On 75th anniversary of Vladimir A. Mischenko

Vladimir Alexandrovich Mishchenko was born on 4 February 1949 in the village of Staroverovka, Kharkiv Oblast. In 1971, after successfully graduating from the Kharkov Veterinary Institute, he worked as a veterinarian at Staroverovskaya Poultry Farm. But his life was changed by his interest in science, to which he devoted his activities having joined the All-Union Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Institute as a senior laboratory assistant in 1973. During these 50 years, Vladimir A. Mischenko passed the glorious path of a Russian scientist: in 1977 he defended his Candidate thesis, and in 1991 he became the youngest Doctor of Science at the Institute. In 1994, he was awarded the academic title of Professor. The work records of Vladimir A. Mishchenko in different periods included such entries as “Head of Laboratory for Virus Identification”, “Academic Secretary of the Institute”, “Head of Laboratory for Bovine Diseases”, “Deputy Director for Manufacture”, “Head of Department for Bovine and Porcine Disease Monitoring”.

The scientific research conducted under the leadership of Vladimir A. Mishchenko dealt with the development of modern tools and methods for the diagnosis of foot and mouth disease and other animal diseases is known to a large number of scholars in Russia and abroad. He was the first to diagnose Aujesky’s disease in single-humped camels, and to isolate the causative agent of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Russia as well as to develop means and methods of the disease diagnosis and specific prevention. Vaccines against rotavirus and coronavirus infection, parainfluenza-3, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and other immunobiological products were created and introduced into veterinary practice.

The results of Vladimir A. Mishchenko’s research were published in more than 260 scientific papers – these are monographs, scientific articles, conference reports, patents and author’s certificates. In addition, a large number of methodological guidelines were developed. Vladimir A. Mischenko is a developer of 20 types of vaccines, 15 diagnostic kits, and a co-author of more than 30 regulatory documents in the field of veterinary virology. He was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Inventor of the Russian Federation”. For his contribution to the development of the industry, Vladimir A. Mishchenko was awarded 5 medals of the Exhibition of National Economy Achievements.

Possessing professional competence and personal qualities, the Professor is always willing to share his knowledge and vast experience with the younger generation, helping the applicants for academic degrees to prepare theses. His actions, always aimed at results, outstanding mind and desire for constant self-development help to adequately fulfill the responsible role of a mentor. Twenty-two Candidate and three Doctoral dissertations were defended under his scientific supervision. Vladimir A. Mischenko is in demand as a consultant at agricultural establishments, and as a lecturer for the postgraduate students, and at advanced training courses for veterinarians.

Vladimir A. Mishchenko is a member of the Academic Council, Dissertation Councils of the Federal Centre for Animal Health and Federal Scientific Centre VIEV RAS, scientific supervisor of two postgraduate students, and we are sure that Vladimir A. Mischenko is in the prime of his creative powers to solve the tasks set for the next years in the field of veterinary development.

Vladimir Alexandrovich, we believe – you have many more achievements ahead. We wish you good health, patience in solving all issues, cheerfulness and optimism, well-being to you and your loved ones!