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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare

@efsa-biohaw.bsky.social
428 followers 190 following 120 posts

Science for safe, sustainable, resilient food systems. We are @efsa.europa.eu's BIOHAW unit dealing with animal health & welfare, biological hazards, food-borne pathogens, zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.

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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Register now !! 🐶🐱 When does appearance become a welfare concern? Join EFSA's online expert exchange on genetics, conformation and welfare in dogs and cats. 📅 16 Oct 2026 | 10:00–13:00 CEST 🔗 www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/ge... #AnimalWelfare #Dogs #Cats #EFSA_EU
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 29/09/2026
📅 Save the date! From 29 September to 1 October 2027, EFSA will bring together scientific experts, policy makers and the wider food safety community to mark 25 years of independent science and to launch the EFSA Strategy 2034. 🌐 link.europa.eu/yKDcDG Stay tuned for more! #EFSAConference2027
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Advancing #OneHealth surveillance in Europe: a joint session of the One Health Surveillance and Avian Influenza groups on 1 Oct at @efsa.europa.eu marks the integration of AI surveillance into the wider One Health framework. New #DCF2 tools and streamlined data collection will boost collaboration
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 17/09/2026
🐔Bird flu season is here. Strengthening daily biosecurity helps protect poultry, farms and food systems. Simple actions like secure housing, species separation, good hygiene and early reporting all help reduce risk. Let’s keep farms safe. #NoBirdFlu 🔗 link.europa.eu/bnq87H @ec.europa.eu
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
🦟 West Nile virus remains active in Europe, with 245 human cases reported in 7 countries by 5 Aug 2026, plus outbreaks in horses and birds. By peak transmission, #OneHealth surveillance and mosquito-bite prevention are essential. 🔗 www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn... #WNV #OneHealth #EFSA #ECDC
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 29/07/2026
Our latest scientific Opinion on waiving of the dog studies in the regulatory process of agrochemicals approval: efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/...
efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Scientific Opinion on waiving of the dog studies in the regulatory process of agrochemicals approval
Commission Regulation (EU) No. 283/2013 sets out the data requirements for pesticide active substances and includes short-term oral toxicity testing in rodents (90-day rat study) and non-rodents (90-...
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 30/07/2026
Vector-borne diseases on the move? 👀 Our latest newsletter tracks 25 diseases affecting animal health in Europe and beyond, including bluetongue, lumpy skin disease and West Nile virus. 🗞️ www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/to... #AnimalHealth
efsa.europa.eu
Vector-borne diseases
A vector is a living organism that transmits an infectious agent from an infected animal to a human or another animal. Vectors are frequently arthropods, such as ticks.
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
👥Collaboration is central to #EUPAHW. Read 👉www.eupahw.eu/outputs-and-... A comprehensive Animal Welfare glossary A living resource to support communication and harmonised AW assessment. #AnimalWelfare #Science #EUPAHW
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 20/07/2026
How can non-animal methods support the safety assessment of pesticides and biocides? Join EFSA and @echa.europa.eu in Parma to discuss the implementation of the EC Roadmap on phasing out animal testing. 🗓️ 21–22 Oct 2026 ✍️ Register by 17 Sep: link.europa.eu/y9fK8P #NAMs #FoodSafety
Promotional graphic for a workshop on implementing the EC Roadmap to phase out animal testing in pesticides and biocides. Yellow and blue design with a laboratory image showing a mouse in a research setting. Registration deadline: 17 September 2026. EFSA and ECHA logos displayed.
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 22/07/2026
🗣️ #PublicConsultation | Alternaria toxins Have your say and help shape our scientific advice. We are consulting on the draft update of our scientific opinion on the risks posed by Alternaria toxins in food and feed. ✍️ Submit your comments by 30 August 2026 🔗 link.europa.eu/h67ncY #OpenEFSA
Promotional graphic for an EFSA public consultation on the update of the scientific opinion on risks related to Alternaria toxins in feed and food. Image shows apples with signs of spoilage. Consultation deadline: 30 August 2026.
