A major goal of food safety research at NVH is the study of the interaction between animal health and the quality of animal food products in order to avoid the transfer of diseases to consumers.
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| Production animals are an important source of zoonotic agents. |
Microorganisms, biotoxins, environmental toxins and other contaminants that are transferred via feedstuffs, water and food products are important causes of animal and human diseases – both at the national and the global level. Fundamental know-how about the occurrence, survival, spreading and biological mechanisms of these agents is essential if authorities are to implement the necessary preventive measures to protect public health.
The majority of microbiological research projects focus on food-borne zoonotic agents of importance for production hygiene. Another area of priority is water hygiene, with focus on aquatic bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Specific areas of interest with regard to toxicology and chemistry are algal toxins, environmental toxins and medicine residues. Issues related to environmental toxicology are studied by several interdisciplinary projects at NVH, e.g., in cooperation with projects studying the interaction between environmental toxins and animal health and fertility.