This is interesting news in the sense that Cefas have been drawn into this process … currently  Defra are saying ‘Further work is being carried out on the future of the Cefas including on whether or not it should form part of this agency. A decision will be made in the autumn of 2014.’

Defra  ‘A combined agency will start work this autumn to ensure government is better equipped to prevent the spread of animal and plant diseases. The Animal and Plant Health Agency will begin on 1 October 2014 to better equip the government to prevent the spread of animal and plant diseases, and to respond to emergencies.’ To read more click here.