HL Deb 25 April 2001 vol 625 cc47-8WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider the stocks of vaccine against foot and mouth disease stored in the United Kingdom have been and remain adequate. [HL1577]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

The International Foot and Mouth Vaccine Bank at Pirbright holds stocks of an emergency vaccine which would protect against the O-type virus which is causing the present outbreak in the UK: 500,000 doses are ready to use in case they are needed. The acquisition of stocks of additional vaccine strains is considered annually, based on the perceived threat to International Vaccine Bank member countries.

The European Vaccine Bank holds 5 million doses of a suitable vaccine. Effective vaccines are also available commercially.

There is sufficient vaccine to carry out a limited programme of cattle vaccination in the UK. Discussions are taking place with manufacturers to ensure that additional supplies are in reserve.