• Public bodies including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the European Commission; and
• Private bodies including veterinary practitioners, the poultry industry, the aquaculture industry, farmers and agri-food companies.

Emergency response capability

AFBI retains the capability, and is prepared at the behest of DARD, to respond appropriately in the provision of scientific advice and services in emergency situations where there is a major or potentially major outbreak of animal disease, plant disease or food contamination,which poses a threat to

• Public health
• Animal health and/or welfare
• The agri-food economy

This is ensured through AFBI’s:

• Rapid scientific/technical response
• Immediate availability of appropriate specialist skills and resources
• Significant redeployment of personnel, equipment and work activities.