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VRIYearbook

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VRI Yearbook for 2015

Preface

Dear readers,

In this Yearbook, prepared as an extension of the Annual Report of the Veterinary Research Institute, we would like to

present to you a summary of the key scientific research efforts and the results achieved in 2015 at the Institute. In addition

to scientific information, the most important events in the life of the Institute are included in this publication. The year

2015 was successful for the Institute, both in terms of achieving scientific results and of extending collaboration with other

domestic and foreign research institutions, research centres, breeders' associations, agricultural and food-processing

companies and last but not least with biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies. Regarding agricultural production,

the VRI was a professional guarantor in the following areas: preventive-medicine programmes in farm animal herds;

development of reproductive technologies; development of diagnostic kits and vaccines; monitoring the resistance of

pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics together with the development of rapid diagnostic tests for its assessment;

monitoring environmental xenobiotics and their impact on feed contamination and consequently on farm animal health

and others. The VRI scientists gave regular lectures to agricultural and food-processing companies during professional

seminars and provided them with professional consultancies. In 2015, the Management of the Institute actively

participated in the preparation of the Ministry of Agriculture´s “Concept of Research, Development and Innovation for

2016-2022”, and the Institute´s policy will continue it during this period. The meetings were attended by representatives of

the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic which founded the Institute. The principal tasks of the Institute for 2016

are to ensure continuous development of its capacities and the level of scientific infrastructure, and to improve the level of

excellence of research teams, as well as to strengthen collaboration with agricultural and veterinary sector partners and

other potential end-users of research results and expertise. The Institute also managed to successfully promote further

development of research capacities of the AdmireVet Centre by strengthening its scientific base with two further key

investment units totalling CZK 25.5 million. As the series of workshops entitled "VRI Fest" aroused a great interest last year,

it was repeated this year and extended by the introduction of currently implemented topics. Undertaking these activities,

the Institute strategically and successfully continued in deepening collaboration with agriculture, food production and

veterinary sectors, which was further strengthened by professional consultancies provided by VRI, funded from the Subsidy

Title 9.F.i. In May 2015, based on previous plans and in accordance with the Institute´s internal policy, the Centre for

Technology Transfer and Project Support (CTTPS) was established. Besides preparation of groundwork for research

projects, the Centre encouraged the development of commercial activities at the VRI, was involved in arranging formalities

for preparation of Model Agreements and initiated their optimization in line with the new EU Framework. The extension of

the administrative background in the form of the CTTPS has been positively reflected in the increase of the amount of

funding obtained in the category of contractual research and commissioned research in 2015.

We would like to thank all VRI staff members for their conscientious efforts which we firmly believe will produce the most

outstanding results in the years to come.

Authorship Team


Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Significant Events ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Reconstruction and Thermal Insulation of Buildings I and II ............................................................................................................ 10

The Diamond Jubilee of the VRI ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Noteworthy visits ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Meeting with Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture .......................................................................................................... 15

"VRI Fest" Seminars ............................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Participations in exhibitions & trade fairs .......................................................................................................................................... 18

Development of novel molecular adjuvants and their nanoliposomal formulations for construction of recombinant vaccines 18

Outstanding outcome awards to the VRI scientists .......................................................................................................................... 19

Projects in 2015 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

Projects in 2015 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Top projects at the VRI in 2015 .......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Results of Applied Research .................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Certified methodologies ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Verified methodologies ...................................................................................................................................................................... 33

Functional patterns ............................................................................................................................................................................. 33

Patents ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34

Prototype ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 35

Invention applications ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Patent applications ............................................................................................................................................................................. 35

Other activities for practical users ..................................................................................................................................................... 35

International Collaboration...................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Collaboration with foreign institutions .............................................................................................................................................. 38

Membership in foreign organisations ................................................................................................................................................ 43

Foreign official journeys...................................................................................................................................................................... 45

Foreign internships ............................................................................................................................................................................. 45

VRI-hosted visits of foreign scholars .................................................................................................................................................. 47

VRI-hosted study visits from abroad .................................................................................................................................................. 48

VRI hosted international events ......................................................................................................................................................... 50

Incidental Institutional Activities ............................................................................................................................................................. 52

Small Gallery ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 52

Annual employees´childern´s day ...................................................................................................................................................... 52

VRI-hosted reunions of former employees - pensioners .................................................................................................................. 52

