING
GPO BOX 9848
CANBERRA. ACT 2601
Thank you for your correspondence of 28th January 2010 to the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, concerning "Morgellons" disease. The Minister has asked me to reply on her behalf.
"Morgellons" disease, also known as "unexplained dermopathy" is a controversial medical condition, described as a multiple-symptom syndrome, characterised by skin lesions; a sensation that insects are crawling on or under the skin; fibres and granules coming out of the skin; and fatigue. Persons who believe they may suffer from this condition should contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and medical care.
The National Health and Medical Research council NHMRC is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research. The NHMRC invests in research primarily through investigator-initiated projects. That is researchers propose proiects in their area of interest and specialty. The NHMRC does not usually seek to investigate particular issues. Competitive funding opportunities are advertised each year and research proposals in relation to "Morgellons" disease would be eligible for consideration in line with normal peer review processes.
I have confirmed with the NHMRC that there is no research currently being conduced on "Morgellons" disease in Australia and there are no applications presently lodged with NHMRC for research funding.
Regarding your concerns about genetic engineering and animal and plant health, the Australian Government Office of Gene Technology Regulator provides administrative support in the performance of its functions under the Gene Technology Act 2000. This Act covers the regulation of genetically modified organisms in Australia, in order to protect the health and safety of Australians by identifying risks posed by gene technology.
As well a recent independent review of Australia's Quarantine and Biosecurity arrangements (The Beale Review) recognized that Australia's biosecurity regime seeks, through careful management, to minimize the risk of the entry, establishment or spread of
exotic pests and diseases that have the potential to cause significant harm to people. animals and plants.
The review panel concluded that Australia operate a good biosecurity system, which is often the envy of other countries given its comprehensiveness, transparency and scientific
rigour.
Thank you for bringing these important matters to my attention. I trust that this information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely
Assistant Secretary
Surveillance Branch
Office of Health Protection.
22nd February 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING
GPO BOX 9848
CANBERRA. ACT 2601
Thank you for your correspondence of 28th January 2010 to the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, concerning "Morgellons" disease. The Minister has asked me to reply on her behalf.
"Morgellons" disease, also known as "unexplained dermopathy" is a controversial medical condition, described as a multiple-symptom syndrome, characterised by skin lesions; a sensation that insects are crawling on or under the skin; fibres and granules coming out of the skin; and fatigue. Persons who believe they may suffer from this condition should contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and medical care.
The National Health and Medical Research council NHMRC is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research. The NHMRC invests in research primarily through investigator-initiated projects. That is researchers propose proiects in their area of interest and specialty. The NHMRC does not usually seek to investigate particular issues. Competitive funding opportunities are advertised each year and research proposals in relation to "Morgellons" disease would be eligible for consideration in line with normal peer review processes.
I have confirmed with the NHMRC that there is no research currently being conduced on "Morgellons" disease in Australia and there are no applications presently lodged with NHMRC for research funding.
Regarding your concerns about genetic engineering and animal and plant health, the Australian Government Office of Gene Technology Regulator provides administrative support in the performance of its functions under the Gene Technology Act 2000. This Act covers the regulation of genetically modified organisms in Australia, in order to protect the health and safety of Australians by identifying risks posed by gene technology.
As well a recent independent review of Australia's Quarantine and Biosecurity arrangements (The Beale Review) recognized that Australia's biosecurity regime seeks, through careful management, to minimize the risk of the entry, establishment or spread of
exotic pests and diseases that have the potential to cause significant harm to people. animals and plants.
The review panel concluded that Australia operate a good biosecurity system, which is often the envy of other countries given its comprehensiveness, transparency and scientific
rigour.
Thank you for bringing these important matters to my attention. I trust that this information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely
Assistant Secretary
Surveillance Branch
Office of Health Protection.
22nd February 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------