DGZ
OVERVIEW
DGZ (Dierengezondheidszorg Vlaanderen / Animal Health Care Flanders) is the trusted partner of Flemish livestock farmers and acts as a bridge between farmers, veterinarians, and the government. From its sites in Torhout and Lier, DGZ works daily with the sector to ensure healthy animals, strong economic results, and ultimately the delivery of safe and healthy food to consumers.
DGZ is a non-profit organization, founded by and for farmers, and active throughout Flanders. The organization focuses mainly on the ruminant, poultry, and pig sectors but also contributes to the health and welfare of small pets. In addition, DGZ is officially recognized as a scientific research institute.
The organization aims to contribute to a transparent and reliable food chain by focusing on the prevention and monitoring of animal diseases. In doing so, we strive for infection prevention to ensure responsible antimicrobial stewardship, thereby actively aligning with policy at both the Belgian and European levels.
Other informations
Belgium
The purpose of DGZ is to safeguard animal health and welfare while supporting farmers and veterinarians with innovative, science-based solutions. DGZ ensures sustainable livestock farming and guarantees a safe and reliable food chain for consumers. DGZ combines expertise and innovation. From identification and registration to advanced lab analyses, disease monitoring, and digital tools, DGZ empowers farmers and veterinarians with reliable services and smart solutions. By investing in people, technology, and collaboration, DGZ helps building a future-oriented sector where animal health, welfare, and food safety go hand in hand.
The DGZ team consists of a wide range of specialists: veterinarians, engineers, IT experts, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff. Their work can be summarized in four main areas:
1. Identification and registration
DGZ supports farmers with the legally required identification and registration of their farms and animals. These services make it possible to trace the origin of an animal and its products. DGZ is therefore an indispensable link in a food production chain that is not only of the highest quality but also transparent and trustworthy.
2. Animal health care
DGZ assists farmers and veterinarians in the monitoring, prevention, and control of animal diseases. This includes:
• implementation of animal health programmes commissioned by the government,
• monitoring of existing, emerging, and evolving animal diseases,
• conducting practice-oriented research and providing second-line veterinary medicine,
• offering advisory services based on laboratory results.
• promoting responsible Antimicrobial Stewardship by helping farmers and veterinarians improve infection prevention, disease control and biosecurity.
In order to achieve all of the above, we also carry out dedicated projects in the field to foster innovation and further optimize our services.
3. Laboratory and autopsy
The DGZ laboratory in Torhout conducts over one million analyses and thousands of autopsies each year. The majority of this work is carried out within official government health programmes, but DGZ also works directly on behalf of farmers and veterinarians. The combination of expertise and modern, often automated equipment guarantees fast and reliable results.
4. Innovation through high-impact projects
Innovation is in DGZ’s DNA. In addition to advanced laboratory technology, DGZ develops digital tools that support farmers and veterinarians in their daily operations and help detect health issues at an early stage. Through data analysis and monitoring projects, the sector gains better insight into animal health and biosecurity.
Stronger together for the future
Together with farmers, veterinarians, sector organisations and the government, DGZ is building a future-oriented agricultural sector.
Not-for-profit organization
Industrielaan 29, 882 Torhout
&
Hagenbroeksesteenweg 167,
2800 Lier, Belgium
+32 78 05 05 23