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Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 - Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine.

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A decision made (13/02/2009) regarding: Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 - Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine.

Decision Reference: MD – H SS – 2009 - 009

Decision Summary Title :

Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 – Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 vaccine

Date of Decision Summary:

9th February 2009

Decision Summary Author:

Paul McCabe – Chief Pharmacist

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Written

Person Giving

Oral Report:

 

Written Report

Title :

Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 – Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 vaccine

Date of Written Report:

9th February 2009

Written Report Author:

Paul McCabe – Chief Pharmacist

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

Public

Subject:

Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 – Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine

Decision(s):

The Minister approved a request from the States Veterinary Officer to allow the importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine in accordance with the provisions of an Order to be made under the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995

Reason(s) for Decision:

A request was received from the States Veterinary Officer for authorisation of the importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 vaccine. This vaccine is not licensed in the UK or Jersey and therefore importation of this unlicensed veterinary medicinal product is generally prohibited. The Minister may by Order declare that the restrictions on importation do not apply in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

Resource Implications:  None

Action required:

  1. The Minister to approve the request of the States Veterinary Officer to allow the importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 vaccine in accordance with the provisions of an Order to be made under the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995

 

  1. The Minsiter to consult with the Minister for Economic Development in order to confirm that he is in agreement with the point 1 above

 

  1. The Minister to direct the Chief Pharmacist to prepare a brief for consideration by the Law Draftsman

Signature: 

Position: Minister

Date Signed:

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Hide report
Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 - Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine.

STATES OF JERSEY  

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT  

Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995  

Importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine  
 

  1. Issue

 

The Minister is requested to consider a request from the States Veterinary Officer for authorisation of the importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 Vaccine. This vaccine is not licensed in the UK or Jersey and therefore the importation of this unlicensed veterinary medicinal product is generally prohibited 
 

  1. Background

 

Bluetongue is a vector-borne virus disease of sheep, goats and cattle with 24 distinct serotypes. The disease was first diagnosed in mainland Europe in 1998. It is transmitted by biting midges of the species Culicoides which are present in Jersey.  

Bluetongue serotype 1 has been spreading northwards since first confirmed in Spain in 2007. In 2007 the disease spread from Spain into south west France. By the end of November 2008, 4339 cases were confirmed in mainland France, including cases in Brittany. 

To control disease caused by serotype 1, France have declared their whole territory a Protection Zone and instituted a vaccination policy. As a consequence of the declaration, free movement of livestock from known infected areas to all parts of France, including part of the territory nearest Jersey is permitted.  Midges which transmit disease can be windborne over distances of 100-200km and it is recognised unvaccinated Jersey livestock are vulnerable to infection. 

Since May 2008, livestock keepers in Jersey have successfully vaccinated their susceptible animals against bluetongue serotype 8. There is no cross immunity between bluetongue serotypes, therefore, to protect the island’s livestock, vaccination against the new threat from serotype 1 vaccination is required. The recommendation to vaccinate on a voluntary basis is supported by the Royal Jersey Agriculture and Horticulture Society and local large animal veterinary surgeons. 
 

  1. Legal Position

 

The Minister may, by Order, declare that the restrictions on importation of an unlicensed veterinary medicine, imposed by Article 8(3) of the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995, shall not apply in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 

Article 4(2) of the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 requires that, before making such an Order, the Minister must first consult with the Minister for Economic Development. 
 

  1. Recommendation

 

  1. The Minister is recommended to approve the request of the States Veterinary Officer to allow the importation of Bluetongue Serotype 1 vaccine in accordance with the provisions of an Order made under the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995

 

  1. The Minsiter is recommended to consult with the Minister for Economic Development in order to confirm that he is in agreement with the 4.1 above

 

  1. The Minister to direct the Chief Pharmacist to prepare a brief for consideration by the Law Draftsman

 
 
 

Paul McCabe

Chief Pharmacist

9th February 2009

 

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