December 13, 2024

 

UK to bolster biosecurity with US$253 million investment in animal disease research hub

The UK Animal Plant Health Agency's (APHA) laboratories, which play a crucial role in protecting the country against the growing threat of animal diseases, are set to receive significant upgrades to secure and enhance the UK's scientific and veterinary capabilities.

 

The initiative supports the government's Plan for Change mission, aimed at delivering economic growth by safeguarding the profits of farmers and food producers. Weybridge serves as the UK's primary facility for managing animal disease threats. These threats pose risks not only to public health but also to the food and farming sectors, the economy, and the environment.

 

The government inherited the laboratories in Weybridge, England, UK in poor condition, raising concerns about their long-term viability. The state of the facility posed a risk to farmers and public health, prompting the need for substantial investment. Weybridge is regarded as critical national infrastructure and a global centre of expertise, offering comprehensive capabilities from disease research to outbreak response.

 

The global threat of zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases originating in animals, is increasing. Diseases such as Avian Influenza and bovine tuberculosis highlight the importance of robust biosecurity measures. Nearly two-thirds of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disease management facilities.

 

The GBP 200 million (US$253 million) funding will allow the APHA to replace and upgrade its biosecurity facilities. This will strengthen its ability to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks. The enhanced facilities will also expand the capacity to handle multiple major outbreaks concurrently, addressing current and future challenges.

 

The upgrades are expected to protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities who face severe impacts from disease outbreaks, including livestock loss and movement restrictions. Livestock and related products contribute £16bn annually to the UK economy, and APHA's services play a vital role in safeguarding these exports.

 

Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the importance of the investment, stating, "Animal diseases represent a significant risk to Britain's farmers, global trade, and human health. Recognising the importance of protecting our farming and food sector to deliver growth across the UK, we are bolstering our national biosecurity and safeguarding the country from these diseases with a £200m investment into our scientific capabilities."

 

APHA's ongoing efforts include managing the response to diseases like Avian Influenza and the Bluetongue virus (BTV-3), which have posed challenges for farmers across the country. The agency tests thousands of samples in its laboratories, requiring extensive capacity and expertise.

 

Jenny Stewart, Chief Executive of the APHA, welcomed the funding, stating, "APHA is at the forefront of tackling animal and plant disease outbreaks, with our experts working around the clock to manage threats to the UK's biosecurity. This funding is hugely welcomed to support crucial upgrades that will allow us to continue delivering disease surveillance, detection, and research work that protects against new and existing threats of animal diseases."

 

She added, "Our work is world-leading, and this funding affirms the government's commitment to protecting animal and plant health and will help us protect the economy from disease risk."

 

The investment comes at a critical time when biosecurity risks are expected to rise due to a changing climate. Warmer temperatures and shifting ecosystems could create new pathways for pests, pathogens, and invasive species, increasing the pressure on disease management systems.

 

-      Innovation News Network