18:52 01.02.2018

FAO and EBRD transfer diagnostic equipment to detect ASF worth $200,000 to Ukrainian labs

2 min read
FAO and EBRD transfer diagnostic equipment to detect ASF worth $200,000 to Ukrainian labs

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have transferred diagnostic equipment for detecting the African swine fever (ASF) virus for $200,000 to Ukrainian laboratories.

According to a FAO press release, the new real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis equipment is the only reliable diagnostic method for ASF detection. The equipment will allow state laboratories in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy and Mykolaiv to establish control over the spread of ASF and ensure early detection of this virus, as well as other animal diseases.

FAO noted the diagnostic equipment was transferred within the second phase of the project "African swine fever: risk awareness raising and risk mitigation in Ukraine." It is being implemented in Ukraine since 2015 by the EBRD and FAO, with the support of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Protection and the Association of Pig Breeders of Ukraine.

"Fight against African swine fever begins with proper control over the disease at the state level and investments in biosafety at the level of private companies," the deputy director for agribusiness, Senior Banker at the EBRD (Ukraine) Lesya Kuzmenko said.

She noted the EBRD is ready to provide further support for the development of pig breeding and invest in companies with the appropriate biosafety and quality standards.

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