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Thousands of dog bites are recorded in France every year. The existing regulations for preventing them are based on the animal's breed or breed type. Following its expert appraisal on the subject, ANSES concluded that this information alone cannot reliably predict the risk of bites. In view of the public health issues associated with dog bites, the Agency is calling for the implementation of a multi-pronged prevention strategy that would include raising awareness among breeders and dog owners of the animals' needs and the training to be provided, strengthening the role of veterinarians, and setting up an observation scheme to collect more information on dog bites. Among these approaches, the Agency specifically recommends strengthening behavioural assessments of dogs. Lastly, ANSES reiterates that all dogs can bite, regardless of their size or breed, and that consequently children and dogs should never be left alone together without adult supervision.

The phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), which was detected in Mayotte for the first time in late 2019, represents a major threat to banana crops. In December, eleven new suspected cases raised fears of further outbreaks of the pathogen on the island. The analyses carried out by ANSES for these new cases turned out to be negative, but this false alarm demonstrates the need to remain vigilant to prevent its spread.

The first research project supported by the thematic research network on animal health and welfare in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (SAARA), in which ANSES is participating, is seeking a better understanding of the evolution of mycoplasmas, a bacterial genus that contains some major animal pathogens.