§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has concerning the damage to sheeps' livers by pasteurellosis vaccines; if he is conducting any relevant research; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanMany millions of sheep are vaccinated annually against pasteurella and clostridia infections. During 1989, veterinary medicines department staff investigated over 80 reports of sheep reacting adversely following vaccination. A number of affected sheep showed liver damage, but in the majority of cases this was commensurate with concurrent disease such as fluke infestation or pregnancy toxaemia. The Veterinary Products Committee examined the results of these investigations and did not consider that the evidence available supported a link between vaccine use and liver damage. However, the committee advised that highly stressed animals should not be vaccinated, and vaccine labels have been altered to clarify this.