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The UK would struggle to cope with a second animal health emergency amid the ongoing avian flu outbreak, a leading industry expert has warned.

Speaking to a meeting of members in London last week, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president, Dr Malcolm Morley said the industry had ‘held its breath’ over a possible Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Norfolk last June.

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He said: “Thankfully it was not Foot and Mouth Disease, but I can tell you with certainty that the UK would have been under-resourced to handle such an incident alongside Avian Influenza,Ìýand the same would apply to other diseases such as African Swine Fever.

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“The last time this country saw Foot and Mouth Disease, it is estimated to have cost the combined public and private sectors £8.5 billion. The Covid-19 pandemic had its origins in zoonotic disease, along with many of the other recent or ongoing threats such as HIV, Ebola, Monkey Pox, SARS and of course influenza. Vigilance is key, and animal health is the front line of preventing future pandemics,” he added.

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Dr Morley also warned that UK public health is at serious risk from rapidly rising cases of imported dog disease Brucella canis, imploring the Government to stand by its commitment to deliver the Kept Animals Bill over the coming months.

Addressing key areas including, livestock worrying, zoo standards and licensing, Dr Morley said the potential impact of the Bill on animal welfare was significant, adding: “It is estimated that just five hours of Commons time is needed to complete the report stage."

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"Failing to progress the Kept Animals Bill would waste an opportunity to tackle measures which our profession and the public care about most deeply.”

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“Money invested in animal health and national biosecurity goes so much further by also supporting human health, the environment and the sustainability and productivity of our food sector. Investment in the people and infrastructure of public sector veterinary services is vital for the UK.”

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Defra said it takes matters of animal health very seriously had introduced measures to combat the risk posed by Brucella canis.

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A Defra spokesperson said:Ìý“We have one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe – with all pets entering Great Britain on approved routes subject to individual checks.

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“We take the risks posed by Brucella canis very seriously – which is why the disease is now reportable to allow us to monitor the number of confirmed cases, and strongly urge those importing dogs to get them tested before they arrive.”