The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) safeguards animal and plant health. This protects the environment, people, and the economy. It identifies and controls endemic animal and plant pests and diseases and monitors new pests and diseases. It conducts scientific research into bacteria, viruses, prions and parasites – in particular farm animal diseases. It works to stop harmful substances entering the food chain and risking human ingestion by regulating the disposal of animal by-products. It also facilitates international trade of animals, animal products and plants, as well as protecting endangered wildlife via licensing and registration.
It was originally set up in 2011 as the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency and formed in its current state in 2014 by taking over aspects of the Food and Environment Research Agency and the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. It has a wide range of statutory regulatory powers.