§ Baroness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether safe and effective vaccines against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease will be made available for breeders of show, domestic and commercial rabbits.
Earl HoweA myxomatosis vaccine was licensed on 28th March 1993. Its marketing is a commercial matter for the company concerned, but I understand that supplies are expected to be available next month.
A licence application for a rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease vaccine was submitted and subsequently withdrawn during 1992. Although officials in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate are actively pursuing discussions with that applicant and with other companies, no further application has been received.