Transboundary Animal Diseases
Within the framework of international cooperation, the working group provides a wide range of expertise for the development and implementation of innovative and conceptual approaches to animal disease control and laboratory diagnostics. The thematic focus is on the prevention, surveillance and control of internationally notifiable animal diseases (Transboundary Animal Diseases, TADs). We adopt an interdisciplinary approach to developing needs-based surveillance programmes, diagnostic procedures, control strategies, biosecurity concepts and risk analyses, supported by accompanying research. This conceptual approach encompasses advice on legal and institutional frameworks, consideration of relevant socio-economic factors, and the promotion of regional and international networking among veterinary authorities, particularly with neighbouring countries and regional organisations of partner countries.
Research activities focus in particular on issues relating to implementation research, which takes an evidence-based approach to the effective and sustainable implementation of interventions within the respective local contexts.
Disease Intelligence
The Disease Intelligence research area encompasses the systematic monitoring, analysis and assessment of international animal disease and zoonosis outbreaks, with the aim of identifying risks at an early stage and providing a basis for decision-making on prevention and control measures. The focus is on the development and application of early-warning systems, as well as the continuous assessment of global epidemiological trends, in order to identify potential threats to Germany and international partners at an early stage.
To this end, animal diseases and zoonotic outbreaks, as well as the approaches to controlling them, are monitored worldwide and assessed in terms of their relevance to animal and public health. Parts of this work are carried out in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Foreign Office.
A key focus is on the risk assessment of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The working group coordinates the regular production of the national risk assessment for Germany, integrating information from international disease outbreaks, wild bird monitoring, trade and movement data, and other epidemiological sources. This makes an important contribution to the early detection of changes in risk and to the adaptation of prevention and control measures.
Research activities focus on the further development of innovative approaches to surveillance and disease intelligence, particularly for populations that are inadequately covered by traditional surveillance systems. These include animals in small-scale and hobby farms, extensive farming systems, and wild animal populations. The aim is to improve the early detection of animal diseases and zoonoses through the integration of new data sources, risk-based surveillance approaches and innovative epidemiological methods.
Development Cooperation
A particular focus of the working group is on development cooperation. As livestock farming plays a central role in food security, income and the economic stability of rural households in many low- and middle-income countries, animal health and effective veterinary services are of fundamental importance. Animal health is a key factor in determining whether households can escape poverty and whether societies can develop sustainably. The working group supports international organisations, national authorities and development stakeholders by providing expert advice on strengthening veterinary services, as well as scientific support and evaluation of development projects.
Furthermore, the working group is committed to promoting One Health approaches. Coordinated collaboration between veterinary authorities, public health institutions and other relevant stakeholders is an essential prerequisite for the prevention and control of infectious diseases at the interface between humans, animals and the environment. The working group supports partner countries and international institutions in the development, implementation and embedding of One Health concepts at local, national and regional levels, thereby contributing to the sustainable improvement of veterinary and human medicine as well as global health security.
