Within the framework of the Azerbaijan Agricultural Exhibition "Caspian Agro", a round table of the FGBI "ARRIAH" was held on especially dangerous economically significant diseases of animals and birds

On May 19, 2022, within the framework of the 15th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition "Caspian Agro" (Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan), specialists of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Center for Animal Health" subordinate to ROSSELKHOZNADZOR held a round table on especially dangerous economically significant diseases of animals and birds.

The speakers were the leading scientists of the FGBI “ARRIAH”, who spoke in detail about the current epizootic situation in the region and advised on scientific issues that are of particular importance for the development of the country’s agriculture.

The event was also attended by the HEAD of the sector of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Tarlan Askerov, the head of the animal HEALTH department of the Food Security Agency Galib Abdulaliev, the Deputy Chairman of the Council (AFSA) Tamila Aliyeva, the DIRECTOR of the Research Institute of Animal Husbandry of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mahir Hajiyev, the director Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Siyala Rustamov. All representatives of the Azerbaijani side made welcoming speeches, expressing hope for mutually beneficial international cooperation. Tamila Aliyeva made a presentation on the scientific and technical base and infrastructure of the laboratories of the Azerbaijan Food Security Institute (AQTI), equipped in accordance with modern requirements. She spoke about ongoing laboratory services, consulting assistance, organization of educational trainings.

During the meeting, topical viral infections of birds, the results of monitoring in the poultry industry, and practical recommendations for ensuring the veterinary welfare of poultry farms were discussed. Head of the Laboratory of Epizootology and Monitoring, Ph.D. Mikhail Volkov spoke about the current epizootic situation with poultry diseases, presented a detailed analysis and forecast of the epizootic situation for 2022, and also considered the effectiveness of vaccination against viral diseases of birds in industrial poultry farming. Mikhail Volkov paid the main attention in the report to the products manufactured by the institution, spoke about the novelties developed, announced the list of ongoing research.

During the report, Mikhail Volkov was asked questions about the prospects for the production of new vaccines at the FGBI ARRIAH. The specialist explained that a laboratory has now been set up at the institute, the main task of which is genetic editing and the production of new modified strains suitable for designing new generation vaccines. Mikhail Sergeevich spoke about the peculiarities of using vector vaccines. Referring to the instructions of imported drugs, Mikhail Volkov explained that vector vaccines are used for priming and after application, either live or inactivated vaccines are used.

Mikhail Volkov also answered questions on the identification of various diseases and the peculiarities of laboratory diagnostics. In particular, the expert said that rapid tests have low specificity and sensitivity, so the most accurate test is PCR testing, but this requires at least 5 hours. As a result of the discussion, the participants of the event expressed their interest in the possibility of acquiring FGBI “ARRIAH” test systems in Azerbaijan.

it is worth noting the discussion that has arisen on highly pathogenic avian influenza and the reasons for the refusal of vaccination in the Russian Federation against this disease in industrial poultry farming. The FGBI “ARRIAH” expert explained that in order to maintain the EXPORT potential within the framework of the federal project “Export of agricultural products”, there are a number of restrictions and OIE conditions for vaccinating industrial poultry. The issue is currently under review. Export of poultry vaccinated against highly pathogenic avian influenza will be possible if all OIE conditions are met. The main conditions are the production of a vaccine from a low-virulence strain and the provision of a certain high level of surveillance and monitoring.

Deputy Director for Research, Ph.D. Ilya Chvala presented a report on the topic “Especially dangerous and economically significant diseases of cattle and small cattle. Features of specific prevention. New Solutions". Ilya Chvala spoke about the advantages of new vaccines for use in industrial animal husbandry, gave practical recommendations to veterinary specialists on the use of veterinary drugs. A wide range of FGBI “ARRIAH” vaccines makes it possible to choose a vaccination strategy under production conditions in accordance with the epizootic situation.

Ilya Chvala was asked questions about the production of homogeneous vaccines against capripoxvirus infections at the facility. Ilya Chvala replied that FGBI “ARRIAH” is already doing such work.

At the end of the round table, the results of the event were summed up. The last meeting became productive for all parties participating in the event. The activities of the FGBI “ARRIAH” were of particular interest both from the participants of the meeting and from the media. The work of the institution in terms of ensuring veterinary well-being, the production of high-quality biological products, their introduction into wide veterinary practice, scientific and technical cooperation with industry enterprises aroused keen interest among the regional press. No less attention was paid to the presentation video of the FGBI “ARRIAH”, which tells about the activities of the institution.

Source: FGBU "ARRIAH" Press Service