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Within #EUPAHW, SOA9 has developed an Animal Welfare Glossary with more than 100 key terms to support clearer communication across science! A practical foundation for harmonised welfare assessment and collaboration. 👉 www.eupahw.eu/outputs-and-... 👈 #AnimalWelfare #AnimalHealth #Science #EUPAHW
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Pleased to share the new Animal Welfare Glossary, developed within #EUPAHW and initiated by SOA9. It brings together terms to support clearer and more consistent communication across animal welfare science 👉: www.eupahw.eu/outputs-and-... #AnimalWelfare #AnimalHealth #OneHealth #Science
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 03/07/2026
🧪 How scientists assess chemical hazards and risks is evolving. New approach methodologies (NAMs) are helping reduce animal testing and improve the science and relevance of risk assessments. Learn about EFSA's work and global cooperation: 🔗 link.europa.eu/3Jb3Rc #NAMs #RiskAssessment
link.europa.eu
New approach methodologies (NAMs)
The ways scientists assess chemical hazards and risks have been steadily evolving over recent decades because of advances in technology and scientific knowledge. New approach methodologies (NAMs) refe...
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 07/07/2026
🗣️ #PublicConsultation | Pesticide residues Help shape EFSA's scientific work by sharing your feedback on a draft report on developmental toxicity effects relevant to dietary cumulative risk assessments of pesticide residues. ✍️ Submit your comments by 19/8/26 🔗 link.europa.eu/HtgM3q #EUHaveYourSay
Promotional graphic for an EFSA public consultation. On the left, a close-up image shows a healthcare examination using a stethoscope on a pregnant abdomen. On the right, a green panel contains the text: “PUBLIC CONSULTATION – Draft scientific report on specific developmental toxicity effects relevant for performing a dietary cumulative risk assessment of pesticide residues.” A deadline box displays “19.08.2026.” The EFSA logo appears in the bottom-right corner.
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 08/07/2026
🚀 Ready to lead the future of food safety in Europe? We're recruiting two Heads of Risk Assessment Departments to shape scientific excellence across food, feed, plants, animals and pesticides. ⬇️ Learn more and apply: link.europa.eu/C3DMBM ⏰24 Aug 2026 #EUCareers #FoodSafety
Promotional graphic for an EFSA job vacancy. The left side has a teal background with the text: “Join us as our Head of Risk Assessment Department” and “Plants | Animals | Biological Hazards | Pesticides.” A banner reads “Apply by 24 Aug 2026.” The right side shows a large agricultural field with rows of green crops stretching into the distance and a tractor working in the field. The EFSA logo and hashtag #EFSACareers appear at the bottom.Promotional graphic for an EFSA job vacancy. On the left, a teal background displays the text: “Join us as our Head of Risk Assessment Department II” and “Food | Feed Products,” with a call to action reading “Apply by 24 Aug 2026.” On the right, a close-up photograph shows dairy cattle feeding from a trough filled with feed pellets. The hashtag #EFSACareers and the EFSA logo appear at the bottom.
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 10/07/2026
The Seveso accident highlighted the long-lasting impact that environmental contaminants can have on people and ecosystems. Today, EFSA continues to provide scientific advice on contaminants such as dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs to support the protection of public health. link.europa.eu/VXHX7k
link.europa.eu
EFSA confirms health concern from dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in Europe
Dietary exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues to raise a health concern for the European population, according to a new scientific opinion from EFSA.
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 14/07/2026
🥩 Antibiotic, steroid and hormone residues in meat are a concern for many Europeans. What are these substances? How does the EU ensure our food is safe? And how are they monitored? ⬇️ Explore our carousel and discover what the latest EU data show. 🔗 link.europa.eu/qRPX6p #FoodSafety
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The future of animal health depends on science, data and collaboration. The #AnimalHealthLaw is built on scientific evidence. Moving from reactive to proactive preparedness requires high-quality data and strong partnerships between Member States, EU institutions, EURLs and EFSA. #OneHealth #EFSA
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 06/07/2026
Today is #WorldZoonosesDay. Many of Europe's most common food-borne illnesses are zoonoses — passing between animals and people. That's why #OneHealth matters: connecting sectors to protect public health and food safety. 📄 link.europa.eu/wGhqWv
World Zoonoses Day graphic from EFSA. Over a dark, magnified image of bacteria, a quote from Carlos das Neves, EFSA Chief Scientist, reads: "Zoonoses don't respect borders or sectors — so neither can our response. With One Health we bridge silos to protect public health and food safety." A small headshot of him and the EFSA logo appear at the bottom.
