1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
To facilitate the characterization of contemporary FMDV strains collected from the Middle Eastern region by ARRIAH in ARRIAH laboratories. All successfully characterized FMDV strains will be shipped to DHS and ARS, PIADC for use in the ARS research and DHS FMD countermeasure programs. This amendment expands the original milestones and deliverables to include scientific consulting services for the Russian research project.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
The All-Russian Research Institute of Animal Health (ARRIAH) in Vladimir, Russia, is the lead veterinary research facility in Russia and the designated location for FMD monitoring, research, and vaccine development. Additionally, it is an OIE Collaborating Center for FMD. ARRIAH has a collection of approximately 550 field isolates of FMD strains, many of which are from critical regions of interest, such as the Middle East. Research on these isolates is critical for world health, and could yield not only several new sub serotypes, but also new primary serotypes, beyond the known seven. The results of such research would be extremely important for the world community’s ability to quickly identify, track, and mitigate FMD outbreaks, as well as for the development of new FMD vaccines for national veterinary stockpiles and commercial sale.

3.Progress Report

The objective of the agreement is to facilitate the characterization of contemporary FMDV strains collected from the Middle Eastern region by Federal Center for Animal Health (ARRIAH) in ARRIAH laboratories.

ARS finalized the related Foot-and-Mouth Disease research proposal between ARRIAH and ARS – Plum Island Animal Disease Center entitled “Analysis of the evolution of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) genome recovered from persistently infected cattle.” Specifically, the ARS - DHS agreement will support Task 3 “FMDV field surveillance (characterization of newly emerged FMDV field isolates). ARS submitted a Partner Commitment letter to the International Science and Technology Center stating its intention to fund the project with ARRIAH. The project is now on hold pending approval by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture. DHS has submitted an amendment to extend the agreement to September 30, 2011.