Scientific projects and agreements RSE “NRTSV”
RSE “NRTSV” took an active part in various research projects, as well as in cooperation with scientific institutions of Kazakhstan and other States.
- Twinninglab project One of the international projects, in the period 2013-2015, in which RSE “NRCV” directly participated as a candidate for obtaining the status of the OIE international reference laboratory for brucellosis in the Central Asian region, based on an agreement on a cooperation program in the field of veterinary medicine between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and MEB. This agreement was signed between 9 and 13 July 2012 during the official visit of the OIE Director General Dr. Bernard Wall to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The project itself has been actively functioning since December 2013 as a collaboration between a colaboratory laboratory, which is the current OIE international reference laboratory for brucellosis, and a laboratory applying for this status and operates under the name “Twinning lab”.
The project was financed by the International Bureau of Epizootics (OIE), Paris, France, which includes the supply of reagents and materials to fulfill the goals of the project and travel of specialists for training at the Institute of Animal Prevention, Teramo, Italy.
1.1 Purpose of the project – obtaining the status of the OIE international reference laboratory for brucellosis in the Central Asian region of the RSE “NRCV”.
The Institute for Animal Prevention (IZSAM) in Teramo under the Ministry of Health of Italy acted as a collaborator in this program, which as a whole is a team of scientists with extensive international experience. The Institute (IZSAM) cooperates with many international institutions of foreign countries (more than 90 countries) and international organizations such as WHO, FAO and OIE. The main project areas are Western Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. The main goal of the IZSAM Institute is the prevention of animal diseases, to prevent human infection.
1.2 The objectives of the project are to increase the level of technical knowledge of the staff of the RSE “NRCV”, the introduction of methods, standards recommended by the OIE both in the RSE “NRCV” and throughout the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan; introduction of methods for creating a collection of National reference materials (standards) using generally accepted international validation procedures; holding seminars for all veterinary laboratories of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as neighboring countries.
Tasks to increase the level of technical knowledge of RSE “NRTSV” personnel include training of laboratory personnel in the following activities:
– serological diagnosis of brucellosis;
– bacteriological procedures for the isolation and characterization of Brucella;
– molecular tools for brucella identification;
– epidemiological state of animal brucellosis;
– quality control of results;
— validation of test methods and verification of test results;
– biosecurity procedures;
– educational trainings and publications.
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№ |
Name of events |
Implementation timeline |
Members |
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1. |
Receipt of results from the December 2014 comparative tests on serological studies organized by IZSAM. Analysis of results. |
January 2015 |
Specialists of the Serology Department of the DIZ Laboratory |
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2. |
Sending isolated Brucella DNA samples to IZSAM for comparison of the results obtained in the NRCV for the purpose of further MLVA analysis. |
February 2015 |
Specialists of the department of molecular biology |
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3. |
Conducting a workshop on laboratory research of brucellosis based on the acquired knowledge in |
February 24-26, 2015 |
Specialists of 7 branches of the RSE “RVL” regions: East Kazakhstan, South Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kyzyl-Orda, Karaganda, Zhambyl, Akmola. Specialists of the brucellosis department of RSE “KazNIVI” |
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3.1 |
Conducting a serology seminar on the topic “Serological methods for diagnosing brucellosis according to international standards” |
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3.2 |
Training in bacteriology on the theme “Implementation of the bacteriological method for the study of brucellosis recommended by the OIE” |
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3.3 |
Training in molecular genetics on the topic “Implementation of molecular biological research methods for the diagnosis of brucellosis, brucella typing and biotyping” |
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4. |
Diagnostic work on brucellosis – collection of blood serum, pathological material on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, isolation of a pure culture, genotyping, comparative tests. |
February-September 2015 |
DIZ laboratory RSE “NRTSV” |
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5. |
Conducting a seminar on laboratory research of brucellosis based on the knowledge gained in IZSAM for specialists from veterinary laboratories of the Republic of Kazakhstan and neighboring States – Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan |
10-12.06.2015 |
Specialists of 7 branches of RSE “RVL” regions: Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Mangystau, Aktobe, Kostanay, West Kazakhstan. Specialists of the brucellosis department of RSE “KazNIVI” |
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5.1 |
Conducting a serology seminar on the topic “Serological methods for diagnosing brucellosis according to international standards” |
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5.2 |
Training in bacteriology on the theme “Implementation of the bacteriological method for the study of brucellosis recommended by the OIE” |
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5.3 |
Training in molecular genetics on the topic “Implementation of molecular biological research methods for the diagnosis of brucellosis, brucella typing and biotyping” |
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5.4 |
Training in epidemiology on the topic “Analysis of the epizootic state of brucellosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2014” |
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6. |
Conducting an interim working audit with a demonstration of the acquired knowledge, skills, results in the Twinning Lab project during the arrival of IZSAM experts to the NRC |
July 28 – August 2, 2015 |
Arrival of auditors with IZSAM: |
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7. |
Conducting a final audit with a demonstration of the acquired knowledge, skills, results in the Twinning Lab project during the arrival of IZSAM experts to the NRTsV, report on corrected actions |
December 1-2, 2015 |
Arrival of auditors from IZSAM and auditor’s expert from USDA |
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8. |
Conducting the final international seminar on brucellosis. Reports on the results of work in the Twinning Lab project. |
December 3-4, 2015 |
Invited specialists from veterinary organizations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Expert auditors from the IZSAM Institute, Italy, an expert auditor from the USDA. |
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9. |
Submission of a report to the OIE on the work carried out within the framework of the project |
December 2015 |
Expert auditors from the IZSAM Institute, Italy, expert auditor from the USDA, management of RSE “NRTSV” |
- CAP-3 project.
