Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2023 to Question 191637 on Livestock: Vaccination, what the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's expected timescale is for when the manufacturing issues impacting the supplies of (a) Heptavac P Plus and (b) Bravoxin 10 vaccines will be resolved.

The production of veterinary medicines is complex and highly regulated. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) liaises closely with pharmaceutical companies and distributors of medicines to detect potential problems to support the continued availability of veterinary medicines where possible,

We understand that there is large global demand for Heptavac P Plus and Bravoxin 10 vaccines at present, compounded by manufacturing issues resulting in intermittent supply. The VMD has been working with the company concerned to support the release of further batches of vaccine to the UK market. We encourage farmers to discuss their vaccine regime with their veterinary surgeon should they have any concern. Veterinary surgeons may also speak with the Marketing Authorisation Holder MSD Animal Health for latest advice on product availability.