Debate on biosecurity

Biosecurity is defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary as “the methods that are used to stop a disease or infection from spreading from one person, animal, or place to others.”

The remit for biosecurity is shared across government, and the Cabinet Office leads on cross-cutting strategy and national preparedness. There are also roles for numerous different government agencies and departments in preparing and responding to local risks.

In relation to national animal biosecurity and infectious diseases, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the lead government department. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, an executive agency of Defra) is responsible for responding to biosecurity threats, including those relating to farm animals.

The government published the UK Biological Security Strategy in June 2023. This sets out information on “protecting the UK and its interests from significant biological risks, including future infectious disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, accidental releases of pathogens, and deliberate biological attacks”.

This pack includes information on government biosecurity policy and strategy and on diseases of concern in animals, plants, and crops, as well as recent Parliamentary and press material and further reading.