In 2014-2015, the RSE NRCV conducted an international project of the CAP-3 Project on the topic “Integrity of archived samples for use in the surveillance of bluetongue, Akabane and Schmallenberg diseases”
This Agreement was concluded between the Representative Office of Technology Management Company Inc. (Technology Management Company Inc.) (hereinafter – “TMC”) and RSE “National Reference Center for Veterinary Medicine”.
2.1. Brief overview of the Project
Under the US Department of Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DOD) Biological Threat Reduction Program (BHRP) in Kazakhstan, molecular methods have been introduced to detect co-vector diseases in Joint Biological Research Projects (JBR), including KZ-4, KZ- 29, TAP-2, TAP-4, and Biohazard Detection and Response Program (BHA) observations. The U.S. DoD AIM is also funding the construction of a Central Reference Laboratory (CRL) at the Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases (KSCQZD) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will have Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) certified laboratories and depositories to protect high-risk collections pathogens (PLO). The CRL will be the main national diagnostic and reference institution, where both modern (immunoassay and genetics) diagnostics, sequencing, and traditional microbiological methods will be combined. As the CRL Operations Projects (CAPs) are scheduled to be completed before the CRL is operational, the CAP studies provide experience to further identify and work on gaps to smoother transition of the CRL to operational status. This CAP-3 study included the evaluation of archived screening serum samples using newly developed diagnostic assays to monitor relevant emerging infections that could affect Kazakhstan. The results of this study will help develop and strengthen the Institute’s procedures for disease surveillance, specimen storage, and biosecurity in the future.
CAP-3 is a one-year study that included a budget for materials and reagents. The studies were carried out by employees of the RSE “NRTSV” of one Kazakhstani institute and collaborators from the USA; supported by AECOM. Project collaborators from the US, who are already involved in PBI projects, will bring in institute participants to implement the required assays and strengthen the surveillance system to identify the causative agents of these diseases earlier and with greater accuracy. In addition, the required baseline data will help us compare available historical data, available across institutions, and future data to determine the true extent of the problems caused by these pathogens. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the surveillance system required to quickly identify any outbreak from archived samples.
2.2. Текущий прогресс
Все лабораторные исследования были завершены в конце мая 2015 года. Кроме того, в июле был разработан тезисный доклад для совещания CRWAD и направлен на рассмотрение АУУ МО США; комментарии АУУ МО США были включены в отредактированный доклад. Сам проект, в соответствии с графиком, был завершен 2 октября 2015 года.По данному докладу и отчету о результатах исследований был составлен постер, который был презентован на международной конференции CRWAD (Чикаго, 6-8 декабря).
- Project TAR-7.
In 2015, the RSE NRCV conducted an international project of the TAP-7 Project on the topic “Awareness-raising work with the population to deepen understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of African swine fever (ASF) in Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine: training and implementation of methods for the control and Prevention” This Agreement was concluded between the Representative Office of “Technology Management Company Inc.” (Technology Management Company Inc.) (hereinafter – “TMC”) and RSE “National Reference Center for Veterinary Medicine”.
3.1. Brief overview of the Project
Development of a comprehensive and sustainable network of knowledge, experts and know-how in the field of African swine fever (ASF) infection control and prevention through a collaborative project within the framework of the PSA, which includes four countries (Armenia, Georgia , Kazakhstan, and Ukraine) in the overall Research Plan (Form A) based on ongoing joint activities.
Need to be defined: gaps in knowledge, legislation and outbreak preparedness. Since this pathogen has a high potential for bioterrorism and is of great public health and veterinary significance and/or is considered to cause significant economic instability, it is critical for countries at risk of ASF to have the infrastructure to accurately and quickly identify and inform international organizations in areas of health about work on ASF, as well as providing a response to the spread of the virus. This project will attempt to identify key human resources and veterinary systems in order to start implementing solutions to address identified gaps, thereby increasing the potential for ASF risk mitigation.
3.2. Target: Training and implementation of a sustainable education campaign to raise public awareness of ASF, which aims to:
3.3. Project implementation:
– Regional joint working groups on ASF have been established, including representatives from Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine and other officials from international veterinary and food bureaus.
– Key groups have been identified that should effectively implement the necessary methods to reduce and spread ASF (LEI veterinarians, pig farm workers, managers of wildlife management services and rangers).
– Through collaboration with FAO and experts, training materials were created and distributed to key personnel in areas and districts at risk of ASF infection, as well as workshops were held with veterinary services of the LEA, pig farm workers, wildlife managers and rangers, as well as yard bypass (Fig. 1).
