Russia: Scientists warn melting permafrost could release deadly ancient viruses and bacteria

The Russian government has issued a warning over permafrost found in Russia's arctic regions over fears that melting it could result in deadly viruses and bacteria being released.

Nikolay Korchunov, a Russian diplomat who chairs the Arctic Council, fears microbes that have been trapped in frost for tens of thousands of years could be "waking up" as a result of the global warming impact.

Korchunov has announced a 'biosafety' project has been established in order to study the possible effects of reemerging diseases that have potentially not been active since at least the last ice age.

Speaking to TV channel Zvezda on Monday, he said: "There is a risk of old viruses and bacteria waking up.

"Because of this, Russia has initiated a 'biosafety' project within the Arctic Council", he added.

The project will be tasked with exploring the "risks and hazards" related to "permafrost degradation".

Permafrost is said to make up 65% of Russia's territory, this means that the ground is permanently frozen, even during summer months.

As temperatures rise due to global warming, officials have began assessing the possible risk of melting permafrost releasing bacteria that has been frozen for thousands of years.

Frozen animals have been discovered as permafrost has begun to melt across Russia's vast territory, with a 40,000 year old wolf head being unearthed in recent years. The head was so well preserved that it still had fur.

Jean Michel Claverie, a virologist at Aix-Marseille University, Said last year that there is "extremely good" evidence that "you can revive bacteria from deep permafrost".

Professor Claverie even discovered one such virus himself - pithovirus - which, when defrosted from permafrost began attacking and killing amoebas.

Scientists have also warned that permafrost melting could also release carbon dioxide and methane, bringing further potentially hazardous results to the planet.