Voluntary euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke says he fears for his safety after a GP sent him an email urging him to shoot himself.

Dr Nitschke said he believes Dr Pat Gibney, of Townsville, is a significant danger to the public and unfit to practise medicine after he sent the missive at 12.46am on Monday.

‘‘Dear Phillip,’’ the email reads, ‘‘Please do the world a favour - Take a loaded 12 Ga [gauge shotgun] and put it in your mouth, then shoe [sic] us the courage of your convictions - PULL THE TRIGGER!’’

The email is signed ‘‘Kind Regards, Dr. Pat Gibney, Aitkenvale, Q.’’

Dr Nitschke said he has complained to police and the Queensland Medical Board because he was ‘‘disturbed and concerned’’ about the content of the email. He believes he has had no prior contact with Dr Gibney.