Rice. 1 – Areas at risk of introducing ASF in Kazakhstan from the Russian Federation
3.3.1. Seminars
and distribution of handouts in the Republic of Kazakhstan:
– in the West Kazakhstan region during the month of September 2015 in 7 districts bordering the Russian Federation or having a large pig population.
A total of 2800 flyers and 51 posters were provided
– in the Aktobe region during the month of August 2015 in 5 districts bordering the Russian Federation or having a large pig population.
Provided 320 leaflets and 25 posters
– in the Kostanay region in 5 districts bordering the Russian Federation or having a large pig population
1170 leaflets and 25 posters provided
– in the North Kazakhstan region during the month of September 2015 in 8 districts bordering the Russian Federation or having a large pig population.
3,000 flyers and 75 posters handed out
- KZ-2 – “Ecology and epidemiology of brucellosis in South-East Kazakhstan”.
The following institutions were included in this joint project, from the American side “Technology Management Company Inc.” (Technology Management Company Inc.) (hereinafter referred to as “TMC”), from the Kazakhstan side State Institution “National Reference Center for Veterinary Medicine” KVKiN of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Enterprise “Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Enterprise “Kazakh Scientific Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Infections. M. Aikimbaev” of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The project is long-term, was divided into 2 phases, the I phase of the project was carried out in the period from 2005 to 2009, the II phase began in 2012 and ended in April 2014.
The project was financed by the American side, which included the salary of specialists performing direct work, the supply of reagents and materials for the project, trips to international scientific conferences, seminars and trainings.
From RSE “NRTSV” 21 specialists participated in the II phase of the project.
Collaborators of the project were – specialists of the Research Institute. Walter Reid of the US Army; Texas A&M University (TAMU), USA; Louisiana State University, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Collaborating Center for Remote Radar and Global Health Information System, World Health Organization, USA; Departments of Geography and Anthropology, Louisiana State University, USA.
4.1. Main goals
The project was: effective training and implementation of standard methods of epidemiology, including a reporting system through EISNZ, which will serve to further integrate activities within the framework of the SBI and TADR; introduction of additional scientific methods, such as optimization of qPCR assays and phage typing, which will ensure the consistency of previous activities (for example, MLVA-8); assisting institutions in developing procedures to improve the system for responding to outbreaks of human and animal diseases and to strengthen cooperation in responding to such outbreaks; acceleration of the consolidation of strains of OOI and preparation of activities within the framework of the CRL on the basis of the State Enterprise “KNTsKZI”; improving the skills and key scientific capacities in relevant institutions to conduct current and future SBI projects in order to ensure long-term sustainable development; development and implementation of a unified disease surveillance system that can be fully used by institutions for their own purposes, provided that the results of such use will meet the above goals and include the publication of peer-reviewed articles, cooperation with the international scientific community and other work aimed at obtaining additional funding from outside.
In 2014, from April 15 to 26, scientific work was continued on the VNTR/MLVA Analysis of Brucella species using the Beckman CEQ genetic analysis system. On the basis of SPCSEEM, together with collaborators, Drs. Nikolic and Huang, the main studies on sequencing of strains from the 1st phase and from the 2nd phase of the project were carried out and completed.
In carrying out the work on the implementation of MLVA 15 phase 2, specialists from the NPCSEEM together with the NRTsV participated. The multiplex reaction was carried out on 5 pairs of primers, on 3-pairs and on 7-pairs of primers. Together with US collaborators, medical and veterinary isolates of Brucella were studied and analyzed. In total, a multiplex reaction was carried out for 15 pairs of primers, 67 medical isolates from the 2nd phase, 19 strains remaining from the 1st phase, as well as veterinary isolates were studied.
SPCSEEM specialists with collaborator Dr. Jason Blackburn continued to work on GIS from March 17 to March 20, 2014, introducing geographic data into the map.
In parallel, a training on phage typing was held on the basis of the NRTSV in Astana.
- TAP-4 – “Application of the approach of differentiation of infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) for the purpose of surveillance of foot-and-mouth disease in Kazakhstan.”
The following institutions were included in this joint project, from the American side “Technology Management Company Inc.” (Technology Management Company Inc.), from the Kazakh side of the Republican State Enterprise “National Reference Center for Veterinary” KVKiN of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
As part of the U.S. Department of Defense Biohazard Reduction Program (BHRP), the Biohazard Detection and Response (BHA) System also supports diagnostic protocols that include FMD detection by qPCR and surveillance of sera use by ELISA.
In this project, to address important aspects of FMD case surveillance, including detection of non-structural proteins (NSPs) in animal sera as an indicator of infection and comparison of genomic sequences during outbreaks in Kazakhstan, a DIVA approach (differentiation of infected and vaccinated animals) is proposed.
Data and samples from recent FMD outbreaks were used, including serum samples from known FMD-free, endemic and epidemic areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The project implementation period was from January 1, 2011 to June 2013.
These studies are very important for detecting and analyzing the epizootic situation in the country as a whole, since further implementation of preventive measures against FMD requires monitoring of new outbreaks. Conduct a comparative analysis of the probability of detecting antigens in vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals in the framework of the TAP-4 project.