APHA acknowledged that its systems and processes are outdated and require modernisation. For example, its vets in the field must complete paper-based forms, which are scanned and manually deciphered before being added to a database. APHA also cited the example of having 36 different email addresses through which people can contact APHA. This causes inefficiency, slower responses and increases the risk of error. APHA said that work to modernise its systems had been delayed by the need to prioritise resources to respond to recent animal disease outbreaks. 17 C&AG’s Report, paras 22, 2.8-2.9 18 Qq 35-36 19 Qq 37-38 20 C&AG’s report, para 2.10 21 Qq 40-42; C&AG’s report, para 1.5 11 APHA stated that a key challenge it faces will be to ensure that, regardless of outbreaks, it ringfences people and resources to ensure its systems and processes are modernised.22