Even so, it is unlikely that these Rules are the best that can be devised, so it is hoped that feedback to the ICTV from the virological community will result in further refinements.
Comments are always welcome.
General Rules Virus classification and nomenclature shall be international and shall be universally applied to all viruses. The universal virus classification system shall employ the hierarchical levels of order, family, subfamily, genus, and species. To the extent that species designations are not yet complete, international vernacular names are used for many viruses. The ICTV is not concerned with classification and nomenclature below the species level. Delineation of serotypes, genotypes, strains, variants, isolates, etc., is the responsibility of acknowledged international specialist groups.