Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that affect many different animal species and, in some cases, also humans. They can cause a wide range of diseases, but primarily infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. In terms of public health, the most well-known coronavirus is the virus that caused the SARS epidemic (severe acute respiratory syndrome). In September 2012, a novel coronavirus was detected in the Middle East in patients who had developed symptoms during the 2nd quarter of 2012. The origin of this virus has not yet been fully established. It is however very similar to the SARS-CoV virus, and to viruses that usually affect certain species of bats. One current hypothesis concerning the origin of the virus is that it adapted to one or more other animal species closer to humans, thus enabling human infection. This family of viruses is presented below, along with the work of the Agency on animal coronaviruses.

For several years now, a phenomenon resulting in the weakening and mortality of bee colonies has been seen in many countries. In this context, the impact of various factors that may act, alone or in combination, on the health of bee colonies (infectious and parasitic diseases, stress related to changes in food resources, plant protection products, climate conditions, etc.), has regularly been demonstrated through different scientific studies. Below is an update on this issue and details of the Agency’s work.