The aim of the project is to build on and accelerate the work of the SCAR CWG in developing a durable focused network of national research funders in Member and Associated States of the EU for the purpose of sharing information, coordinating activities and working towards a common research agenda and mutual research funding activities in the field of animal health. The scope includes emerging and major infectious diseases of production animals, including fish and bees and including those conditions which pose a threat to human health but excluding food safety issues relating to the handling of livestock products and diseases of wildlife except where they act as reservoirs of infection for humans or production animals.