Annual report of the Scientific Network on Animal Health 2023

According to its Founding Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was tasked to establish a system of networks of organisations operating in the fields within EFSA's remit, with the objective to facilitate a scientific cooperation framework by coordinating activities, exchanging information, developing and implementing joint projects, and exchanging expertise and best practices. The Scientific Network on Risk Assessment in Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) aims to build a mutual understanding of risk assessment principles in the areas of animal health and welfare, to promote harmonisation of animal health and welfare risk assessment practices and methodologies, and to reduce the duplication of activities by identifying and sharing current and upcoming priorities. The network organises an annual meeting dedicated to animal health‐related issues to discuss and exchange on all topics currently relevant and interesting to its member organisations. In 2023, this annual meeting took place on 21 and 22 September. Among all topics covered, special attention was paid to avian influenza and African swine fever, for which two network subgroups for data collection on those diseases were established in 2023, while other urgent issues (e.g. epizootic haemorrhagic disease) were brought to the table by the network. This report summarises the activities presented by members and observers of the network as well as EFSA's contributions during the meeting.