Controversy over new egg vaccine
2 February 2001
Controversy over new egg vaccine
By FWi staff
THE British Egg Industry Council – which represents 75% of egg producers – has announced a new vaccination scheme.
This involves giving birds injections against salmonella enteritidis and salmonella typhimurium.
But the BBC Radio 4 Farming Today programme reports that salmonella typhimurium is not a problem for laying hens.
However, the council said both strains of the bug were being covered, at little extra cost, as a food safety precaution.
On the same day, vaccine specialists Lohmann Animal Health unveiled a live vaccine for salmonella enteritidis which can be administered in water.
Lohmann consultant vet Bill Nash said the live vaccine was more effective and more welfare-friendly than the double injection system.
Mr Nash said he was “extremely surprised” that the British Egg Industry Council had rejected his vaccine.
He claimed he had been contacted by many producers who were most unhappy and upset at the decision.