In "The last word", page 84, Nature Australia (Winter 2000 edition), Dr Alvin Smith writes about the history of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease and the deliberate spread of the disease in Australia.

"A deadly caliciviral disease spreading unchecked among us demands answers but there are few," said Dr Smith, Head of the Laboratory of Calicivirus Studies at Oregon State University,USA.

"A single infected rabbit liver can contain up to one billion viruses, each genetically different."

"It is one of the most mutagenic life forms on planet Earth where no two viruses are expected to be exact duplicates."

Dr Smith also warned that further deliberate spread of RHD in Australia might have serious consequenses.

"..Australians should do nothing to encourage the spread of RHD. The lower the viral load in any ecosystem, the less chance there is of the virus adapting to a new host species. Especially do not spread RHD baits where whole new species groupings will become exposed."

Dr Smith ended his article with a thoughtful comment. "Finally, be suspicious when a profusion of eloquence is used by any official to describe the success of their own personal and bureaucratically mandated programs. In science, such evaluations are left to unbiased peers."