The institute focuses on viral infectious diseases in animals. Our work covers the entire spectrum of viral infection medicine including the analysis of molecular mechanisms of replication, pathogenesis, diagnostics, development of vaccines and other therapeutic or metaphylactic appraches. The focus areas of the institute cover DNA viruses (herpes- and poxviruses) and RNA viruses (influenza and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, PRRSV). In addition, our institute is home to the OIE Reference Laboratory for Equine Herpes- and Influenza Viruses. Beyond that, we work with many colleagues at national and international institutions.