Odesa State Agrarian University is a partner of the international project “SMS-RO-UA: Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context”, ROUA00136.
The project is co-financed by the EU under the Interreg NEXT Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027 programme and is aimed at addressing cross-border disease issues in the Lower Danube region.
Project Objectives
- Enhancing the capacity to research emerging diseases in the cross-border region.
- Ensuring effective disease surveillance and epidemic prevention.
- Reducing risks to human health, the environment and biodiversity.
Special attention is given to African swine fever, West Nile virus, avian influenza, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis through a joint analysis of cross-border diseases.
Project consortium
- Lead partner: Youth public organization “New European Generation” (Ukraine)
- Partner 2: Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Directorate Tulcea (Romania)
- Partner 3: Odesa State Agrarian University (Ukraine)
Project budget is €418 063,41, in particular, the budget of Odesa State Agrarian University is €144 748,80 (grant amount €130 273,92).
Implementation: 18 months (04.06.2025 – 03.12.2026)
Project Activities
- Communication and visibility actions
- Improvement of the laboratory complex at Odesa State Agrarian University (Ukraine)
- Equipment and supplies for DSVA laboratory in Romania
- Joint research of emerging diseases in cross-border area: sampling and analysis
- Increasing awareness on emerging diseases and the prevention of cross-border epidemics
- “One Health” information campaign
Expected Project results
- Joint scientific report on the research of key cross-border diseases
- Equipping partner laboratories with specialized equipment
- Joint GIS platform based on the results of the conducted research
- Development of protocols with step-by-step instructions for identifying sources of diseases and preventive measures
- Increase awareness and sharing knowledge through informational and training seminars, workshops and study visits
- Practical guide “Assessment of Emerging Diseases” to harmonize disease assessment within the EU “One Health” policy
Launch of the SMS-RO-UA project
On September 18, 2025 the project launch event was held at Odesa State Agrarian University.
Format – mixed: face-to-face and remote participation (online/Zoom).
Key outcomes of the event:
- Increasing awareness of the project activities, EU funding, attracting media attention to create an information base
- Creating a support network for the long-term sustainability of the project, forming a positive image of project activities among stakeholders
- Increasing public awareness of the need and prospects for their participation in the project as stakeholders
The event became an important step toward harmonizing Ukraine’s standards with EU norms and establishing a reliable system for monitoring emerging diseases in the cross-border region.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/uspishno-provedeno-zahid-zapusku-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/
TRAINING AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
First Training Visit
On October 2, 2025 the first training visit was held at Odesa State Agrarian University as a partner of the project SMS-RO-UA. The event was aimed at raising awareness among researchers and the general public about the spread, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of transboundary animal diseases, with particular attention to transmission routes, associated risks and the sense of urgency they entail. The event served as an important platform for discussing joint actions to combat transboundary animal diseases and promoted dialogue among scientists, industry professionals and representatives of the public.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/pershyj-navchalnyj-vizyt-proektu-sms-ro-ua/
Study visit to Murighiol (Romania) within the International Project SMS-RO-UA
On April 21–22, 2026, a study visit took place in Murighiol (Tulcea, Romania). The activity was organized at the invitation of the Sanitary, Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate of Tulcea and implemented within the framework of the international project “SMS-RO-UA: Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context,” in which Odesa State Agrarian University acts as a partner institution.
The objective of the visit was to enhance participants’ understanding of practical approaches to veterinary and sanitary surveillance, disease monitoring systems, and preventive measures targeting transboundary infectious diseases, as well as to further strengthen scientific and professional cooperation between Ukrainian and Romanian partners.
The delegation from Odesa State Agrarian University included: Kateryna RODIONOVA, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PhD in Veterinary Sciences, Project Communication Manager; Inna ZHUNKO, Head of the Multidisciplinary Veterinary Medicine Laboratory, PhD in Biological Sciences; as well as students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
During the visit, participants were introduced to the operational activities of specialized veterinary services, engaged in discussions on current challenges in veterinary safety and exchanged professional experience on the implementation of modern epidemiological surveillance and monitoring systems.
«Beyond Borders»: SMS-RO-UA Open Lab Day
On May 5, 2026 the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Odesa State Agrarian University hosted the “Beyond Borders” Laboratory Open Day within the framework of the international SMS-RO-UA project. Participants explored the university’s modernized laboratory facilities, advanced laboratory equipment, and diagnostic methods for infectious diseases. The event also demonstrated the application of the One Health approach in scientific research and highlighted the achievements of the SMS-RO-UA project, including the enhanced capabilities of the university’s laboratory infrastructure.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/sms-ro-ua-ob-yednuye-stejkholderiv-u-modernizovanij-laboratoriyi-odau/
Workshop within the framework of the international project SMS-RO-UA
On June 3, 2026 the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Odesa State Agrarian University hosted a Stakeholder Dialogue Workshop “New Approaches to Laboratory Diagnosis and Monitoring of Transboundary Animal Diseases”. The event brought together students, representatives of public authorities, educational institutions, the veterinary community and state bodies. Participants were introduced to the university’s upgraded laboratory facilities and modern diagnostic approaches and took part in practical demonstrations of advanced laboratory diagnostic methods.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/stakeholder-dialogue-workshop/
INFORMATION COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT
Information videos within the SMS-RO-UA Project
Odesa State Agrarian University, as a partner of the international project SMS-RO-UA “Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context”, has produced a series of Informational videos focused on infectious disease prevention, raising public awareness and promoting health protection.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/vyjshly-informatsijni-video-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/
NEWSLETTERS OF THE SMS-RO-UA PROJECT
Newsletter No. 7
The issue highlights key cross-border cooperation activities between Ukraine and Romania within the framework of the One Health approach, including a study visit and training in Murighiol, Romania; a seminar on zoonotic diseases in Reni; and an interactive workshop on animal health and epidemiological risks in Izmail, attended by the OSAU representatives, veterinary services, public authorities, and relevant institutions.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/newsletter-no-7-released-within-the-sms-ro-ua-project/
Newsletter No. 6
“Stage 1: Synthetic Description of Samples Collected and Analysed in Romania”.
This edition presents the results of the first sampling campaign conducted by the Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Directorate of Tulcea.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/vyjshov-vypusk-inform-byuletenya-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/
Newsletter No. 5
This issue focuses on the іmportant stage of the project – comprehensive sample collection in the southern districts of the Odesa region.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/vyjshov-novyj-vypusk-informatsijnogo-byuletenya-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/
Newsletter No. 4
This edition covers the key outcomes of the workshop held in Izmail on cross-border monitoring of zoonotic diseases, introduces a series of new educational videos designed for a wide audience, and presents a practical information sheet developed to help communities better understand and prevent dangerous infections.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/vyjshov-chergovyj-vypusk-informatsijnogo-byuletenya-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/
Newsletter No. 3
This edition focuses on the Terms of Reference for the Analysis of Emerging Animal Diseases in the Cross-Border Area – a key document providing a shared roadmap to detect and prevent the spread of dangerous diseases between Romania and Ukraine.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/vyjshov-vypusk-informatsijnogo-byuletenya-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/
Newsletter No. 2
In this new Newsletter issue, you will find information about key project milestones: launch events in Odesa and Murighiol, the study visit and approval of Terms of Reference, the kick-off conference in Izmail, as well as details of the upcoming “One Health” information campaign with seminars and educational videos.
For more information: https://osau.edu.ua/en/vyjshov-drugyj-vypusk-newsletter-proyektu-sms-ro-ua/