Improving genetic biocontrol | ArmBioClimate | Report on 1st project year | April 2023 - March 2024

The establishment of a new master’s programme in 'Environmental Protection and Biosecurity' at Yerevan State University (YSU) marks a significant step forward for the project. Although not initially included in the project application, this initiative has become a remarkable achievement, drawing on the expertise of YSU's Zoology, Botany and Ecology Departments to study the environmental and biosecurity challenges of climate change.

In June 2023, the curriculum for the master’s programme in "Zoology and Parasitology" at YSU’s Faculty of Biology was significantly revised to incorporate new biosecurity courses. By September 2023, the YSU administration had approved these updates, introducing courses as "Wildlife Zoonoses", "Applied Parasitology", and "Ecological Modelling in Zoology". These changes align with the project's goal of enhancing biosecurity education.

A PhD project by Seda Adamyan titled "The Role of Jackals in the Diversity and Distribution of Zoonoses (Leishmania spp and Dirofilaria spp) in Armenia" was prepared, submitted, and accepted by the APPEAR Office in October 2023. Armenian students also attended One Health Workforce Academies' courses on "Fundamentals of One Health Practice" and "Outbreak Investigation and Response" and received certificates.

The SCZHE in Armenia has begun acquiring genetic research equipment and has already collected jackal samples. Concurrently, VETMEDUNI in Austria initiated de novo genome sequencing by extracting high-molecular weight DNA from golden jackal muscle tissue. PacBio HiFi sequencing was carried out at the Senckenberg Institute in Frankfurt, Germany.

Our project team has established cross-collaboration with APPEAR project 277, which focuses on sustainable water resources management in Armenia. Both teams attended a kick-off meeting to discuss joint activities. Collaboration with the Armenian Hunter’s Unions enabled the provision of jackals for research and fostered partnerships with stakeholders to monitor jackal distribution and associated diseases. Additionally, a preliminary agreement with ENETWILD aims to collect data on the geographical distribution, abundance, and structure of wildlife species populations relevant to animal and human health, to improve the management of wildlife-related health risks.

In summary, through curriculum modernisation, PhD project initiatives, genetic research, and the collaborative network, the team anticipates significant progress in addressing environmental and biosecurity challenges under the climate change.