Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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711. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the supply and availability of heptavac P Plus. [7831/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of recent shortages in the market of Heptavac P Plus, a vaccine which is used for control of clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis in sheep and my officials 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. 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.

My Department has implemented a system to issue a special import licence to facilitate import and use of both an alternative Clostridial and Pasteurella Vaccine.

Shortages of products can be reported to the Department via a dedicated email address - vetmedshortages@agriculture.gov.ie It is important that my Department is made aware of impending shortages so that appropriate action can be taken to ensure market supply.

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.