VRI-hosted reunions of mothers with their children ........................................................................................................................ 52

VRI-hosted visits by school children ................................................................................................................................................... 54

Library .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54

Additional activities .................................................................................................................................................................................. 56

Veterinary Committee for Food Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 56

Reference laboratories ....................................................................................................................................................................... 57

Methodological centres....................................................................................................................................................................... 60

Collection of Animal Pathogenic Microorganisms ............................................................................................................................. 61

Accredited Testing Laboratory – Centre of laboratories ................................................................................................................... 62

Fundamental information about the Institute and its main operations ................................................................................................ 66

Basic personnel data ............................................................................................................................................................................ 68

Subject of the main activities .............................................................................................................................................................. 69

Development of the VRI in 2014-2018 ............................................................................................................................................... 70

Other activities ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 70

Complementary acitvities.................................................................................................................................................................... 71

The VRI authorities .............................................................................................................................................................................. 72

The activities of the VRI Board in 2015 ............................................................................................................................................... 75


5

Introduction

In 2015, the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) held a formal

celebration to mark sixty years of existence. The VRI was

founded in Brno on 10 September 1955 by the then

Czechoslovak Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and was given

national supremacy. This anniversary was marked by

a celebration last September attended by a number of officials

from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education,

Youth and Sports. Others represented scientific communities,

agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries, regional

political leaders and other guests. The VRI´s valuable

achievements were publically recognised. The jubilee was also

marked by the publication of a book describing the life of the

Institute from its founding to the present day.

In 2015, the VRI has accomplished many valuable scientific

results. In collaboration with the Czech Academy of Sciences

institutions, departmental research institutes, university teams

and other domestic and foreign scientific and research

partners, the implementation of the project dealing with the

development of the research organization entitled "Animal

diseases, their prevention, food safety and quality" continued

under institutional support in four fundamental areas:

Infectious animal diseases and their prevention; Non-

infectious animal diseases and reproductive disorders; Food

safety and quality from an aspect of consumer protection;

Pharmacology, toxicology, immunotherapy and vaccinology.

Professional outcomes have been produced at the seven

specialized VRI´s departments (Virology, Bacteriology,

Immunology, Food and Feed Safety, Genetics and

Reproduction, Chemistry and Toxicology and Pharmacology

and Immunotherapy) with contribution of the units supporting

the VRI´s operation (Experimental Animal Facilities, Centre for

Technology Transfer and Project Support, Informatics Unit,

Management of Buildings and Operation, Economics

Department, Personnel Department, Library, Director´s

Office). The aforementioned departments cover a wide range

of disciplines in veterinary medicine and tend to stray into

human medicine, natural science, ecology and other fields of

science. From the perspective of animal health, the Institute's

research capacity is customarily focused on aetiology,

pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment and prevention

of diseases (especially infections) of economically important

animals, including fish and bees, and also hobby-bred animals.

These mainly include viral and bacterial infections of the

respiratory and digestive tracts, such as infectious bovine

rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhoea, paratuberculosis,

porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, salmonellosis

in poultry and viral diseases of fish and bees, and other

diseases. The research is also focused on the study of rabies

virus, tick-born encephalitis and agents of exotic viral diseases.

The VRI significantly contributes to the recognition

of immunological and immunopathological aspects

of diseases, both in the field of the study of immune system

functions and searching new ways of immunoprophylaxis,

stimulation of immune functions and the development of new

vaccines, including new vehicles. Scientific teams conducted

research into recombinant and DNA vaccines, adjuvants,

development of anti-infection and anti-tumour drugs,

preparation and comprehensive characterization

of nanoparticles and proteins, in vitro and in vivo testing

of formulations being developed and issues of organic

pollutants toxicity with focus on the mechanisms of chemical

carcinogenesis and endocrine disruption. An important result

in this area was obtaining the TA CR´s annual award for

the year 2015 in the category "Solutions for the quality of life"

for the project “Synthetic multi-epitope vaccine against

borreliosis for veterinary use”. The Department of Genetics

and Reproduction has adopted as its mission the development

of methods to study sperm quality parameters in male farm

animals and their dysfunctional reproductive capacity

in relation to innovations of reproductive biotechnologies

in agriculture, particularly methods of long-term preservation

of oocytes and their ability to undergo fertilisation, leading

to successful early development of embryos. The Department

6

of Genetics and Reproduction has been operating for many

years as an accredited training centre.

