Thank you for your mail concerning a possible release of RCD in New Zealand. As a virologist having worked with RNA viruses for many years, I feel a deep concern about the evolutionary potential of RCD in the field. The origin of this, as well as of other viruses, is uncertain. Host specificity is not a fixed trait in viruses. Viruses such as RCD mutate continuously and may also undergo recombination with genetic material of cellular and viral RNAs. This may result in changes of host specificity in ways that at present are unpredictable. Vaccines may no longer protect when a change in virulence or host specificity of RCD has occured. Most RNA viruses are highly variable and they must not be released in the environment under any circumstances. It is playing with fire. I was astonished at the news that in Australia such a release was contemplated. As far as I know, in Spain RNA viruses have never been released as a control strategy. I would oppose it if such a release were proposed. Under Medline or other information banks, you can find many publications by myself and many others on the great evolutionary potential of RNA viruses. There is no solid scientific evidence that RCD should behave in a different way. In such articles you will find names of additional scientists whom you may consult for additional opinions. In my view, the release of RCD would be extremely dangerous, and its possible consequences totally unpredictable.

Yours Sincerely, Esteban Domingo