Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has said that his department has been working to address the Heptavac P Plus vaccine shortage, and that it has implemented a system to issue a special import licence for an alternative vaccine.

The Minister was responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrat TD for Kildare North.

Deputy Farrelly asked the minister what his plans were to increase the supply and availability of Heptavac P Plus.

The vaccine is used for treating clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis in sheep.

The Minister responded that he was aware of the recent shortages of the vaccine in the market and that officials from the Department of Food Agriculture and the Marine (DAFM) have been working to address this. 

"The relevant marketing authorisation holder has advised my officials that shipments are scheduled for delivery throughout February and March," he said.

"Whilst my department can not directly control the supply and availability of a specific vaccine, all actions have been taken to ensure access to alternative products is facilitated.

He also said that shortages of products can be reported to the department via a dedicated email address - [email protected].

"It is important that my Department is made aware of impending shortages so that appropriate action can be taken to ensure market supply," Heydon added.

"Vaccination is a key biosecurity tool to prevent disease and promote better animal health and productivity, and I acknowledge and welcome the significant increase in use of vaccines across all sectors."

Clostridial diseases such as lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus, braxy, blackleg, and black disease can all be fatal to sheep.

Pasteurellosis pneumonia is one of the biggest killers of sheep in Ireland according to Teagasc.

The organism that carries the disease is carried on the tonsils of most sheep, and when animals are stressed or run down their immune system is lowered and the disease can take hold.