Learn lesson of BSE warn opponents of hen vaccine

LONDON - A live, genetically modified virus, used to transmit a vaccine to battery hens, is awaiting Government approval for sale in Britain.

The virus can be passed from chickens to wild birds and environmental groups fear it could have unforeseen effects on country bird populations.

MPs have warned Government scientific advisers to "learn the lessons of BSE" and observe extreme caution before licensing the treatment.

The novel marketing application, which is expected to be approved by the Government, could lead to a string of approvals for live GE viruses to be used on farms.

Experts fear that the viruses, which are not dangerous to humans, could change and lead to unforeseen side effects. MPs say battery hens treated with the vaccine should be labelled before being sold in shops.

"Consumers will not want to buy chickens that have been injected with a live genetically modified virus," said Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat Consumer Affairs spokesman. "This rings alarm bells, particularly after what we have learned about BSE. I would have hoped that everybody could learn the lessons of BSE - that we cannot take chances with food."

The virus continues living, possibly until after the chicken is dead.

It could be contracted by birds which come into contact with battery hens on farms and spread around the countryside and into cities.

Environmentalists are also worried about the possible implications of the virus. "Disease is part of the natural control of wildlife populations and if you are going to vaccinate birds against a naturally occurring disease, even if it is accidental, that could cause unforeseen problems to the bird population," said Tony Juniper of Friends of the Earth. "For example, some species could become unnaturally numerous. This could necessitate other forms of control which may raise wider ethical questions. One wonders what analysis has been done to look at the consequences of this for natural birds."

The vaccine, which will have to be approved by ministers before being licensed for sale throughout Europe, would be used to inoculate fowl against infectious bursal disease and Marek's disease, both common in battery hens.

The application for approval says research into wild and domestic birds showed no adverse effects.

But ministerial advisers are so concerned about the virus' implications that they have asked for more research and for Government vets to be consulted before issuing approval for the vaccine to be sold.

Leading virologists say that the virus is harmless to humans and birds.

Oxford virologist Dr Ernest Gould said safety concerns over the virus were paramount. "There is no way this bird virus could infect humans or other species. They will not use a virus that is dangerous to birds. Once they have produced the virus in the lab they will have spent years to ensure it is genetically stable and doesn't change into something else and become a Frankenstein.

"Today, safety is one of the biggest industries in this country."

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