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The laboratories’ research activities

The laboratories’ research activities

Reference activities

Reference activities

Our reference mandates

Our reference mandates

ANSES’s services

ANSES’s services

To carry out its research and reference missions, ANSES relies on a network of nine laboratories on 16 sites across the country, in close contact with France’s agricultural and food production centres.

These laboratories undertake work in three major areas, covering animal health and welfare, chemical and microbiological food safety, and plant health. They have achieved international recognition in their various fields of expertise, including epidemiology, microbiology, antimicrobial resistance and physico-chemical contaminants and toxins.

The laboratories play a vital role in qualifying health hazards through their expert appraisals, epidemiological surveillance, alerts and technical and scientific support, and by coordinating networks of laboratories conducting field analyses, through which they collect data. In particular, the 600 scientists and technicians from ANSES laboratories are engaged in research to identify major pathogens in animal health and plant health and to develop approaches for identifying biological, physical and chemical contaminants in food and water.

These reference and research activities position ANSES at the heart of institutional networks focused on animal health and welfare, plant health and food safety. The Agency entertains direct links with the field, which are essential for carrying out surveillance and issuing alerts, enabling it to respond more rapidly during the resurgence or emergence of new pathogens and contaminants in France.

>> See ANSES’s scientific priorities for 2019–2022 to guide its research and reference activities (PDF, in French)

Laboratory news

Emergence in Europe of a virus transmitted to cattle by midges
Une vache
12/05/2023

Emergence in Europe of a virus transmitted to cattle by midges

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease is a viral disease that was first detected in Europe in late 2022. Since then it has affected several cattle herds in Italy and Spain. ANSES helped identify and monitor the spread of the virus, which is transmitted by biting midges.
One Health EJP: time to assess the results
Un homme avec un troupeau de vaches dans un pré
04/05/2023

One Health EJP: time to assess the results

After more than five years, the One Health European Joint Programme (EJP) will soon be coming to an end. Coordinated by ANSES, it has helped put the "One Health" concept into practice with a view to improving knowledge of zoonotic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance and emerging diseases.
Coronaviruses studied from several angles: animals, food and water
Visuel d'illustration de coronavirus
27/04/2023

Coronaviruses studied from several angles: animals, food and water

For two years, 20 partners from 13 European countries worked together to study SARS‑CoV‑2 and coronaviruses under the COVRIN project. It aimed to gain a better understanding of the factors behind the emergence and spread of the virus responsible for COVID-19, in order to strengthen preparedness for any new coronavirus. ANSES was closely involved in studying the risks of the virus jumping from animals to humans and the possibility of transmission from the environment.
Plant-parasitic nematodes: new waste management solutions
Des méthaniseurs dans un champs
06/04/2023

Plant-parasitic nematodes: new waste management solutions

Nematodes are parasitic worms, some species of which cause major crop losses. To prevent their spread, it is important to disinfect organic waste – plants, soil and sludge – and water that have been in contact with these pests before discarding or reusing them. Scientists from ANSES's Plant Health Laboratory have assessed the effectiveness of various disinfection methods enabling this waste to be recovered and reused as part of the circular economy.
Carp fall victim to Koi sleepy disease
Les carpes victimes de la maladie du sommeil
02/02/2023
News

Carp fall victim to Koi sleepy disease

Koi sleepy disease is still not well known and can lead to massive die-off in ponds. ANSES is working to better understand the disease and improve diagnosis of the virus that causes it.