The new PME providers will expand the capacity and coverage of the scanning surveillance network in England and Wales.

New contributors help to bolster disease surveillance across England and Wales.

The Universities of Cambridge, Liverpool and Nottingham have joined APHA's scanning surveillance network, which aims to detect and investigate livestock disease across England and Wales.

The APHA’s post-mortem examination (PME) and diagnostic testing (scanning surveillance) service works closely with farmers and veterinary surgeons to monitor and diagnose livestock disease, forming a major component of the GB scanning surveillance network.

The inclusion of these top universities will add to the five current PME providers: The Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the University of Surrey, the Wales Veterinary Science Centre, the University of Bristol, and SRUC Veterinary Services at St Boswells. These organisations work in collaboration with the six APHA Veterinary Investigation Centres.

According to APHA, the new PME providers will expand the capacity and coverage of the scanning surveillance network in England and Wales, enabling more veterinary surgeons and farmers to benefit from the available services.

The APHA Vet Gateway gives an overview of the current GB scanning surveillance network and provides access to diagnostic services and advice for veterinary surgeons.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “The addition of these providers will further strengthen our robust animal health surveillance system and contribute towards the UK’s recognised status as a world leader in animal health and welfare.”