From today, HSE's Biological Agents Unit takes full responsibility for the inspection and regulation of work activities which involve animal pathogens in England. Negotiations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are ongoing.
Following the Foot and Mouth outbreak at Pirbright in August 2007 Sir Bill Callaghan led a review of the regulatory framework for handling animal pathogens. Work with animal pathogens had been regulated by Defra under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO) of the Animal Health Act. Licensing of these sites will remain with Defra.
The review team concluded that there was a need for a single, independent regulator for both animal and human pathogens, with the resource and technical expertise needed to carry out the regulatory function fully. The recommendation was for HSE to be that single regulatory body.
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