Veterinary MP Dr Neil Hudson leads parliamentary delegation to UK biosecurity hub

APHA

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border and veterinary surgeon, instigated and led an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee delegation to the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) Headquarters.  

The Weybridge HQ is in need of major redevelopment, resources that are vital in dealing with potential animal disease outbreaks. Without urgent attention, the repercussions of animal disease outbreaks could be significant, impacting the food industry, trade and public health.  

Dr Hudson has repeatedly highlighted in Parliament the importance of future proofing the APHA, which currently needs an estimated £2.8 billion over 15 years to transform the Weybridge site and has so far secured £1.2 billion from the Treasury.  

Dr Hudson’s statements were backed by reports from the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee, on which Dr Hudson guested on this APHA issue, about the conditions at APHA Weybridge. The latter pointed to more than 1,000 single points of failure that could cause a major disruption to operations.  

 

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:  

“With my experience supervising culls during the tragic 2001 Foot and Mouth Crisis, I know  just how devastating animal disease outbreaks can be. That’s why it is only right Government properly defends the UK’s biosecurity to prevent diseases and provide resolute action when disaster strikes. 

“I’m glad I was able to instigate and lead this important visitation, so that our EFRA Committee are fully aware of the challenges facing the APHA and the potentially unthinkable repercussions for our lives and livelihoods in rural communities should a major outbreak occur.  I pay tribute to all the staff at the APHA right across the country who work tirelessly to protect the UK’s biosecurity.”

“I understand the constraints on the public purse currently, but we are faced with a choice of investing a further £1.6 billion now or risk not being able to cope should, heaven forbid, another a major animal disease outbreak like  Foot and Mouth strike, costing many billions of pounds and having devastating impacts on the whole country .  I am urging Government to make the correct decision by properly supporting APHA Weybridge as we move through these uncertain times.”  

 

The veterinary MP led a delegation of MPs from the EFRA Committee to shine a light on the APHA’s pivotal role and informing a range of ongoing Inquiries. Issues include the APHA’s role in enforcing import checks as the UK brings in new measures to test incoming animal and plant products from 31st October. Currently unchecked imports risk compromising the UK’s biosecurity with diseases such as African Swine Fever.  

Another ongoing inquiry into pet welfare and abuse concerns the puppy and dog smuggling trade that has boomed since the pandemic. This includes immoral importers bringing in dogs with cropped ears, underage puppies and heavily pregnant dogs. The APHA has officers posted at entry points into Great Britain to prevent puppy smugglers and regulate pet travel and EFRA Committee members heard of the challenges facing animal import checks.

The UK’s ability to cope with animal disease outbreaks came into sharp relief recently with one of the worst winters on record for Avian Influenza. Some 183 locations with confirmed cases have been identified in the UK since 1st October 2022. The committee quizzed officials on the measures APHA took to mitigate against this outbreak and how they could better handle future events. 

Dr Hudson’s recent action on the APHA and animal disease outbreaks: 

 

APHA

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