Rabbit calici virus adapts? (Alwyn Smith)

[Ross & Kathy Bloore]

bsandle at southern.co.nz (Brian Sandle) wrote:
>I have recently heard Alwyn Smith of Oregon State University speaking
>about rabbit calici virus. He says that the people who say it will not
>adapt to other species are hoping that it will differ from other calici
>viruses in that respect. The other calici viruses do adapt.
>
>It is being debated whether to release it in New Zealand.
>
>Any ideas?
>
>Brian Sandle. Shell to snail? bsandle at southern.co.nz
>
The CSIRO (the Govt science organisation) in Australia reckons that Smith 
isn't up with the latest on the virus, and that the rabbit version is 
nothing like the ones Smith was referring to, and doesn't mutate or 
transfer to other species as other versions of the virus can.  They claim 
there is therefore little danger.

Generally the CSIRO seems to be pretty reliable on these things, and not 
known for downplaying dangers for political purposes, so their statements 
can probably be taken at face value.  On the other hand, they were the 
ones who let the virus escape from quarantine in the first place.....

Ross Bloore.