§ Mr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will make a statement about the current incidence of gumboro disease in poultry in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanLatest estimates suggest that the virulent strain of gumboro disease that first manifested itself in October 1988 is killing 15 per cent. or more of the birds in affected flocks. Total losses to the broiler sector from the disease since May this year are in excess of 5 million birds. It is believed that more than 500,000 replacement pullets have also been lost.
§ Mr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to prevent the spread of the viral disease gumboro in poultry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanMy Department is liaising fully with the industry on this urgent problem. Two companies have now been authorised by the veterinary medicines directorate to conduct trials on new live vaccines. The granting of product licences for these vaccines will depend on receiving satisfactory data, including results from trials, in accordance with the Medicines Act. Every priority will be given to these applications.