The GENIMAL laboratory performs tests on both infectious diseases and genetic diseases. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by pathogens, usually viruses or bacteria. Genetic diseases are diseases due to changes in the genetic code of the animal, of its DNA. Genetic diseases are transmitted from generation to generation from parents to children. Infectious diseases can be treated with suitable drugs such as antibiotics. Genetic diseases can not be treated at present. To eradicate a genetic disease the only solution is to cross together animals that do not have the unwanted alleles of the genetic disease concerned.