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
@efsa.europa.eu last week shared upcoming advances in animal health data collection, supporting a stronger #OneHealth approach — including the integration of Avian Influenza data into a more streamlined, interoperable framework. Thanks to all contributors! #AnimalHealth #Data
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
📊 New EFSA report published! Annual assessment of #Echinococcus #multilocularis surveillance, supporting evidence for disease-free status in participating countries. 👉 Read it here efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/... #AnimalHealth @efsa.europa.eu
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 07/06/2026
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆 🌍 Foodborne diseases go beyond case numbers—impacting long term health and society. Understanding this burden helps target prevention where it matters most. Discover more 👉 link.europa.eu/qGvXfW #WorldFoodSafetyDay #FoodSafety #Safe2EatEU
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
📢 Just published! 🦟🌍 A knowledge map of 25 vector‑borne diseases relevant to the EU, harmonising the available evidence and strengthening the scientific basis for risk assessments. 👉 Read the full report: efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.... @efsa.europa.eu @ecdc.europa.eu
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
New publication! 🦟 🌏 Our new report identifies vector species able to transmit 25 vector‑borne diseases relevant to the EU, providing a risk map of vector presence and raising awareness to strengthen EU preparedness and improve risk management. 👉 Full report: bit.ly/4u1FfWx @efsa.europa.eu
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
📢 Just published! 🦟 Which measures help prevent and control vector‑borne diseases in animals across the EU? 💉💊 This report provide evidence about surveillance, prevention and control options for 25 vector-borne diseases, discussing pros and cons based on scientific evidence. 👉 bit.ly/4dE8QPV
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
EU Monitoring Report on #avianflu (Dic 2025–Feb 2026) now online: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn... 🌍 #HPAI A(H5) detected in 32 European countries 🦆 Most poultry cases were linked to primary introduction from wild birds 🐄 First potential spillover from wild birds to dairy cattle in the Netherlands
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 10/03/2026
🌐New | One Health Newsletter Discover how EU agencies tackle human, animal, plant and ecosystem health challenges. Research, joint initiatives & events—all in 1️⃣ newsletter. ✍️ Check it out & sign up: link.europa.eu/jTTnT7 #OneHealth | @ecdc.europa.eu @ema.europa.eu @echa.europa.eu @eea.europa.eu
One Health Newsletter logo
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 10/03/2026
#NoBirdFlu campaign will continue over the coming years as we publish a multiannual strategy aimed at improving awareness and the consistent uptake of biosecurity measures across diverse poultry-sector stakeholders. Read the report to learn more 👇 doi.org/10.2903/sp.efsa.2026.EN-10003 #AvianFlu
Group of chickens on a farm yard chicken eco farm, free range chickens and care of poultry, raising chickens on a poultry farm
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 11/03/2026
🚀 Ready to grow your career at the heart of Europe’s food safety? The #EFSATraineeship 2026 is open — 12 months in Parma working across science, data, communication, legal, IT & more! 👇 Watch the video to discover why EFSA is the place to learn, grow & make impact. ⏰ 15/4/26 | ✍️ lnkd.in/gem_2_Xv
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Thanks again to all stakeholders! www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/in... Info session | Advancing Scientific Knowledge on the Welfare of Turkeys on farm: Insights from the EFSA Scientific Opinion | EFSA
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
🙏 🙏Thank you to everyone across the network for today’s meeting. Today #EFSA Scientific network on risk assessment in #AnimalWelfare and Scientific network of National contact points Regulation 1099/2009. Great ideas, shared challenges, and strong collaboration. 💪💪
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
#EFSA just published Scientific opinion on #AnimalWelfare at #slaughter: latest assessment of new stunning method finds that at current parameters, it does not meet the welfare standards of currently approved methods. 👉 👉 efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Please register on time ! Join our free info session on EFSA scientific opinion on turkey welfare? 🦃 📅 25 Feb 2026 ⏰ 14:00–16:05 CET Register by 20 Feb 👉www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/in...
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 11/02/2026
Behind every EFSA scientist was once a girl curious about the world. Today, on #WomenInScience Day, we celebrate their paths, from early wonder to leading research that protects Europe’s food and environment. Here’s to the women advancing science every day. ✨ #IDWGIS #STEM
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Register now !! www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/in... Info session | Advancing Scientific Knowledge on the Welfare of Turkeys on farm: Insights from the EFSA Scientific Opinion | EFSA
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 03/02/2026
🦃 Just published | #AnimalWelfare To improve the welfare of #turkeys, our scientists recommend a number of measures such as increasing space, providing enrichment, phasing out mutilations, avoiding the practice of flock thinning. More: 🔗 www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/to... @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social
turkey close-up
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Read Read! Just published by @efsa.europa.eu. Most common housing systems and practices of keeping turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) in the EU EFSA www.efsa.europa.eu/en/supportin...
