The BioPic team of Anses and the service for Exotic viruses and particular diseases of Sciensano carry out applied and fundamental research in the fields of:

a) host/pathogen interaction, b) diagnosis, c) molecular epidemiology and d) vaccine. The scientific projects aim to develop improved diagnostic methods for FMDV detection, characterization and differentiation from other vesicular disease viruses, to characterize the virus strains circulating in endemic countries, to improve understanding of the mechanisms of FMDV persistence and to assess new prophylactic and control methods including antiviral drugs and emergency vaccines.