Switzerland: Early Detection of Animal Diseases – Results of the 2025 Surveillance Programme

The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has published the results of the animal disease surveillance programme for 2025. Across Switzerland, 377,316 tests were recorded for a total of 70 notifiable animal diseases and zoonoses. The recorded outbreaks mainly concerned diseases that are already present in Switzerland, in particular bluetongue and foot rot. Testing was also carried out for lumpy skin disease: all 456 samples analysed were negative.  

In addition to routine surveillance, national programmes were carried out in 2025 for the early detection of African swine fever in wild boar, the small hive beetle and tuberculosis in red deer. The investigations found no evidence that any of these animal diseases had been introduced into Switzerland. 

Progress was also observed in efforts to control bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), which have been ongoing since 2008. In 2025, only two disease notifications were recorded, compared with eight in the previous year. At the same time, the number of animals capable of continuously spreading the BVD virus fell from 100 to 10. 

The data collected help the federal authorities and the cantons to assess health risks at an early stage and to prepare for potential disease outbreaks. Animal keepers also contribute to the early detection of animal diseases and the prevention of their spread by implementing appropriate biosecurity measures, including closely monitoring their animals, and by promptly reporting any abnormalities. Furthermore, surveillance is important for demonstrating that Switzerland is free from certain animal diseases, as such evidence is an important prerequisite for international trade in animals and animal products.