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
🦃 Just published! EFSA’s Scientific Opinion & technical report on the #Welfare of turkeys on farm 🧬Read our recommendations on space, litter, enrichment, air quality, light, breeding & avoiding mutilations 📄 Read 👉 www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn...
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 27/01/2026
Our experts assessed bacterial growth in #meat intended for freezing 🥩 The way meat is stored by food business operators can affect both safety and the way meat smells and appears. Find out how long meat can be safely stored and what this means for EU rules → link.europa.eu/PtKw9f #EUFoodSafety
link.europa.eu
Meat intended for freezing: EFSA assesses bacterial growth in meat before it reaches consumers
EFSA assessed how bacteria grow in meat from cattle, sheep and pigs during chilling, storage and defrosting.
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Reposted by EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare
European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 22/01/2026
Welfare of horses: Plain Language Summary In case you missed it, our review of horse slaughter processes and their welfare impact is available in clear, simple terms. Our experts have made recommendations to enhance animal welfare & reduce possible hazards. doi.org/10.2903/j.ef... #AnimalWelfare
A close-up of a brown horse peering through a wooden stable opening, with warm lighting highlighting its face and eyes. The background consists of blurred wooden stable walls.
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
📢 Just published! How wild bird abundance data can support early warning for #AvianInfluenza in the EU? 🌍 This report explores how #WildBirds abundance data may improve movement estimates when ring-recovery or tracking data are limited🐦 👉 Read the full report: doi.org/10.2903/sp.e...
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
New SENTINEL #WildBirds report NOW available:zenodo.org/records/1803... 🦆 Over 2,000 wild birds from 30+ species were sampled in 11 countries. During autumn and early winter, #HPAI A(H5N1) and #InfluenzaA viruses were detected, with mallards and Eurasian teals among the most sampled species
zenodo.org
Monthly report December 2025 SENTINEL Wild Birds
SENTINEL Wild Birds aims to enhance the understanding of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus dynamics in wild bird populations at key locations in and near Europe. This monthly summary provides an update on sampled wild birds as part of an early warning system to support wildlife management and disease prevention efforts.
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Kind reminder for your contributions 🙏 🙏 ! 📣 Call for Data #EFSA: Head-Only Electrical Stunning of Heavy pigs 👉 Deadline: 15 January 2026, 23:59 CET 👉 www.efsa.europa.eu/en/call/call...
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European Food Safety Authority @efsa.europa.eu · 19/12/2025
Behind every EFSA opinion is teamwork, trust and shared responsibility - even around the fridge. This festive season, we celebrate collaboration that keeps food safe across Europe. 🎄 From our fridge to yours, happy holidays with safe food.
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
@efsa.europa.eu finds no evidence of true vertical transmission of VHSV, IHNV & HPR-deleted ISAV via fertilised eggs/gametes. Surface contamination risk remains, so vigilance in movements from non-free areas is key.  efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/... #Aquaculture #AnimalHealth
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
EU Monitoring Report on #avianflu (Sept-Nov 2025) now online: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn... 🦊More mammal cases, mainly foxes and some cats in Germany and Netherlands 🐮North America saw more cases in poultry, cattle, cats and wildlife 🌏H5N1 was detected in elephant seals, a first case in Oceania
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
🐟 Just published #EFSA Technical Report on Fish Husbandry Systems 🐠  Huge thanks to all Member States in the #EFSA AHAW Network 🙏 👉 Read the full report: efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2... #FoodSafety #AnimalWelfare #Aquaculture
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
EU Monitoring Report on #avianflu (Sept-Nov 2025) now online: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn... 🦃Turkeys were most affected, and France reported 30+ outbreaks in vaccinated ducks 🐦Most poultry outbreaks came from wild birds, with reduced farm-to-farm spread compared to past epidemics
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
EU Monitoring Report on #avianflu (Sept-Nov 2025) now online:  www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajourn... 🌍Europe saw unusually high HPAI in wild birds, found in both dead and healthy-looking animals 🕊️Along the West European migration route, several countries reported large crane die-offs
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EFSA Biological Hazards, Animal Health & Welfare @efsa-biohaw.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
#AfricanSwineFever bites! Carcass removal works to contain the spread, thus @enetwild.com has released a review of methods to find and date wild boar carcasses zenodo.org/records/1759... as well as recommendations for carcass detection and dating in different environments zenodo.org/records/1759...
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