Animal health and welfare

Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants, and does not affect humans or food. It is transmitted by biting midges and can cause major economic losses in livestock farming. Vaccination is the most effective means of prevention, but is expensive. Here is a profile of the disease and an overview of the work of ANSES, a leading player in the fight against this virus.

Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has adapted to many different environments, particularly urban ones, colonising a vast array of containers in which it lays its eggs in small volumes of water. The tiger mosquito is an opportunistic anthropophilic species which bites humans and can transmit viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Because of this, it represents a major public health challenge. Below you will find an introduction to a mosquito that we haven’t heard the last from.

There are just under 1,000 species of tick in the world, but only a few are vectors of pathogens. Nevertheless, ticks are the vectors that transmit the widest variety of pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites) in the world. They are responsible for infectious diseases in humans and animals, and are the main vector of animal pathogens in Europe.

Bees account for 90% of pollinating insects, along with bumblebees, butterflies and flies. For several years now, a phenomenon resulting in the weakening and mortality of bee colonies has been seen around the world. Bee decline would have major consequences for plant diversity and food supply. Diseases, predatory insects, pollen depletion, chemicals... ANSES studies and assesses the stress factors threatening bees, and proposes different scientific and regulatory solutions to protect their health.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral disease that was first detected in France in 2023. Its spread is a direct consequence of climate change, which enables the midge vectors of the disease to survive in our regions. Which animals does it affect? What are the symptoms? Is there any treatment? Can this disease be transmitted to humans? All the answers to these questions are in this article.

Q fever is often misunderstood, even though this disease is widespread throughout the world and was discovered almost a century ago. It can cause reproductive problems in ewes, female goats and cows and be transmitted to humans. Although the disease is generally not serious, it can nevertheless lead to complications, and sometimes takes months or even years to develop after initial infection.

Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella . Found worldwide, it can affect humans, with symptoms including fever, pain, headache and/or weakness. It also affects most mammalian species, domestic and wild ruminants in particular. In animals, brucellosis causes abortion, reduced fertility and reduced milk production, which may in turn induce major economic losses. In addition, animals or herds which have not been certified as brucellosis-free cannot circulate freely between countries. Driven by these major economic implications and to the risk to human health, ANSES is actively involved in brucellosis surveillance and control. Here we provide a presentation of the disease, its current status in France, and the role played by ANSES.

Avian influenza can cause high mortality in wild and domestic birds. In addition, under certain conditions the virus can be transmitted to humans. ANSES plays a major role in the fight against the disease by coordinating its diagnosis in animals and by conducting research to improve virus detection, determine the strains in circulation and assess new vaccines for poultry. It also supports the public authorities in assessing the risks of disease introduction ahead of new outbreaks, and in recommending management measures during animal epidemics.

One Health aims to promote a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to health issues. Where did this approach come from and what does it involve? How does ANSES apply it when carrying out its activities? Find out in our article.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection occurring in wild and domestic birds, including poultry. Wild bird migration periods and movements have an impact on the risk of virus transmission to birds in captivity (on farms, kept as pets or in zoos). Here is a profile of the disease and an overview of ANSES's work to combat the spread of these viruses.

Working at the interface between human and animal health, in the spirit of "One Health", ANSES's laboratories help provide effective, rapid responses to issues of applied research that can be implemented immediately. As an example, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, ANSES has been deploying its research teams, its expert knowledge of zoonoses and animal coronaviruses, and its network of laboratories to improve our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and respond to questions that have arisen from this crisis. Here is an overview of the various projects undertaken by the Agency.

What are the potential sources of food contamination? What is a foodborne illness? How can I avoid food poisoning? What is salmonellosis and what does it cause? What does the Agency do to ensure that food is safe? On the occasion of World Food Safety Day, we have prepared a special close-up to help you learn more about the challenges of food safety and our work to make food safer for consumers.