In May 2014 Defra announced its plans to form a new combined agency to ensure Government is better equipped to prevent the spread of diseases in animals and plants, and to respond to emergencies.
Animal, plant health and bee inspectors have a strong history of working together in times of disease emergency, and this will be made easier when they are part of the same organisation. The Animal and Plant Health Agency will also play a vital role in stopping pests, diseases, and invasive non-native species entering the UK. Plant and bee health research and diagnostic services will continue to be delivered by Fera and the agencies will continue their close working relationship.
Chris Hadkiss will be Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency. He is currently Chief Executive of AHVLA with responsibility for animal health and welfare delivery.
As covered previously in Technically Speaking, the rest of Fera will be changing its operating model in spring 2015, with commercial partners being sought to create a joint venture. The Fera site has been badged as the National Agri-Food Innovation Campus, aiming to attract more organisations working between academia, government and industry.