Target: Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK
Goal: Urgently implement an action plan to rebuild disease surveillance and veterinary capacity weakened by prolonged outbreaks post-Brexit
A parliamentary watchdog has warned that authorities are not “adequately prepared” for severe animal-disease emergencies. According to MPs, prolonged waves of avian influenza and a recent bluetongue outbreak have drained staffing and resources, while the post-Brexit loss of access to EU animal-disease intelligence systems has reduced early-warning surveillance. These findings paint a troubling picture of farms, wildlife, companion animals, and communities exposed to avoidable risk if another major epizootic strikes.
The committee further highlighted critical shortages at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, where recruiting and retaining veterinarians has allegedly been hampered by mental-health strain from culling operations, pay and conditions, and long hours. Such gaps can mean slower on-farm investigations, delayed lab confirmation, and missed containment windows. In a fast-moving disease like highly pathogenic bird flu, hours matter.
To safeguard animals and the public, leadership must act now. A time-bound plan should restore robust field surveillance, reinforce laboratory capacity, re-establish strong international data-sharing pathways, and stabilize the veterinary workforce with better support and conditions. This petition calls for immediate publication and delivery of a fully funded preparedness program, transparent milestones, and accountability measures that prioritize animal welfare and public health.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Reynolds,
We are deeply concerned that the nation is not adequately prepared for severe animal-disease outbreaks. MPs have concluded that prolonged avian-influenza waves and a bluetongue outbreak have diverted essential staff, while post-Brexit intelligence gaps have weakened early warning and surveillance. These alarms suggest animals and communities remain at heightened risk if another fast-moving pathogen emerges.
We respectfully urge your department to publish and implement an emergency preparedness plan that restores on-the-ground surveillance, strengthens APHA laboratory capacity, and re-builds international data-sharing arrangements. Please also address veterinary shortfalls with concrete measures: recruitment and retention incentives, improved pay and working conditions, and comprehensive mental-health support for staff tasked with culling and crisis response. Clear milestones, public progress reporting, and ring-fenced funding will help ensure this plan delivers where animals and the public most need it.
By acting swiftly on these reported findings, your office can protect farmed and wild animals, companion animals, and the people who care for them, while reinforcing the resilience of our food system and rural economy. We ask that you set out this plan and timeline without delay.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Farm Watch
