The SAPO application process

SAPO prohibits the possession of any pathogen specified in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Order (or any carrier containing such a pathogen) and the introduction of any pathogen specified in the whole of the Schedule to the Order (Part 1 and 2) into any animal or bird except under the authority of a licence issued by the licensing authority (HSE).

Those who wish to possess or work with a specified animal pathogen or a carrier containing a specified animal pathogen in England, Scotland or Wales need to have a valid SAPO licence. A completed application form should be submitted to HSE. As the licensing process can take up to 3 months to complete, and may require a pre-licensing inspection, applicants should allow sufficient time before work with the specified animal pathogen is proposed to start.

The application form must be completed for any new work involving specified animal pathogens. For significant changes to existing licences (eg additional specified animal pathogens), and for the renewal of licences, it is recommended that the form is also completed.

If importing Specified Animal Pathogens into Northern Ireland please see more information on the DAERA website.