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VIOs and VICs: APHA Disease Investigation Service

APHA's Veterinary Investigation Officers (VIOs) are based at our Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs) across Great Britain. 

The role of a VIO

VIOs can give advice where the details on this website do not provide sufficient information, or where you wish to discuss complex, unusual or difficult disease problems.

A VIO should also be contacted directly to discuss results of post mortem examinations or laboratory testing carried out by APHA, or if you wish to discuss the findings of your own examinations. It’s not necessary to submit samples or carcases to APHA to access expert advice from VIOs. APHA experts are always happy to discuss cases with you and help with investigation of incidents which may be due to emerging threats.

VIOs also carry out farm visits in specific circumstances such as the investigation of zoonotic outbreaks or new and emerging diseases.

Expert knowledge

APHA’s VIOs have a great depth of knowledge and are part of a wider network of scientific expertise to which they have direct access to support you.  This includes new and developing tests and molecular tests which may not be accessible elsewhere.

 

Contact a VIO

Please contact a VIO at your designated APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre or via the specific Species Expert Groups.