Vaccinating wildlife with genetically-modified viruses could one day help stop diseases like Ebola and MERS jumping from animals to humans, researchers say.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.abc.net.au
In principle, a great idea – BUT, as was pointed out, using live viruses in an effectively uncontrolled manner COULD result in all sort of unforeseen outcomes.
Like making a killer virus that drastically reduces numbers of a given species, like myxomatosis and RHDV did to rabbits [OK, they were supposed to].
Like making a virus that spreads to NON-target animals, and does…what? Start a zombie plague? Mutate to virulence, and cause havoc?
The point is, WE DON’T KNOW what may happen – and in circumstances like that, it may be safer to leave well alone!
See on Scoop.it – Virology News
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