SCIENTISTS at the Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, have become

involved in the search for a broad-spectrum vaccine which, if

successful, would end the laborious practice for farmers of

worm-drenching their sheep and cattle.

They are collaborating with researchers at the Cambridge-based

Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, where work on a vaccine to

provide livestock with antibodies against worm infestation is being

intensified.

Following the successful development of a trial vaccine for the

prevention of stomach roundworm in sheep, the scientists are stepping up

their efforts to find a multi-vaccine offering a high degree of immunity

to a wide range of parasitic worms.

Dr Ed Munn, from Cambridge, who is heading the commercially-funded

'near-market' research programme, expects to achieve a breakthrough

within ''three to five years,'' using genetically engineered bacteria.

''Apart from the growing resistence to chemical de-wormers, and the

handling of livestock that would be saved, prevention is much better

than curing,'' he said.

''A worm vaccine could also prove a boon to mankind. A vaccination

programme would bring large-scale relief to the substantial percentage

of the world's population which suffers from hook-worm in the

intestines.''