The King visits the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge
Published
At the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge, His Majesty The King met staff and scientists to hear about their extraordinary efforts to safeguard animal and plant health, control and eradicate animal and plant diseases, and reduce the risks of new and emerging threats in the UK.
With work spanning across England, Scotland, and Wales, APHA is an agency within the UK Government’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which was established on 1st October 2014 with the purpose of safeguarding animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment, and the economy.
During the visit, His Majesty was joined by the Minister of State for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs The Lord Benyon to receive a briefing on the largest outbreak of Avian Influenza in the UK. Since the start of the outbreak in October 2021, 332 cases of Avian Influence have been confirmed in poultry and other captive birds in the UK. Occurring simultaneously with the COVID-19 pandemic, APHA staff worked tirelessly to tackle the outbreak as quickly as possible while also protecting public health.
The King also learnt about Genome mapping during his visit. Technological advancements have allowed APHA to embed whole genome sequences into its surveillance of infectious diseases to understand viruses and the bacteria responsible. This data allows APHA to understand the transmission between wildlife, domestic flocks and poultry farms which can help develop methods to reduce and eventually eradicate diseases.
DEFRA’s Director of Animal and Plant Health and Welfare and Lead Scientist, Dr Phil Hogarth told Their Majesty about their work towards the eradication of bovine TB in England. After which, His Majesty joined a discussion on how climate change across Europe can increase the risk of mosquito-borne viruses in the UK and efforts taken by APHA to prepare for this.
Before departing, His Majesty was introduced to front-line staff and scientists from across APHA, including those joining virtually from across England, Scotland and Wales and staff involved in the Ukrainian Pets Emergency Response Team. As the conflict in Ukraine escalated, a new entry-licensing system was rapidly introduced to allow pets from Ukraine to swiftly join their owners who had settled in the UK after the
invasion.
Related content
A message from The King on the 75th Anniversary on the Founding of N.A.T.O.
Message from The King for the 2024 Royal Maundy Service
It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.
Message from The King to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War
It is our duty to remember what was once called “the Forgotten War”.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2024
The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected, through friendship.
A message of condolence from The King to the President of Tanzania following the passing of former Tanzanian President, Ali Hassan Mwinyi
My thoughts and prayers are with former President Mwinyi’s family and the Tanzanian people at this time.
Charities and Patronages
The King's message marking two years of conflict in Ukraine
My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.
A message from His Majesty The King to Grenada marking their 50th year of Independence
On the occasion of the fiftieth Anniversary of the Independence of Grenada, it gives me great pleasure to send you all my congratulations and warmest good wishes.
A message from His Majesty The King for the launch of Big Help Out 2024
I have long believed that one of the greatest strengths of our nation is our ability to come together and help each other through times of hardship. Throughout my life, I have...
A message from His Majesty The King to Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark
I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which...
The King and Faith
A speech by His Majesty The King at the opening of COP28, Dubai, U.A.E
Change will come by working together and making it easier to embrace decisions that will sustain our world, rather than carry on as though there are no limits – or as though...
The King's speech at the State Banquet for the Republic of Korea
As our nations strive towards a harmony between progress and preservation, between the past and the present, we can look to the future with great confidence as our peoples...
The Coronation Food Project
Charities founded by His Majesty The King as The Prince of Wales
Further information about the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea
Remarks by His Majesty The King at the United Nations Office Nairobi, Kenya
As we look ahead to COP twenty-eight in another months time, we must remember what President Ruto said at the Africa Climate Summit – “we go far when we go together”.
A Speech by His Majesty The King at the State Banquet, Kenya
We both take considerable pride in renewing the ties between the United Kingdom and Kenya, a country that has long held such special meaning for my family.
The King's speech at the French Senate
Today, in confronting the greatest challenges of our time, we continue the work of those who came before us. When General de Gaulle spoke to the French people from London in...
The King's speech during the State Banquet at Versailles
Mr. President, in all of this we can rely on our firm friendship, which is renewed and reinvigorated with each new generation.
The King's message of condolence following the devastation caused by Storm Daniel.
I admire greatly all those who are engaged tirelessly in the rescue efforts in such dire conditions, and praise their selfless bravery.
