FLI at "Grüne Woche" in Berlin for the first time

01/07/2026 - Research for healthy animals – and the protection of humans and the environment For over 100 years, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has been conducting research into animal health to protect humans, animals, and the environment. Using modern diagnostics, preventive approaches and digital support, we identify invisible dangers at an early stage and develop solutions to current and future challenges. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of 'Grüne Woche' in Berlin, the FLI will be participating in the exhibition for the first time at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture's stand in Hall 23a. At Stand 605, the FLI will present a wide range of aspects of its research under the theme of animal husbandry. Interactive exhibits clearly demonstrate how modern animal disease research and digital technologies in agriculture work. Pipetting and working in (high) security areas Pipetting is one of the basic techniques used in almost every laboratory. Visitors can try out different pipettes for themselves. They will quickly realise that wearing gloves makes even solving a children's puzzle challenging. We also display a protective suit that is worn when working with certain pathogens at the highest biosafety level. At BSL-4 level, research is conducted on infectious agents that can be transmitted between humans and animals, for which there are generally no vaccines or targeted therapies. Examples include the Ebola, Nipah and Crimean-Congo viruses. Animal disease diagnostics From avian influenza to foot-and-mouth disease, modern laboratory diagnostics and bioinformatics make it possible to identify new pathogens and quickly analyse known ones during outbreaks, thereby containing risks. A key tool in this process is sequencing technology. We showcase a modern mini sequencing device that is barely larger than a chocolate bar and can be used in the field. The resulting sequence data is displayed on a monitor. In addition, interactive puzzles convey knowledge about DNA, pathogens, and the work of 'virus hunters' in a fun way. Digital solutions are improving animal welfare AI and big data analyses are playing an increasingly important role in research and agricultural practice. These technologies can identify animal health and welfare issues in farm animals at an early stage. This intelligence can be used to make animal husbandry more sustainable, environmentally friendly and animal-friendly. Videos show chickens, pigs and cattle solving learning tasks. Interested viewers can test whether they can solve tasks as quickly or recognise images as fast as AI. The 'Bite-o-Mat' for pigs, developed by the FLI, clearly illustrates how technical systems can contribute to the early detection of behavioural problems. Videos demonstrate how AI can automatically recognise individual animals, track their movements, and link this information to other data. There is also a virtual barn shown from a cow's perspective.