HM The King to congratulate APHA on combatting largest-ever avian flu outbreak

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Since October 2021, there have been over 330 cases of avian influenza confirmed across the country. To protect flocks from the disease, Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs) are currently in force across the UK with additional mandatory housing measures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The work of APHA scientists and staff has been pivotal in supporting avian influenza diagnostics and disease control and has helped protect animal and public health as well as international trading relationships.

In recognition of these achievements, HM The King is today visiting the APHA Weybridge facility to meet the staff and learn about ongoing research programmes. His visit includes a full tour with briefings on some of most difficult animal health diseases in the world, such as avian influenza and bovine TB, as well as plant health challenges including invasive species.

In addition, he is also undertaking a tour of APHA’s dedicated specialist research laboratories conducting work on genome mapping and a mosquito laboratory where he will learn about the organisation’s vector-borne disease (VBD) programme.

Lord Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs, acknowledged the APHA’s long-standing reputation for excellence in the field of biosecurity and its role in supporting Britain’s economy and food security.

Commenting on the His Majesty’s visit, Lord Benyon said: “I’m pleased we can use today to showcase our specialist world leading facilities.”

Also ahead of attending the visit, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

“Today’s visit really is about recognising the last 18 months of remarkable work and the APHA staff who have worked day in and day out to help control and manage the spread of avian influenza.

“The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe has been unprecedented and our response has been underpinned by the world-leading science and disease control work carried out at Weybridge,” she added.

As part of its commitment to the highest standards of biosecurity, the government has invested heavily in the Weybridge facility, including £1.4bn funding to support the Science Capability in Animal Health Programme.

Proud of the tireless work APHA staff has been doing to tackle avian flu over the last two years, David Holdsworth, Chief Executive Officer of APHA, said: “I am pleased to welcome His Majesty The King to Weybridge to meet with APHA staff from Scotland, Wales and England and see first-hand the incredible work they do.

“I am proud to showcase our world-leading scientists, field teams and staff and the role they play in protecting the country.”

Alongside the Government’s continued investment in the Avian Influenza National Reference Laboratory and APHA’s Weybridge site, Defra and the Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council (BBSRC) fund an eight-strong consortium ‘FluMap’ led by APHA that so far received £1.5 million in funding to develop new strategies to tackle avian influenza outbreaks.

During his visit, HM The King is also meeting APHA staff who were instrumental in helping those fleeing from Ukraine to safely bring their pets into the UK while keeping the country safe from diseases such as rabies.