Defra has announced £200m funding to support the fight against zoonotic diseases.

Money will be used to enhance testing facilities and equipment at the APHA.

The UK Government has announced a £200m programme of investment to support the fight against zoonotic diseases.

Environment secretary George Eustice said on Wednesday (16 February) that the money will be used to enhance the Animal and Plant Health (APHA) facility in Weybridge.

Specialist testing facilities and new equipment will help APHA scientists identify pathogens for existing and emerging threats posed by diseases spread by animals, such as avian flu and Bovine TB.

World-renowned for its scientific and veterinary capability, research by Weybridge has paved the way for field trials of a TB cattle vaccine that, if successful, will enable farmers to vaccinate their animals against this deadly disease. 

Defra biosecurity minister Lord Benyon said: “The UK is a world leader when it comes to science and biosecurity. I have seen for myself the remarkable work done by APHA in responding to the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza, and in paving the way for field trials of a cattle vaccine against Bovine Tuberculosis.

“This investment builds on a long-term programme to future-proof our animal health capabilities, and ensure that we are at the forefront of defence against future pandemics.”

The investment in new facilities will enable scientists at Weybridge to quickly sample, analyse and confirm the presence of bird flu in a location so APHA can act fast to tackle the threat.

Funding will also be used to track diseases of concern across the globe, such as African Swine Fever, and carry out research into a growing number of high-risk threats in advanced high-containment laboratories.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Fast, reliable testing and world-class animal disease surveillance is vital in halting the spread of animals diseases and mitigating the risk of pandemics.

“This investment ensures APHA can continue its critical role in animal health science and help stop the spread of disease.”