Animal and Plant Health Agency

Animal & Plant Health Agency logo

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a UK government agency responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in England, Scotland, and Wales are healthy, disease-free, and well-cared for. Part of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), APHA plays a critical role in protecting and improving animal health and welfare as well as increasing the sustainability of agriculture and the rural economy. The agency also contributes to global food security and fights against zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans.

History

The Animal and Plant Health Agency was established in 2014, following the merger of the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and parts of the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA). This consolidation aimed to create a single, integrated body that could provide a more efficient and comprehensive approach to animal and plant health.

Functions and Responsibilities

APHA's key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and controlling animal diseases, including notifiable diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and bovine tuberculosis.
• Conducting surveillance of animal and plant health threats.
• Providing diagnostic services and scientific research to understand and combat diseases.
• Regulating imports and exports of animals, animal products, and certain plant materials to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Enforcing welfare standards in farms and other animal-keeping facilities.
• Protecting endangered wildlife from illegal trade and disease risks.

Research and Development

APHA operates several state-of-the-art laboratories where scientists conduct research on animal diseases, their transmission, and control measures. This research is crucial for developing vaccines, diagnostic tests, and management strategies to prevent disease outbreaks and protect animal health.

Collaboration

The agency works closely with other government departments, international organizations, and stakeholders in the agriculture and food sectors. Collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and local farming communities ensures that APHA's efforts are aligned with both national and international standards and practices.

Challenges

APHA faces numerous challenges, including the threat of emerging diseases, the impact of climate change on animal and plant health, and the need to ensure food security while maintaining high welfare standards. The agency's ability to adapt to these challenges is critical for protecting the UK's agriculture and ensuring the health and welfare of its animal populations.

See Also

• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• World Organisation for Animal Health
• European Food Safety Authority
• Zoonosis
• Animal welfare