In the period from June 22 to June 26, 2026, employees of the “Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases” laboratory of the RSE on the REM “National Reference Center for Veterinary” (NRCV): Sanzhar Yerimbetov and Ayaulym Kasenalina from the serology department, Tolegen Birzhanov and Akerke Sovet from the bacteriology department, as well as Arman Tashkenbayev, Alina Khasenova, and Moldir Zharkinbekova from the molecular biology department—completed a week-long training course at the Pendik Veterinary Control Institute in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye.
The training was organized within the framework of the regional project of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) “Technical Assistance in the Field of Brucellosis Control” (GCP/RER/068/USA).
The Pendik Veterinary Control Institute is one of the leading veterinary research and diagnostic institutions in Türkiye. Its brucellosis laboratory has many years of experience in diagnostics, production of diagnostic antigens and sera, as well as training of specialists. The laboratory was previously established as the FAO/WHO Middle East Brucellosis Centre and currently functions as the Brucella Reference Diagnostic and Vaccine Production Laboratory.
The course program included theoretical and practical sessions on modern approaches to the laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis, including serological, bacteriological, and molecular biological research methods, interpretation of results, biosafety requirements, and quality management system issues in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
In the course of the training, an exchange of experience took place between specialists of the NRCV and the Pendik Veterinary Control Institute. The participants discussed the application of international standards, biological safety issues, laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis, as well as prospects for further professional cooperation.
The training was held under the coordination and accompaniment of FAO specialist Meruert Sadvakasova. The training course was conducted by Doctors of Veterinary Sciences Gülseren Yıldız, Muhammet Karahan, Buket Eroyğlu, as well as other specialists of the institute.
Upon completion of the course, all participants were awarded certificates. The NRCV expresses its gratitude to the FAO and the Pendik Veterinary Control Institute for the training opportunity provided, the professional organization of the course, and the contribution to building the capacity of laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
