Data on placing the FGBI «ARRIAH» in the Vladimir Regional «Hall of Fame» based on the results of its scientific and production activities in 2014 are given. Main outcomes of research activities performed by the FGBI «ARRIAH» staff members in the field of epidemiological and serological monitoring of highly dangerous and economically important infectious animal diseases as well as development of methods and means for animal disease diagnosis, prevention and control and diagnosticum and vaccine production and application are presented.

The following paper provides the analysis of epidemic situation on notifiable avian influenza for 2014and for thefirst quarter of 2015 based on the OIE data.Today the Al situation remains tense due to the spread of AIV subtypes H5N1, H5N2, H5N3, H5N6 and H5N8.The latter became widely spread both in domestic and wild birds starting from 2014. Taking into account spring the upcoming autumn bird migration, the risk of Al virus introduction and spread in the territory of the Russian Federation increases.

The paper covers analysis of data from veterinary reports of the Russian Federation on infectious avian diseases for 2009-2014. The disease rating demonstrates that bacterial diseases are more frequently reported on commercial poultry farms, unlike infectious diseases posing latent risks. Based on the data analysis for avian infectious diseases, it is concluded that vaccine prophylaxis is just one of the tools for control of infectious diseases, but it does not guarantee the virus will stop circulating in the population of susceptible birds or the disease will be eradicated. Timely preventive measures ensuring biosafety help to mitigate the risks of emerging infectious diseases.

The paper presents experimental data of immunobiological properties of fowl pox virus cultural variants adapted in «F» CEF primary culture and «D» chicken embryo dermal primary cell culture. It was established that the strains retain dermatotropic phenotype manifested as local skin lesions in chicks, typical for Avipoxvirus family. They are also immunogenic and that is demonstrated as a protection after the vaccination with a homologous virus. The immunization doses were determined for both studied virus variants which ensured 95% protection of vaccinated birds. The doses were 14,6 и 6,97 ID₅₀ for «F» and «D» correspondingly.

The 3AB-ELISA test-system for detection of antibodies to FMD virus nonstructural proteins in blood sera from cattle and small ruminants was validated. It was discovered that the reaction repeatability and reproducibility exceeded 90%, diagnostic specificity constituted 99,8%, diagnostic sensitivity came up to 96,6%. The high specificity and sensitivity of the 3AB-ELISA test-system was confirmed by international proficiency testings as far as FMD diagnostics and by routine diagnostic and monitoring studies.

In September 2015 a disease with clinical signs characteristic of lumpy skin disease (bovine contagious nodular dermatitis) was registered in cattle in the Republic of Dagestan and Republic of Chechnya. Laboratory diagnosis was carried out in the Reference Laboratory for highly dangerous animal diseases of the FGBI «ARRIAH». Lumpy skin disease virus was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in samples from the diseased animals. Sequencing of the PCR products confirmed the detected virus identification results. The above-mentioned tests were the first official confirmation of lumpy skin disease occurrence in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Nucleotide sequences of five rabies virus isolates detected in the territory of the Vladimir Oblast were determined. Certain sequences were compared with those of nine isolates detected earlier in the territory of the Vladimir Oblast as well as with rabies viruses from other regions of the Russian Federation. According to the data of the analysis thirteen isolates detected in the territory of the Vladimir Oblast belonged to the Central Phylogenetic Group of rabies viruses and one isolate belonged to the Eurasian Group. Isolates from the eastern part of the Vladimir Oblast have peculiarities making the difference between them and other isolates.

The significanceof the main biochemical values (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, colouring agents, low-molecular nitrogenous and mineral matters) in blood sera (plasm) from farm animals is described in the paper. The change in the content (decrease or increase) of these indicators against the normal level can have different reasons: noncontagious and infectious diseases, imbalance of ration and feeding regime.

The paper is devoted to analysis of genome variability of African swine fever (ASF) virus isolates recovered in the Russian Federation territory. Complete nucleotide sequences of the following ASF virus isolate genomes were obtained by pyrosequencing: Kashino 04/13, Odintsovo 02/14 and Karamzino 02/13. Multiple single insertions and deletions as well as distinctly localized two tandem repeats were found by comparative analysis of genomes of the said isolates and Georgia 2007/1 isolate. Notably that 17-nucleotide tandem repeat was detected in 9R/10R intergenic region of MGF505 multigene family in genomes of Shikhobalovo 10/13 and Karamzino 02/13 isolates for the first time.

Possibility and efficacy of African swine fever (ASF) zoning of the Russian Federation (RF) territory and compartmentalization of pig establishments are discussed in the paper. The main goal of thezoning programme is creation of independent zones with different zoo-sanitary status where enhanced surveillance (passive and target) will be carried out and movements of ASF-susceptible live pigs and porcine products between the zones will be restricted. Approval and validation of the programme on ASF zoning of the RF territory will allow reduction (minimization) of risks of possible disease spread to the ASF-free zone as well as achieving the main goal - gaining and maintaining ASF-free status in the whole territory of the country. Moreover, successful programme on pig establishment compartmentalization will allow international trade in pork and porcine products from both ASF-free and ASF-affected zones in case of the disease occurrence in the affected zones.

Two isolates of spring viraemia of carp virus were detected when testing 30 samples of carp pathological material by virus isolation using EPC and FHM cell lines and by sandwich ELISA, IFA, leucocyte agglutination test, RT-PCR, and real time RT-PCR in the RF Privolzhsky Federal District in May 2014. Infectivity titres as well virus antigen concentration in carp pathological material were determined.