Animal health and welfare

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.

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.

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.

Since 1982, this unique scheme has been monitoring changes in antimicrobial resistance in all animal species in France. Run by two ANSES laboratories (Lyon and Ploufragan-Plouzané), it coordinates the work of more than 70 departmental laboratories in determining resistance to antimicrobials.

Some pathogens are specific to the wild animals that carry them. However, they can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through contact. ANSES's work, which focuses on both wild and domestic animals, helps improve understanding of how these pathogens jump from one species to another and attempts to combat these transmissions.

Milk, meat, vegetables... any of the food we eat can be a source of contamination. Through the transmission of bacteria, parasites, viruses of animal or plant origin, or chemical contaminants, our food can potentially cause illness or poisoning in humans. Food safety forms part of a global "one health" approach, at the interface of animal, plant and human health. To protect consumers from the risks of food contamination and prevent potential outbreaks, it is essential to take action at all stages of the food chain, "from farm to fork". This is ANSES's role.

Animal and human health are closely linked. Every year, three to five new human diseases originate in the animal world. A better understanding of the pathogens circulating in animals helps us prepare for future epidemics in humans. The issue is summarised here in a few key concepts to aid understanding.