King Charles visits Surrey avian influenza scientists

King Charles looks at mosquitos under a microscope at the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge, Surrey

King Charles has congratulated scientists for their work in combating the largest-ever avian influenza outbreak in the UK.

Since October 2021, there have been 330 confirmed cases of avian influenza across the country.

The King was given a tour of the Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) headquarters in Weybridge, Surrey.

He said he was "full of admiration" for the staff at the Weybridge site - the UK's main animal health laboratory.

The King's tour on Thursday included briefings on avian influenza and bovine tuberculosis, as well as plant health challenges including invasive non-native species.

King Charles met members of staff during his visit to the Animal and Plant Health Agency

He also visited specialist research laboratories to see genome mapping and a mosquito laboratory to learn about APHA's vector-borne disease programme.

In an impromptu speech, the King said: "I'm full of admiration for what you do, what you manage to achieve against these huge challenges in all directions. I know many have been working such late hours for days and days.

"So I can only say you are totally heroic, we're incredibly lucky to have you battling away for our safety and our future."

The APHA government agency is responsible for controlling endemic and exotic diseases in animals, plants and bees.

During the visit, the King also learnt about the potential threat posed by mosquitos.

Lord Benyon, minister for biosecurity, marine and rural affairs with King Charles

Ahead of the visit, chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm delighted that their hard work over the last three winters is being recognised at such a level.

"The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe has been unprecedented and our response has been underpinned by the world-leading science and disease control work carried out at Weybridge."

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