Animal health - Afssa's missions

The Agency is involved in preventing and combating prevailing and emerging animal diseases

· that are transmissible to humans, either directly or through food
· that are specific to animals
· that affect both livestock and wildlife
Through its efforts to improve animal health, the Agency also contributes to protecting public health, as a good number of infectious human diseases have their origin in animal diseases.

Improve knowledge of animal diseases

The Agency studies pathogenic agents
· it analyses the causes of outbreaks and distribution of pathologies from the stock of wild fauna and through livestock farming conditions and feed
· it assesses risks related to animal diseases, for the food production industry and for public health.

Improve control of animal diseases

The Agency develops diagnostic facilities
· it monitors outbreaks and the spread of diseases
· it develops preventative measures such as vaccines and finds alternative treatment methods
· it checks and assesses the quality and effectiveness of veterinary medicinal products, in particular antibiotics, and studies any harmful effects on animals, humans and the environment

The Agency's resources

· 8 of Anses's 11 laboratories are specialised in the animal sector
(poultry, rabbits, swine, cattle, goats, sheep, horses, fish and bees).
They conduct applied research work on animal health and welfare. As reference laboratories for several diseases, they provide scientific and technical support for veterinary inspections carried out by the authorities (sample analysis, supply of standard reagents, field laboratory training, etc.).
· One Anses laboratory specialises in veterinary medicinal products
(Fougères). It studies the effectives of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance as well as the genetic toxicity of medicinal product residues remaining in animal foodstuffs. A reference laboratory, it is involved in checking the proper use of veterinary drugs and the monitoring of resistance to antibiotics.

· The Agency coordinates or participates in around twenty epidemiological surveillance networks.

· Anses is a member of the French Animal Health Network (RFSA), a mirror group of the European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health.

· Anses maintains many collaborative relationships with scientific bodies and institutions specialising in animal health, both nationally and internationally: INRA [French National Institute for Agricultural Research], Institut Pasteur, CIRAD [French Agricultural Research Centre For International Development], national veterinary schools, technical institutes, OIE, FAO, European laboratories, etc.

· 4 of Anses's 10 scientific panels assess the risks related to animal diseases and veterinary medicinal products. They bring together some 90 scientists from varying fields who submit opinions and produce reports.

· The National Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products is a health policy authority. It inspects, authorises and assesses veterinary medicinal products.
It contributes towards the drawing up of many regulatory and technical texts.