[en] The Anses was asked to expand scientific knowledge on the consequences of ELF electromagnetic fields on animal health and zootechnical performance. The lack of bibliographic data assessing the exposure of livestock to electromagnetic fields incited ANSES to launch a campaign for measuring electrical and magnetic fields in the environment in a sample of thirty livestock farms, both near high-voltage power lines and otherwise. This study, while it is not representative of all French farm situations, made it possible to draw initial conclusions on the average levels found in fields in typical farm environments by identifying the sources of these fields. The magnetic field levels measured underneath high-voltage electrical power lines remained low (between 0.01 and 7.59 μT) and the electrical fields were around 46 to 5 060 V/m. The levels in livestock buildings were lower (< 3 μT and 43 V/m). While sources inside farms can generate fields reaching 25 μT near certain types of equipment (electrical cabinets in particular), animals were not directly exposed to these. A literature review showed that although effects have been observed on rare occasions in animals (deterioration of cognitive function in laboratory animals (exposure of > 100 μT), possible reduced milk production and milk-fat levels, and increased ingestion in dairy cows (magnetic fields of 30μT for 30 days), etc.), it remains difficult to assess the direct health effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on livestock

[en] Farmers from two cattle farms located near a wind farm in Loire-Atlantique have reported various problems with their animals, including a reduction in milk yield and quality, behavioural problems, and an increase in mortality. ANSES stresses that these particular situations require support measures. However, it has concluded that the disorders encountered are most likely unrelated to the presence of the wind turbines. The Agency recommends establishing a suitable comprehensive diagnostic protocol, in order to be able to act promptly in the event of disorders occurring in other farms close to wind turbines