Virology section

Head of the Unit – Ingrida Jacevičienė

Virology Section investigates viral diseases of livestock and wild animals. Tests are performed according to the plans and programmes on struggle against viral diseases of animals. The department also performs the analysis on morbidity of animals, realises plans and programmes for investigation of these diseases and informs the State Food and Veterinary Service on the number and results of investigations pursuant to the established procedure. Within the scope of its competence, the department submits proposals to various ministries and other state institutions. It is in close co-operation with the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, the Veterinary Institute and the Immunology Institute on investigation of problems of key viral diseases. Today the department has all relevant laboratory facilities for investigation of viral diseases. It also has the laboratory of 3rd biosafety level for investigation of A list viral diseases. The state-of-the-art equipment secures safe and high quality tests of viral diseases. In its daily activity Virology Section applies results of the scientific research, implements experience of other countries on diagnosis of animal diseases. Highly qualified employees of laboratories constantly upgrade their qualification skills in various scientific conferences and workshops or practical courses. The department also performs virology investigations of avian influenza and classical swine fever by using cell cultures and embryonated hen eggs. For identification of rabies the brain pathological substance of an animal is investigated by applying the imunofluoroscence method. Confirmation of rabies results performs by using the virus isolation method. The department investigates effectiveness of rabies vaccine in small animals, as well as the titre of rabies vaccine antibodies in blood serum. The above investigations are necessary for transportation of domestic animals to foreign countries. It also carries out investigations of viral diseases of fish by using cell cultures and ELISA analysis. Also performs investigations of Bovine viral diarrhoea, bovine infectious rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza 3, respiratory syncytial viral infection, Corona and Rota viruses infection.

Research methods applied pursuant to the European Union standards, provide for timely identification of animal viral diseases, anticipation of their spread and more efficient application of preventive and disease elimination measures. This helps the State Food and Veterinary Service to ensure compliance of the exported and imported animals with the requirements of Lithuania and requirements of the importing country.

The department organises training courses and workshops for the employees of the official veterinary laboratories. It maintains close relationship with relevant institutions of foreign countries and international organisations, including exchange of information and co-operation with the national reference laboratories of the EU countries. The department takes part in the international workshops and scientific conferences organised by the EU institutions and reference laboratories.

Due to timely diagnosis of infectious diseases stockbreeders are prevented from huge economic losses. Effective reference virology laboratory working according to standardised research methods and complying with all the requirements of the European Union, has all opportunities for rapid, accurate and effective identification of agents of animal and bird infectious diseases and prevention of spread of the above diseases.