As part of the implementation 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” (acronym: SMS-RO-UA, project number: ROUA00136), funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021-2027, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Odesa State Agrarian University hosted a significant practical event with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders on 5 May 2026.
Thanks to EU project funding, the Faculty received state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, enabling a substantial upgrade of the laboratory facilities and significantly expanding the scope of scientific and diagnostic work. The equipment procured under the project supports monitoring studies on African swine fever, avian influenza, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, West Nile virus, and other infectious diseases within the animal-water-soil-human system, applying the One Health approach.
Representatives of leading scientific and professional organisations were invited to participate as stakeholders: the Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine, the All-Ukrainian Public Organisation “Ukrainian Society of Geneticists and Breeders named after M.I. Vavilov”, the National Science Centre “Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking named after V.Ye. Tairov” of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, as well as a practising veterinarian. The participation of these organisations reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the project and its relevance to both the scientific community and applied practice. The event was also attended by students of the Agronomy degree programme (Horticulture and Viticulture) together with the Head of the Department of Horticulture, Viticulture, Biology and Chemistry, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences Yurii Savchuk.
The aim of the event was to provide participants with a hands-on introduction to the capabilities of the upgraded laboratory infrastructure developed under the SMS-RO-UA project, and to discuss prospects for interdisciplinary collaboration in the fields of biosafety, infectious disease monitoring, and the One Health approach.
During the visit to the laboratory complex, Kateryna Rodionova, Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Associate Professor, Communication Officer of the SMS-RO-UA project and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, introduced participants to biosafety and bioprotection requirements in laboratory settings, as well as sample packaging and transportation procedures. Inna Zhunko, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Assistant at the Department of Infectious Pathology, Biosafety and Veterinary-Sanitary Inspection, presented the fundamentals of practical microbiology, methods of microorganism identification, and principles of culturing microorganisms on nutrient media.
The skills acquired are essential for conducting laboratory analysis of soil, water and plant material, assessing phytopathogen spread risks, and implementing modern safety management systems — including HACCP principles, traceability and risk-based approaches in the agricultural sector. The knowledge and competencies gained will benefit future agronomists in phytosanitary monitoring, microbiological safety of plant products, diagnosis of bacterial and fungal plant diseases, and the organisation of biosafety systems in greenhouse complexes, nurseries, and horticultural and viticultural enterprises.
The modernisation of the laboratory infrastructure under the SMS-RO-UA project is a significant contribution to the development of the University’s research potential, the strengthening of stakeholder partnerships, and the integration of OSAU into the European Research Area.
The project is being implemented between June 4, 2025, and December 3, 2026, and has a total value of € 418.063,41, of which € 376.257,06 is funding provided by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021- 2027. As a partner, total Odesa State Agrarian University eligible budget is € 144.748,80.
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Odesa State Agrarian University and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021- 2027 management structures.
The Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021- 2027 is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the participating countries in the Programme.
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