FTA cards can be used for preservation of RNA viruses.  Numerous recent publications out of Australia demonstrate their utility in the detection of arboviruses (West Nile, Ross River, etc.)  See as an example:

Exploiting mosquito sugar feeding to detect mosquito-borne pathogens by Hall-Mendelin et al. PNAS vol. 107 no. 25

Definitely, (FTA® cards) for the preservation of RNA samples proves to be a practical approach for the collection and identification of RNA viruses both in the field and in the laboratory.

Thank you all for your answers. With specific reference to RNA from Lyssaviruses, could anyone suggest references on the use of FTA cards?

Use of filter paper (FTA) technology for sampling, recovery and molecular characterisation of rabies viruses. J Virol Methods. 2007; 140(1-2):174-82

http://rabiessurveillanceblueprint.org/IMG/pdf/picard-meyer-2007-use_of_filter_paper_fta_te.pdf

Sure, FTA mini cards can be used for collection, transportation and preservation microbial samples over time and the nucleic acid be extracted at the time of use.

I am currently concluding a study where FTA minicards were used to collect samples, stored and is being processed after 1 year. And, this technique so far has proven to be highly sensitive and specific as well. 

Hi there,

You can find a full, up to date, protocol on the use of FTA cards in the 1st edition of the book entitled: Current Laboratory Techniques in Rabies Diagnosis, Research and Prevention.

http://store.elsevier.com/Current-Laboratory-Techniques-in-Rabies-Diagnosis-Research-and-Prevention-Volume-1/isbn-9780128000144/

Hope that helps. 

Many thanks, Haytham, Jacinta and Andre.