Biosafety and biosecurity problems in Ukraine that arise during emergent infections

The article highlights the basic requirements for biosafety and biosecurity in veterinary medicine worldwide, particularly in implementing modern OIE, WHO, and FAO One Health strategies. The authors analyze the basic principles of building biosafety systems concerning the risk of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. The role of international and non-governmental organizations in establishing and improving biosafety and biosecurity standards in veterinary laboratories is described, and the need to create national biosafety programs to combat infectious diseases and the use of effective and innovative alternative imported means of animal protection is demonstrated. Systems and methods of controlling transboundary (emergent) animal infections are discussed, emphasizing their high contagiousness and potential socio-economic consequences. New transboundary infectious animal diseases pose a significant threat to the safety of the livestock industry since various viral and bacterial infections are transmitted through imported animals, livestock products, and wild animals. Key factors in the transmission of the above infections are the importation of raw materials and genetic material and their transportation across Ukraine. Effective control of emergent infections depends on monitoring, prevention and response systems guided by international regulations and directives, especially in Europe. Ukraine has control and prevention measures to prevent the manifestation of certain infections, but at the same time, updating processes and harmonization with international standards are necessary. Research institutions in our country are developing diagnostic tools and vaccines for various diseases, but problematic issues remain in monitoring and diagnosing certain infections. With the emergence of threats caused by emergent infections, the importance of molecular epidemiological studies for understanding the evolution and spread of pathogens becomes obvious. Today, cooperation with relevant scientific structures in the USA and other leading countries of the world has significantly improved the capabilities of laboratory research in Ukraine, increasing our country's ability to respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases. The “One Health” concept is promoted to integrate efforts across sectors to increase public awareness, especially among agricultural producers and rural communities, which should reduce the incidence of zoonotic diseases.