In view of the conflicting scientific views relating to rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease (RHD) [or rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) as it is called in Australia and New Zealand] and the general lack of sound data relating to the virus (it has not been successfully grown in cell culture), the so-called "scientific testing" program conducted by the Australians for the purpose of detecting cross species transmission (D.Drollette,News & Comment 10 Jan, p 154) is highly suspect. Fortunately, the New Zealand Department of Agriculture has instituted a further discussion period and is requiring interested parties to put forward their views. It is important that discussions are based on sound science, with the least possible bias. It is hoped that wise counsel in New Zealand will decide not to introduce the disease, but to watch the Australian experience with interest over the next 10 years. At the end of that time, perhaps claims can be made with some degree of certainty, on the basis of scientific fact.


Trevor H. Duston
Director,
Rabbit Harvesting New Zealand
Post Office Box 36-101,
Christchurch, New Zealand

End

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Letter from Professor Yvonne Van Roy (also published on page 20 of Science. 4.4.97)

Drollette states that most "most scientists do not see any drawbacks to the use of RHD." This ignores the concerns expressed by international experts and the strong opposition expressed by many New Zealand scientists, including the New Zealand Association of Scientists. In his submission to the decision making process, the president of the later association, C.H. Sissons states "The reason for the Association's concern is that we believe that the application to import RCD virus preparations and use them as a biocontrol agent promotes premature action...where scientific knowledge for necessary safety and effectiveness is lacking and the controversial and compromising process of evaluating it threatens the credibility of all scientific input into crucial issues."

He warns