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APHA Science Blog

APHA provides science evidence quickly leading to the first detection of bird ‘flu in the United Kingdom

Image of a brown hen standing in a field with other hens in the background.

APHA provides science evidence quickly leading to the first detection of bird ‘flu in the United Kingdom

This year has seen the earlier than expected arrival of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Virus which is infecting both wild birds and poultry on small holdings and commercial production units. Find out how APHA detects and reacts to a bird ‘flu outbreak in the United Kingdom.

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Tackling antibiotic resistance – testing shows signs of progress

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Bacterial diseases
Image of a white bottle of pills spilling white capsules

The last few decades have seen a rise in the detection of difficult to treat infections in humans, as some pathogens are resistant to multiple antibiotics. This includes serious disease caused by E. coli. Read on to learn about progress being made in tackling the threat of antibiotic resistance from Dr Sarah Evans, Lead Scientist for Bacterial Diseases and Food Safety.

One Health: Virology in action

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: One Health, Viral diseases
Image of two male and three females in blue and red scrubs standing in a laboratory, looking at the camera. Text reads: "Animal and zoonotic viral diseases, By Dr Sharon Brookes, Lead Scientist."

The coronavirus pandemic has only highlighted the importance of having scientific experts who can quickly provide advice and evidence for new strains of animal viruses that can transfer into humans and cause severe disease due to the lack of protective immunity against the pathogen. In this blog, marking World Zoonoses Day, we hear from Dr Sharon Brookes, Lead Scientist for the Animal and Zoonotic Viral Diseases Portfolio (AZVDP) as she describes the important range of work her portfolio undertakes.

Our scientists help with COVID-19 testing at the UK Biocentre in Milton Keynes

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: APHA news, COVID-19, Diagnostics & testing
Female scientist wearing a face mask, goggles and white protective suit using a pipette.

In this blog Lucia Biffar, Scientific Project Manager for the Animal and Plant Health Agency, talks about her experiences volunteering with a group of APHA scientists to work at the one of the national Coronavirus testing centres.

Controlling food borne zoonoses and antibiotic resistance to protect health

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Antimicrobial Resistance, Bacterial diseases, One Health
Image of piglets cuddled together sleeping with the following text over the top, 'Outbreak response is fast paced and interesting work and close working with our partners exemplifies One Health in action. Sarah Evans, Lead Scientist for Bacterial Diseases and Food Safety.'

Over the past few months, world interest has directed towards the discovery of a novel (new) Coronavirus, coming from an animal source and escalating quickly into the human population, highlighting the importance of a One Health approach to prevent and eradicate zoonotic outbreaks. But these global, high profile cases should not overshadow endemic issues such as food-borne bacteria.

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About APHA science

A blog about science at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

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