Subject: Re: 2 more Chinese bioterror arrests
But that doesn't make this "bioterror," or convert the roundworms into a "bioweapon."

That's certainly one opinion. However, given Bill's post about Michigan's stature in the bio community and the fact that all 3 men were doing research there, it's highly likely that all three were well aware of lab protocols regarding such things. And given that they received "several" shipments according to the statement there's a pattern there.

But sure, you can take the stance this is just a harmless mixup if you like.

But like with any illegal smuggling of animals or plants, it's probably not a "bioterror" situation. If China wanted to illicitly introduce roundworm as a pest insect to damage U.S. agriculture, there's far better (and easier) ways to do it than having very small numbers imported using ordinary import channels by scientific researchers. Just have actual criminal smugglers sneak them over the border and release them. The far more plausible explanation is the simplest one - these people wanted to do biological research and didn't feel like following the law, and thought they could just get away with doing what they wanted.

Or maybe they'd set up labs where they had mice with infectious diseases and what not. Lots of ways. But using Chinese nationals working in US labs in concert with other Chinese nationals who also work with US labs? Nah.