On September 29\u201330, 2026, Odesa State Agrarian University hosted a two-day training seminar “Awareness and Preparedness: Detection of Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics”. The event was held within the framework of the project “SMS-RO-UA: Development of screening and monitoring systems for emerging diseases and prevention of cross-border epidemics in the current context” (ROUA00136), Activity 1.5 “Increasing awareness on emerging diseases and the prevention of cross-border epidemics”, funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021-2027.<\/p>\n
The aim of the seminar was increasing awareness of emerging diseases and of the mechanisms for preventing cross-border epidemics; promotion of harmonized and standardized practices for collecting and managing epidemiological surveillance and monitoring data in the cross-border area; and strengthening the practical capacity of participants in the use of laboratory equipment and pathogen identification protocols for joint preventive and liquidation measures. This aim was achieved.<\/p>\n
The seminar was attended, both offline and online, by 127 persons, namely representatives of public authorities, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, veterinary and medical institutions, higher education and scientific institutions, and public organizations. Welcoming remarks were delivered by representatives of national and international bodies, project partners from Ukraine and Romania (Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Directorate Tulcea), the OSAU administration, and relevant state and scientific institutions.<\/p>\n
The first day had an informational format. Participants became familiar with the sampling plan and the results of project research on emerging diseases, and reviewed five protocols for identifying sources of pathogens: African swine fever, West Nile virus, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and avian influenza. Separate presentations addressed the organization of state veterinary and sanitary control at the state border, cross-border epizootic surveillance and early warning systems for animal disease outbreaks, epizootic risks in the cross-border Lower Danube region, wildlife biosecurity, the role of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the “One Health” concept. The day concluded with a Q&A panel discussion.<\/p>\n
The second day was practical. Participants worked in four groups, rotating between sessions on laboratory preparedness and biosafety, sample preparation for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), operation of the equipment procured under the project, and pathomorphological diagnostics with collection of biological material. The seminar concluded with a workshop-discussion of mechanisms for preventing and responding to new transboundary animal diseases. Participants received certificates.<\/p>\n
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The project is being implemented between June 4, 2025, and December 3, 2026, and has a total value of \u20ac 418.063,41, of which \u20ac 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 \u20ac 144.748,80.<\/p>\n\n\t\t