DGZ
OVERVIEW
At our facilities in Torhout and Lier, we provide a wide range of services, including laboratory diagnostics, veterinary pathology, disease surveillance, advisory support and the implementation of official animal health programmes. Every year, our laboratory performs more than one million analyses and thousands of post-mortem examinations, providing valuable insights into both endemic and emerging animal health challenges.
DGZ also supports farmers in the legally required identification and registration of farms and animals. Accurate traceability systems make it possible to follow animals and animal products throughout the entire production chain, from farm to consumer. This transparency is an essential component of food safety and consumer confidence.
Beyond livestock, DGZ contributes to the health and welfare of companion animals through specialised laboratory services and diagnostic support.
Innovation, scientific expertise and collaboration are at the heart of our activities. DGZ continuously invests in the development of new analyses and services, not only to address challenges within the livestock sector, but also to create added value further along the agri-food chain. Through data-driven monitoring, practice-oriented research and digital tools, we help farmers, veterinarians and other stakeholders make informed decisions, improve biosecurity and promote responsible antimicrobial stewardship.
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.
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.
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.
3. Laboratory and autopsy
The DGZ laboratory in Torhout conducts over one million analyses and thousands of autopsies each year.
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 and help to detect health issues at an early stage and to develop tailored 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