On December 9, 2023, with support of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan (CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the national project TAD5006 - "Application of Nuclear and Molecular Methods of Diagnostics and Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases", modern equipment and consumables were handed over to the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Deputy Director of the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST, Matin Akhmedov, and Head of International Relations and Public Relations Department, Olimjon Azizov, as assistants to the National Coordinator. On behalf of the IAEA, to the Head of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan Rajabmurod Atovullozoda was presented modern equipment and consumables, such as biological boxes for molecular diagnostics (PCR), equipment for diagnostics by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), low-temperature refrigerators for storage of samples and strains of pathogenic microorganisms, autoclaves, thermostats, centrifuges, chemical reagents, etc.

The purpose of this project is to diagnose, differentiate, determine serotypes and isolate pathogenic microorganisms that circulate in livestock farms and poultry farms of the Republic of Tajikistan and cause significant economic damage. Also, the use of this equipment will provide scientists and industry specialists with the opportunity to monitor infectious diseases, especially zoonoses, as well as to monitor the epizootic situation among wild and domestic animals and birds, that will be implemented as part of solution to state programs and national strategies.

For further improvement the scientific work process - research and use of equipment, a number of scientists of the Institute visited foreign countries, including the Russian Federation, Austria, Northern Macedonia and Turkey.

A solar panel was also installed at the Institute within the framework of this project, which provides conditions for stable operation of laboratory equipment. At the same time, as part of this project, modern testing equipment was imported and installed for molecular diagnostics, which plays an important role in the detection and typing of pathogens of especially dangerous diseases of livestock and poultry, including zoonoses. The institute has now received equipment for serological, bacteriological and virological studies, which are important for the isolation of viruses, bacteria and their serotypes and are planned to be handed over to international experts in the near future.

It is important to note that constant cooperation with international institutions has a positive impact on the technical and intellectual potential of research institutes. The Institute of Veterinary Medicine plans to implement future technical projects for cooperation with the support of the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST and the IAEA to further strengthen modern methods of diagnostics and prevention of infectious diseases, including zoonoses that pose a high risk of infection to animals and humans. There are also plans for further cooperation in the field of professional development of scientists.