Scanning the Horizon for Environmental Applications of Genetically Modified Viruses Reveals Challenges for Their Environmental Risk Assessment

Abstract

The release of novel genetically modified (GM) virus applications into the environment for agricultural, veterinary, and nature-conservation purposes poses a number of significant challenges for risk assessors and regulatory authorities. Continuous efforts to scan the horizon for emerging applications are needed to gain an overview of new GM virus applications. In addition, appropriate approaches for risk assessment and management have to be developed. These approaches need to address pertinent challenges, in particular with regard to the environmental release of GM virus applications with a high probability for transmission and spreading, including transboundary movements and a high potential to result in adverse environmental effects. However, the current preparedness at the EU and international level to assess such GM virus application is limited. This study addresses some of the challenges associated with the current situation, firstly, by conducting a horizon scan to identify emerging GM virus applications with relevance for the environment. Secondly, outstanding issues regarding the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM virus applications are identified based on an evaluation of case study examples. Specifically, the limited scientific information available for the ERA of some applications and the lack of detailed and appropriate guidance for ERA are discussed. Furthermore, considerations are provided for future work that is needed to establish adequate risk assessment and management approaches.

Keywords: agriculture; bacteriophage; environmental risk assessment; genetically modified; horizon scan; nature conservation; veterinary vaccines; virus.

Figure 1

Workflow for the literature survey conducted during this study (publ.: publications).

Figure 2

Overview on the four major areas of viral applications identified in the literature survey. Publications on viral tools (vectors) are indicated in blue color (dark blue: GM applications, light blue: non-GM applications); publications dealing with vaccine agents are indicated in red color (dark red: GM applications, light red: non-GM applications); publications on viruses against plant pathogens in green color (dark green: GM applications, light green: non-GM applications); and publications on viruses as biocontrol agents are indicated in brown color (dark brown: GM applications, light brown: non-GM applications).