Rabies (Hansard, 21 May 1992)

§ Mr. David Shaw
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a vaccine now exists which can guarantee complete immunity against rabies.

§ Mr. Soames
Modern vaccines are effective. However, no vaccine can guarantee complete immunity in all animals.

§ Mr. David Shaw
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the European Commission to publish its proposals on the harmonisation of rabies prevention measures in the EC.

§ Mr. Soames
We expect a proposal shortly.

§ Mr. David Shaw
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy towards the rabies orders currently in force in the United Kingdom; and what assessment he has made of how effective they have been in preventing the outbreak of rabies over the last 20 years.

§ Mr. Soames
Our present rabies orders have been 'very effective in preventing any outbreak of rabies outside quarantine and provide us with the means to control an outbreak should one occur. They reflect the Government's determination to maintain this country's freedom from rabies.