At the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge, King Charles met with staff and scientists to discuss the protection of animal and plant health, the control and eradication of animal and plant diseases, and new and emerging species in the UK. Hear about their extraordinary efforts to reduce the risks of threats.
With work spanning England, Scotland and Wales, APHA is an agency within the UK Government’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which, on 1 October 2014, protects animal and plant health for the benefit of people. was established for the purpose of , environment, and economy.
During the visit, the King was accompanied by Lord Bennion, Minister of State for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs, to receive a briefing on the UK’s largest outbreak of avian influenza.
Since the start of the outbreak in October 2021, 332 cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in poultry and other captive birds in the UK.
In the wake of the CoVID-19 pandemic, APHA staff have worked tirelessly to respond to the outbreak as quickly as possible and protect public health.
The king also learned about genome mapping during his visit.
Technological advances have allowed APHA to embed whole-genome sequencing into its surveillance of infectious diseases to understand the viruses and bacteria responsible.
This data allows APHA to understand transmission between wildlife, domestic flocks and poultry farms that can help develop ways to reduce and eventually eliminate diseases.
DEFRA’s Director of Animal and Plant Health and Welfare and Lead Scientist, Dr Phil Hogarth, told King Charles about his work to end bovine TB in England. After which, Her Majesty joined a discussion on how climate change across Europe could increase the risk of mosquito-borne viruses in the UK and APHA’s efforts to prepare. .
Prior to departure, King was introduced to the entire APHA frontline staff and scientists, including practitioners from England, Scotland and Wales and staff from the Ukrainian Pet Emergency Response Team.