The Federation nationale des groupements de defense sanitaire du betail (FNGDSB) created in 1979 a scientific commission in France to get clarification, knowledge and advises on important animal diseases. The commission invited 7 scientists and some members of the FNGDSB. 19 meetings were held from 1979-1996. Many problems, mostly infectious diseases, were discussed. In many occasions, the commission was able to anticipate and prepare necessary steps to prevent the disease from occurring.