Bernard H. Berne, M.D., Ph.D. 
903 North Pollard Street, #6 
Ar linqton , Virginia 22203 
October 16, 1984 
Director 
Office of Recombinant DNA Activities 
Building 31, Room 3B10 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Sir: 
It is with deep regret that I note your proposed amendments 
that were published in the Federal Register of September 20, 
p. 37016, regarding the transfer of genetic traits from one 
species to another. I understand that these amendments were 
sponsored by Jeremy Rifkin of the Foundation on Economic Trends. 
Mr. Rifkin and his organization are a scourge on science. He 
and it should be completely ignored. 
Your proposed amendments are highly unethical. They carry an 
unacceptable risk/benefit ratio. They only benefit mammals, 
and risk human life and health. I really don't care about 
genetic risks to such species as rats (the cause of many human 
diseases), mice, and shrews (among the most viscious of animals). 
Transfer of genes between animal species (cows and sheep, etc), 
mhst be encouraged to the greatest extent possible, including 
adeguate funding. Much of the world is undeveloped. People are 
starving to death out there by the millions. The transfer of 
genetic traits between species offers the opportunity of establishing 
a hybrid vigor that is as yet unprecedented. Animals far superior 
to^those in existence can be produced. Food production in the U.S. 
and in the Third World can be greatly enhanced. 
Of course, some abnormal animals may be produced. Some may even 
undergo some pain. But then, consider that a dachsund is far from 
the prototype dog. It may not lead a very comfortable existence. 
Yet animal lovers propagate these poor creatures without a thought 
to the ethics involved, and with no benefit whatever to humanity. 
Clearly, there is no rational reason nor precedent for prohibiting 
genetic experiments between species. Species are not created by 
God. Species barriers can and should be broken for the benefit 
of both man and animal. 
A Pekinese dog is very small. A r reat Dane is very large. It is 
impossible to interbreed these two. If the intermediate dog forms 
were to become extinct, the two would become unrelated species. They 
cannot mate. Yet, you would allow genetic transfers between them. 
Your regulations are indeed arbitrary and capricious. Stop regulating 
this kind of thing. It is a classic example of government interference 
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