Texas A&M Statements

June 26, 2007 ­– The following is a statement issued by Interim Vice President and Provost Jerry R. Strawser:  “We can report that following an annual survey conducted as part of an occupational health plan, serological samples from three individuals reflected elevated titers when compared to the previous titers on file for these individuals.  In connection with the ongoing investigation by CDC, the university adopted a procedure in April 2007 that redefines occupational exposure to include the presence of an elevated titer.  We dutifully reported these elevated titers to the CDC following the adoption of this procedure.  We are awaiting a CDC response and will have no further comment until that time.  As we have said before, in response to this unfortunate incident, we have greatly strengthened our safety, training and reporting procedures.”

July 1, 2007 ­– The following is a statement from Texas A&M University Interim President Eddie J. Davis regarding another site visit by CDC officials concerning the university’s work with select agents and toxins. “We have just received a memorandum from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notifying us of the suspension of our work with select agents and toxins pending the outcome of another site visit by CDC representatives, scheduled between July 9 and 23. Suffice it to say that we take this matter very seriously and are committed to taking all appropriate steps to ensure that we are in full compliance with all CDC and any other relevant policies and regulations.  In fact, we have already strengthened our safety, training and reporting procedures. We plan to cooperate fully with the CDC and look forward to resolving this matter in an appropriate manner as quickly as possible so that we can move forward in our work supporting the nation’s homeland defense initiatives.”
 
July 2, 2007 – Dr. Davis distributes electronic message to students, faculty and staff re CDC notification. Texas A&M Interim President Eddie J. Davis participates in a conference call with interested media representatives at 3 p.m. to discuss issues regarding a review by the CDC. 

July 27, 2007 - The following is a statement from Texas A&M University Interim President Eddie J. Davis:  "As many of you know from my earlier communication, representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Select Agents and Toxins and the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services visited campus and laboratories this week because of recent matters surrounding our research programs using select agents.

"We should receive a formal report as a result of this visit within the next three weeks or so, and any communications regarding the results of the visit and next steps will be shared at that time. In the meantime, be assured that we fully intend to take all steps necessary to prepare to resume our full scope of research activity in this important area. However, our research will not resume until we are confident that we can ensure complete safety and full compliance of our program, and until we receive reauthorization from the CDC."

Sept. 6, 2007 – Press conference

Oct. 4, 2007 – Interim President Ed Davis testifies before the “The Silent Proliferation of Bio-Laboratories in the United States” House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Click the link below for the testimony. http://energycommerce.house.gov/cmte_mtgs/110-oi-hrg.100407.Davis-Testimony.pdf