In England

The formal transfer of inspection and enforcement functions from Defra to HSE was completed for England in April 2008, through a revision of the Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO), supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Agency Agreement between HSE and Defra. The revised Order, together with the MoU and Agency Agreement, means that HSE’s Specialist Inspectors (who already inspect and enforce health and safety regulations at premises handling human pathogens and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)) now have similar powers of inspection and enforcement in premises in England where animal pathogens are handled.

Defra continues to have responsibility for issuing licences, and the process for this is unchanged. However, HSE now takes the lead for inspecting existing SAPO licences and new applications. Contact points for queries relating to SAPO licensing and inspection are given below.

Contact points:

If you have any questions or issues about

the licensing process

general containment levels appropriate for SAPO pathogens

Please contact:

The Pathogens Licensing Team
Defra
Area 5A
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
Email: pathogens@defra.gsi.gov.uk