FESASS participates in the 2026 Congress of GDS France

GDS France held its annual congress at the emblematic Palais des Papes in Avignon on 23 and 24 April 2026. FESASS was represented by its President, Stéphane Jeanne, alongside Hans-Peter Schons, Deputy Vice-President and Director of the ADT, and Alain Cantaloube, Secretary General.

Dr François Claine, Head of Animal Health Supervision at ARSIA, took part in the roundtable discussion, “Rethinking the collective management of animal diseases in the face of current issues and future challenges.” This event was particularly fruitful, providing valuable opportunities for networking, exchanges, and collective reflection.

On this occasion, Stéphane Jeanne presented FESASS to more than 300 participants, detailing its activities and concerns. He notably stressed the need to strengthen the health security of live animal movements in the context of the growing spread of serious epizootic diseases. In his view, rather than multiplying constraints, it is important to draw inspiration from systems that are already working effectively in the Member States. He also highlighted the work of FESASS to secure appropriate funding for animal health in Europe in the future, based on a system of shared costs and responsibilities throughout the production and marketing chain.

Finally, he was able to meet with Annie Genevard, Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Sovereignty of the French Republic, and provide her with a more detailed overview of our federation and its main objectives.

For FESASS, it is essential to stand alongside its members during key moments such as this congress. These occasions provide a valuable opportunity to engage directly with national and field-level stakeholders on the challenges of effective animal disease management for the livestock sector.