Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office

Focus

Lionel Bertholet is the new Head of Animal Health and Welfare

The FSVO is delighted to welcome Lionel Bertholet as the new Head of Animal Health and Welfare from 1 May 2026. Bertholet previously served as the Cantonal Veterinary Officer for the Canton of Jura and has worked for many years as a practising and senior veterinarian in various roles. The FSVO wishes Lionel Bertholet every success in his new role.

Graureiher mit Vogelgrippevirus im Tierpark Bern aufgefunden

The Federal Council adopts the Swiss-EU package (Bilaterals III) to Parliament

The Bilaterals III are in Switzerland’s interests. The package ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the European Union, Switzerland’s most important trading partner. The Federal Council intends to stabilise the tried-and-tested bilateral approach and ensure its long-term viability. The parliamentary phase now begins.

Laurent Monnerat is the new Director of the FSVO

The FSVO is pleased to welcome Laurent Monnerat as its new Director. He took over from Hans Wyss, who entered retirement, on 1 August 2025. The FSVO wishes Laurent Monnerat a successful start in his position and thanks Hans Wyss for his many years of commitment to animal welfare and food safety.

Swiss-EU package: Federal Council opens consultation

At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the Swiss-EU package. The new protocol on food safety strengthens consumer protection and plant and animal health. Read about the advantages at a glance.

Good to know

New CITES regulations come into effect on 1 May 2026

At the CoP20 – the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES – in late 2025, important decisions were made on 51 proposals to include endangered animal and plant species. The new regulations come into effect on 1 May 2026.

Swiss-EU: the food safety protocol at a glance

A new food safety protocol has been negotiated with the EU, which provides for a common food safety area between Switzerland and the EU. Get an overview of the advantages and find out what the protocol means for Swiss producers, livestock owners and individuals.

“Act Now”: International awareness week on antimicrobial resitance

Between 18 and 24 November, the international community will be focusing on the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in order to raise awareness among the general public, experts and politicians. Switzerland will also be participating in this initiative.

New proposals for the international protection of endangered animal and plant species

The 20^th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) will take place in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) from 24 November to 5 December 2025. The proposals to the CITES appendices were announced at the end of June. The 185 contracting parties will decide on these at the conference. Switzerland will be represented by the FSVO.

Swiss Salt Study: data for research

On request, the data from the Swiss Salt Study 2022/23 will also be made available to external researchers.
These data, provided by the FSVO, are anonymised and may only be used for non-commercial, scientific purposes.

Research to successfully combat foot rot

Disinfectant foot baths are used throughout Switzerland to combat foot root. Two effective disinfectants with no undesirable side effects are in use. These were validated as part of studies initiated by the FSVO. Findings from research are needed in order to develop a successful, national programme to combat foot rot. Consequently, the FSVO is financing various studies on foot rot.

Travelling with pets