The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is constantly investigating the link between climate, animal health and food safety. This research is making it possible to identify risks to humans and animals at an early stage and take countermeasures in good time.
The health and welfare of animals are influenced by the climate. This has already been demonstrated by the extreme events of the past few years. Heatwaves, for example, cause heat stress in dairy cows, which not only affects their welfare but also impacts on the reproduction and growth of the animals. Climate change also promotes the spread of pathogens and their carriers like mosquitoes and ticks. This poses a health risk for livestock and pets – and often for humans too.
The consequences of climate change can also have an impact on food safety – it can be easier for food-borne diseases to occur due to the changed environmental conditions. For example, many pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter thrive in warm and humid conditions. This also applies to mould, which produces more toxins under these conditions.
Objectives
Information and data on animal health, the spread of epizootics and animal diseases as well as food safety is constantly being gathered. To be able to assess the impact of climate change on animal health, food safety and ultimately on the health of humans, data concerning the link between health and climate data is being evaluated.
Highlights
Expanding the knowledge base
To gain a better understanding of the impact of climate change on animal health and food safety, SAFOSO AG conducted a preliminary study on behalf of the FSVO in 2019. The study identified unresolved questions related to climate change and One Health, as well as relevant topics to be explored in the future.
Partner
- Center for Farm-Animal Welfare
- Federal Office of Public Health Office FOPH
- Federal Office of Agriculture FOAG
- Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
Last modification 01.10.2020
