Emerging animal diseases have become increasingly important over the past few years, as shown by the outbreaks of avian influenza, bluetongue or West Nile Fever. These diseases often originate from tropical countries, from which they threaten or reach western countries. Emerging diseases are associated with social, economical, financial, international, biological, collaborative and media challenges. They also offer opportunities to improve the necessary North/ South solidarity, reinforce the veterinary services, develop new research themes and specialities, review the teaching of epidemiology, and find new ways to circulate information. French veterinary expertise has all the necessary characteristics to meet these challenges.