Animal Health was a UK government executive agency primarily responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in Great Britain were healthy, disease-free and well looked after.
One of its key roles was to implement government policies aimed at preventing - or managing - outbreaks of serious animal diseases, and in doing so support the farming industry, protect the welfare of farmed animals and safeguard public health from animal borne disease.
In England and Wales it also worked to protect public health by ensuring that dairy hygiene and egg production standards were met.
It also regulated the trade in endangered species through CITES.
Previously Animal Health was known as State Veterinary Service.
The Scottish arm of the organisation was a member of SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services).
On 1 April 2011 it merged with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency to form the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.
Famous quotes containing the words animal and/or health:
“Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender.”
—Henri-Frédéric Amiel (1821–1881)
“We have to give ourselves—men in particular—permission to really be with and get to know our children. The premise is that taking care of kids can be a pain in the ass, and it is frustrating and agonizing, but also gratifying and enjoyable. When a little kid says, “I love you, Daddy,” or cries and you comfort her or him, life becomes a richer experience.”
—Anonymous Father. Ourselves and Our Children, by Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, ch. 3 (1978)