There are statutory requirements that suspicion of the notifiable diseases such as CEM, EVA, EIA and dourine must be reported immediately to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). When you telephone APHA, you will be put through to a Duty Vet. The Duty Vet is trained to handle reports of notifiable disease and will discuss the case with you. Many reports can be ruled out based on information gathered during this initial telephone conversation.
If a notifiable disease cannot be ruled out, the Duty Vet will arrange for an APHA Veterinary Inspector to visit the premises. If considered to be appropriate, restrictions preventing movements on or off the premises, may be served verbally over the phone at this time.
When the Veterinary Inspector visits, they will serve restrictions and examine the affected animal, together with the other animals on the premises. Disease is often ruled out at this point and restrictions are lifted immediately. If disease cannot be ruled out by this examination and inquiry, then samples may be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. In this case, restrictions will remain in place until disease can be ruled out.
England:
In England, call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 and choose the relevant options for APHA.
Wales:
In Wales, call 0300 303 8268.
There is an option for callers to hear the telephone message in Welsh. APHA will try to connect you to a Welsh-speaking person.
Scotland:
In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office (see below).
The Helplines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. There is an out of hours facility on the same number for reporting suspicion of notifiable diseases in animals or urgent animal welfare issues.
Ayr
Telephone: 03000 600703
APHA Field Services
Russell House
King Street
Ayr
KA8 0BE
Galashiels
Telephone: 03000 600711
APHA Field Services
Cotgreen Road
Tweedbank
Galashiels
TD1 3SG
Inverness
Telephone: 03000 600709
APHA Field Services
Longman House
28 Longman Road
Longman East
Inverness
IV1 1SF
Inverurie
Telephone: 03000 600708
APHA Field Services
Thainstone Court
Inverurie
Aberdeenshire
AB51 5YA
Perth
Telephone: 03000 600704
APHA Field Services
Strathearn House
Broxden Business Park
Lamberkine Drive
Perth
PH1 1RX
