The activities of consumer groups and animal protectionists and the effects of large-scale sanitary crises have increased the awareness that animal production is more than just an industry. Farm animal welfare is now clearly an important issue for people across Europe and there is clear demand for higher animal welfare standards. Exotic or emerging infectious threats are ever present and their potential environmental consequences are a growing concern. Endemic and production diseases are often overlooked, although they exert the maximum trouble to animal welfare. The disease threats to the livestock industry have increased steadily as a result of intensification of livestock production, globalisation, evolving pathogens and climate change. Building on the experience and achievements of the previous ERA-Net EMIDA, the Animal Health and Welfare ERA-Net (ANIHWA) aims to increase cooperation and coordination of national research programmes on animal health and welfare of farm animals, including fish and bees. The cooperation and coordination among the partners will be deepened by systematic exchange of information and mapping of national research activities and facilities, gap analysis and preparation of a dedicated strategic research agenda, thorough assessment of the funding mechanisms with increased number of joint calls and finally strategic activities aimed at a sustainable development and extension of the network.