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. The FLI does basic and applied research in different scientific fields, such as physiology, ethology, epidemiology, immunology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and related sciences.
Our work aims at: the prevention of diseases by developing and improving rapid diagnostics and prophylactic measures, providing the background for modern control strategies for animal diseases and zoonoses, improving farm animal husbandry in compliance with animal welfare, preserving the genetic diversity of farm animals and supporting the efficient utilisation of animal feed as basis for the production of high quality animal-based foodstuffs.
As a federal research institute and independent higher federal authority under the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, 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, the 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.
At present, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut has approximately 900 employees in eleven institutes at six locations.
Organization
Overview of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut
Management
Scientific Advisory Board
Administration
Affiliations and Committees
Friedrich Loeffler
born 24 June 1852 in Frankfurt (Oder); deceased 9 April 1915 in Berlin
In 1898, the physician, hygienist and bacteriologist Friedrich Loeffler described – based on a decree of the Prussian Ministry of Culture – the causative agent of foot and mouth disease (FMD) as a filterable, but corpuscular, replicable agent. He is considered as one of the founders of the research discipline of virology.
In 1910, Friedrich Loeffler founded the worldwide first virological research institute on the island of Riems.
History
History of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut and its affiliations
Since its foundation in 1910, the virological research institute on the island of Riems has been subject to many changes. The most important ones were certainly associated with the merging of the two virus research institutes of East and West Germany after the fall of the wall. Subsequently, the tasks of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut were extended by incorporation of other research institutions with year-long experience in their respective fields.
Today, in addition to virus research, the tasks of the FLI with its eleven institutes at seven sites cover all aspects of farm animal health.