Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Acknowledged
APHA's surveillance activities are inefficient and not risk-based, requiring multi-year reform.
Conclusion
APHA pointed out that its current surveillance activities are not risk-based or efficient, which results in APHA returning to a location on a regular basis even though it finds no issues. APHA is starting work to move to a more risk- based, intelligence-led surveillance regime and to design its management information to support this. APHA stated that this is not a quick fix and that it will take several years to complete the work.18
Government Response Summary
APHA's surveillance activities are undertaken in accordance with a defined process, with initiatives underway to deliver risk-based and efficient surveillance activities, and APHA will have a clear plan with milestones within six months to track delivery of audit recommendations. By February 2027, APHA will review all surveillance activities to ensure a targeted, risk-based approach.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Target implementation date: May 2026 3.2 APHA’s surveillance activities are undertaken in accordance with the following definition - the systematic ongoing collection, collation, and analysis of information related to animal health and the timely dissemination of information so that action can be taken. 3.3 Current initiatives to deliver risk-based and efficient surveillance activities supported by good management information include: • An Animal By-Product (ABP) Risk Matrix Review to ensure premises visit frequency aligns with risk levels. ABP inspections follow a risk-based approach informed by this matrix. A complementary dashboard is being developed to track completed and outstanding visits and monitor non-compliance. • A Private Veterinary Laboratory Project that adds to and strengthens APHA data and intelligence about animal disease threats through data-sharing agreements with the private sector, with completion due by 31 March 2026. • Development of ‘The Data Orchestration Tool’, aligned with the Delivering Sustainable Futures Programme (APHA’s digital transformation programme) to integrate and harmonise surveillance data, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency. 3.4 The APHA surveillance strategy combines daily global scanning of emerging animal diseases by the International Disease Monitoring Team, epidemiological support from the National Emergency Epidemiology Group, monthly UK-wide risk analysis by the Veterinary Risk Group, and participation in the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) group to evaluate zoonotic threats; Together these efforts provide early detection, evidence‑based policy advice, and coordinated risk management, while continuous improvement of scanning systems and strengthening of the national veterinary network enhance frontline support, biosecurity, and resilience against evolving global risks. 3.5 APHA will have a clear plan and milestones set out within the next six months to track delivery of audit recommendations. By February 2027, APHA will review all surveillance activities to ensure that there is a targeted, risk-based approach. Monitoring and tracking of this will be incorporated into APHA’s audit response plans.