Provision of Scanning Surveillance Activities for APHA, including PME's

Provision of Scanning Surveillance Activities for APHA including PMEs. Scanning surveillance plays a vital role in protecting animal health and food safety. It helps identify potential food safety risks, ensures compliance with national and international disease reporting requirements, and highlights animal welfare concerns and possible adverse reactions to medicines. In addition, it provides valuable insight into patterns and emerging trends in endemic diseases, enabling early intervention and informed decision-making.

APHA's Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs) already provide PMEs and surveillance data, forming a core part of the national disease monitoring network. However, their coverage is limited and their capacity is constrained. To maintain a comprehensive and resilient surveillance service across England and Wales, APHA needs additional support from external providers.