Animal environment and health

Our goal is to generate knowledge that leads to practical solutions for healthier animals and more sustainable, ethical animal husbandry. By integrating science, education, and communication, we aim to shape a future where all animals, regardless of purpose, can live healthier lives with higher welfare, based on housing and management factors. We work with topics such as veterinary medicine, animal welfare, ethology, epidemiology, law and ethics, to improve the conditions for the animals.

Through strong collaborations with national and international research groups, animal keepers and their organizations, expert organisations, and relevant authorities, we ensure our work is grounded, applicable, and able to create real-world impact. Together, we tackle pressing challenges in animal health and welfare.

• Our research covers a broad spectrum of animal species, primarily traditional farm animals, but also companion animals, farmed fish, research animals, and wildlife, throughout all the different life stages of the animals’ lives.
• We work within the frameworks of One Health and One Welfare, recognizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. The preventive aspect is central and our focus is on group, farm and population levels, incorporating the epidemiology of contagious and non-contagious diseases and biosecurity. Our expertise is used both nationally and at the EU level, for example by the European Food Safety Authority EFSA and within various EU projects.
• We examine animal welfare legislation and private standards, analysing their intentions, implementation, and outcomes across different countries and contexts.
• We are involved in research and teaching on contingency planning, preparedness and food security. 

Contact

Would you like to collaborate with us? Do you have any questions? Please contact Professor Lotta Berg, who leads the research group Animal Environment and Health.