Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)

The work of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) focusses on farm animal health and welfare and on the protection of humans from zoonoses, i.e. infections which can be transmitted from animals to humans. These tasks are defined in the Animal Health Act. The FLI does basic and applied research in different scientific fields.

The work aims at:

1.) the prevention of diseases by

• improving rapid diagnostics
• improving prophylactic measures
• providing the background for modern control strategies for animal diseases and zoonoses

2.) the improvement of animal welfare and the production of high quality animal-based foodstuffs by

• improving farm animal husbandry in compliance with animal welfare
• preserving the genetic diversity of farm animals
• supporting the efficient utilisation of animal feed

As a federal research institute and independent higher federal authority under the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture, the FLI has a consultative function which helps provide the scientific basis for political decision-making. The institute performs epidemiological investigations during outbreaks of animal diseases. The institute also prepares risk assessments on various infectious diseases of farm animals.

The institute works as national Licensing Authority for products that are not destined for application in animals (in vitro diagnostics). Furthermore, as National Contact Pointthe FLI scientifically supports the competent authorities on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, article 20, regarding the protection of animals at the time of killing.