Mykolaiv Laboratory of the SSUFSCP received a generator and a modern PCR system device as part of international technical assistance from the IAEA

As part of the ISAMKO technical support programme for Ukraine, the Mykolaiv Regional State Laboratory of the SSUFSCP received a modern generator and a high-precision laboratory device Rotor-Gene Q 5plex System for real-time PCR testing. The assistance was provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a response to the challenges that arose after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and due to the ongoing instability of electricity supply in the frontline regions.

The generator allows the laboratory to operate without interruption in the face of power outages. This is critical for:

• maintaining the stable operation of high-precision laboratory equipment;
• proper storage of biological materials and reagents;
• conducting veterinary and sanitary research without interruption.

In addition, the Rotor-Gene Q 5plex System Real-time PCR cycles with 5 channels will allow for timely testing of biological and pathological material, as well as water samples, by real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect RNA/DNA pathogens of animal viral diseases. In particular, rabies, African and classical swine fever, highly pathogenic avian influenza, Newcastle disease, bluetongue virus, rotaviruses, hepatitis A virus, adenoviruses, noroviruses, etc.

This will significantly strengthen the laboratory's capabilities as a strategic element of the veterinary and sanitary control system in the frontline area, where risks to animal and human health remain high.

This assistance was the result of coordinated work of the international specialists of the Service under the leadership of the Head of the SSUFSCP Serhii Tkachuk, his First Deputy Oleg Osiian and with the assistance of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.

Cooperation with international partners is one of the priorities of the SSUFSCP, which allows optimising the use of public resources and directing them to the most important tasks - protecting the state and overcoming wartime challenges. Thanks to effective coordination with international donors, Ukraine receives the necessary support to strengthen the food security and biosecurity system.

The SSUFSCP expresses its sincere gratitude to the IAEA for the support provided, which is extremely important for ensuring food security, healthcare and stability of the laboratory infrastructure in times of war.