Avian Influenza: Disease Control

(asked on 14th December 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of its resources to manage effectively an outbreak of avian flu.


Answered by
Jo Churchill Portrait
Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
This question was answered on 22nd December 2021

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the lead delivery body within Government for animal disease control. APHA has tried and tested contingency and outbreak response plans. Where necessary, these facilitate additional support from culling and disposal contractors through contingency framework contracts and the deployment of additional veterinarians through the Veterinary Delivery Partnership (VDP). The VDP awards contracts to delivery partners to supply a flexible package of veterinary services.

The UK is facing its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with over 60 cases confirmed across the country during November and December. During any significant avian influenza outbreak, resource capacity and capability would be kept under close review. Through its close working relationships with Defra group, the devolved administrations, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local authorities, APHA has access to further means of support; for example, enabling additional surge capacity to be brought on-stream where required.

Activation of contingencies is determined in the light of close monitoring of the situation on the ground and with advice from relevant experts. Current measures are proportionate and in line with national law and international law, including trade requirements. Our overriding aim is to limit the spread and the economic impact of avian influenza disease on the industry.

Reticulating Splines