We work to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and also works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government.

We’re responsible for:

  • identifying and controlling diseases and pests
  • protecting animal welfare
  • surveillance and research for new and emerging pests and diseases
  • diagnosis, epidemiology and control of diseases in animals
  • acting as an international reference laboratory for many diseases
  • facilitating trade in animals, products of animal origin, and plants
  • endangered wildlife through licensing and registration
  • bee inspections, diagnostics, R&D, training and advice
  • regulating the safe disposal of animal by-products
  • providing advice to policy makers.

why we do it, how we do it, what we achieve

Why we do it?

  • To safeguard the animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.

How we do it?

  • Engagement with farmer and industry groups.
  • Collaboration and partnership across the science community.
  • Applied expert advice to decision makers.
  • High quality scientific services and research.
  • International science centre for animal health.
  • Threat surveillance and risk assessment.
  • Rapid emergency response.
  • Manage import & export of animals and plants.
  • Inspection, certification and enforcement.

What we achieve?

  • Improved agricultural economy.
  • Informed policy making.
  • Decreased spread of zoonotic diseases.
  • Reduced risk from new and emerging threats.
  • Enhanced food security.
  • Rapid control of pest and disease outbreaks.
  • Enhanced biosecurity.
  • Improved international trade.
  • Improved animal welfare and plant health.
  • Decreased incidence of bTB.

For further information on APHA please visit our agency website.