The UK government has announced a £1 billion investment to establish a new national biosecurity centre aimed at tackling animal disease outbreaks and mitigating the threat of future pandemics. This initiative is part of the government’s updated national security strategy and will integrate with a network of laboratories dedicated to protecting public health and managing biological threats.
Funding will support the next phase of redevelopment at the Weybridge facility in Surrey, which the National Audit Office recently identified as being at “very high” risk of failure due to aging infrastructure. The move follows concerns that the government was insufficiently prepared for widespread animal disease outbreaks.
Animal illnesses such as bird flu, bluetongue, and African swine fever pose significant risks to England’s agriculture, food security, and wildlife populations. Experts emphasize that approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases, and 75% of emerging infections, originate in animals, highlighting the critical role of animal health in protecting human wellbeing.
The upgraded Weybridge centre will enhance detection, surveillance, and response capabilities for high-risk diseases like foot and mouth. Environment Secretary Steve Reed stated, “National security is the foremost duty of any government. This unprecedented investment in biosecurity infrastructure addresses years of underfunding, ensuring better protection for farmers, food producers, and the public.”
Jenny Stewart, senior science director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which operates the Weybridge laboratories, hailed the investment as a “vital milestone.” She noted that the centre serves as a global hub for disease surveillance and response and that new state-of-the-art facilities will empower scientists to continue their critical work using advanced technologies.
Work at Weybridge is already underway, with initial interim laboratories expected to be operational by 2027 and 2028. The fully functional national biosecurity centre is scheduled for completion by 2033-34, marking a significant leap forward in the UK’s capacity to safeguard animal and human health.