Specified Pathogens are viruses and other infectious agents that must be controlled and contained to prevent their release or escape into the environment. If Specified Pathogens are released, they can cause serious animal or human disease. A full list of these pathogens can be found in the relevant Specified Animal Pathogens Order:

If you need to import a pathogen or carrier not covered by SAPO legislation, check Importing known animal pathogens or carriers not covered by the Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO) into GB

Before you can import Specified Animal Pathogens into England, Scotland or Wales, you must have a valid Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO) licence.

SAPO licences are issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Once you have a valid SAPO licence, follow these steps before you import your consignment.

For more information on importing animal pathogens into Northern Ireland.

Use these licences to import Specified Animal Pathogens to England, Scotland and Wales from any country.

Choose the licence you need based on the planned port of entry, not the destination you’re shipping to.

For example, if you’re importing to a Scottish laboratory but your consignment will enter the UK at Heathrow Airport, use the English general licence.

Download:

You must comply with all the conditions on the general licence.

For more information on using theses licences, contact the APHA imports team:

Telephone: 03000 200 301

Email: [email protected]

You can move imported Specified Animal Pathogens to another SAPO licensed laboratory after they arrive in the UK. The laboratory must be approved to handle and store the pathogen concerned. You do not need a transfer licence to move these pathogens - but they must be suitably packaged.

Published 1 April 2020
Last updated 11 February 2025 + show all updates