The Experimental Animal Facilities create an important

background for scientific activities not only of VRI researchers,

but also of scientists from other institutions, thanks their

equipment and professional staff that guarantee high quality

scientific results. The VRI has accredited facilities available

for conducting experiments on farm and laboratory animals,

Centre of Accredited Laboratories, Methodological and

Consulting Centres, and also the body of the Veterinary

Committee for Food Safety of CA AS meets here. Regarding

infectious diseases, National Reference Laboratory for

Escherichia coli infections, National Reference Laboratory for

Viral Diseases of Fish and OIE Reference Laboratory for

Paratuberculosis and Avian Tuberculosis operate at the VRI.

The VRI has a Collection of Animal Pathogenic Microorganisms

which was registered with the European Culture Collections

Organisation in 1985. Recently, the study in the field

of antimicrobial resistance is accentuated at the VRI.

Last year, research infrastructure of the Veterinary Research

Institute was modernized, among others thanks to obtaining a

project under OP MEYS CR "Research and Development for

Innovation" No. 3.2 "Development of research capacity in

supported R&D centres," from which two instruments, i.e.

a flow cytometric analyser allowing cell sorting and a

proteomic analyser on the principle of MALDI TOF/TOF

totalling CZK 25 million were funded. In recent years, an

important shift in research opportunities and the conduct of

experiments was instigated by the establishment of the

“Centre for Advanced Microbiology and Immunology

in Veterinary Medicine - AdmireVet”. The operation of the

centre is funded by the EU Structural Funds. In 2015, this

Centre has been successfully implementing the National

Sustainability Project (NPU-I) “Healthy animal as a source of

wholesome food – OneHealth“ for the second year. Both

teams at the Institute involved in CEITEC project have been

recognized for their research results as their evaluation last

year was best of all six partners of the project. Both projects

have significantly contributed to building up awareness of a

European centre of science and education in Brno.

In 2015, the VRI researchers published 73 articles with the

total impact factor of 188.474; 24 peer-reviewed papers,

8 papers in journals included in SCOPUS database; 6 chapters

in scientific books; 4 articles in Proceedings; 1 scientific book;

4 functional samples; 23 certified methodologies; 1 verified

technology and 1 prototype. In 2015, the Institute obtained 1

international patent, 1 national patent and 4 patent

applications have been filed and 7 summary reports about

contractual research.

Further projects, successfully implemented in 2015 under the

auspices of the Operational Programme of the Ministry

of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic were:

"CeDiLa - Strategic Development of the Cell Division

Laboratory Team" and "MikroDok – Strengthening of the Team

to study host-pathogen interaction for new postdoctoral

positions", funded from the same sources as "COOPELIA."

The implementation of "CENATOX" continued. This project

represents the interdisciplinary ”Centre of Excellence for Basic

Research in Nanotoxicology“, supported by the project GA

P503/12/G147. Projects implemented within the 7th EU

Framework programme were: "ASKLEPIOS", "TargetFish",

"FISHBOOST" and "ProHEALTH". In 2015, these scientific-

research activities were complemented by projects of the

Czech Science Foundation, Agency for Healthcare Research

of the Czech Republic, Security Research of the Ministry

of Interior of the Czech Republic, Technology Agency of the CR

and in particular the National Agency for Agricultural Research

of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic.

Preparations of further projects continued for submitting

under operational programmes for a new programming period

(especially Operational Programme of the Ministry

of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic

“Research, Development and Education“) and under the

international programme extending the 7th EU RP, entitled

Horizon2020.

The VRI participates in publishing the international scientific

journal Veterinary Medicine which is cited in Web of Science,

CAB Abstracts, SCOPUS etc. The Institute's scientists were

involved in teaching and training of students at Universities

in Brno (University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Brno, Mendel University, Masaryk University, University of


7

Technology) and University of South Bohemia in Ceske

Budejovice. In 2015, a total of 79 students were engaged

in research at the Institute as an integral part of their doctoral

programme. Scientists very intensively cooperated with

experts from research institutes across Europe, the USA and

other countries. They also actively participated in international

congresses and professional events with international

attendance.

In 2015, a new independent unit "Centre for Technology

Transfer and Project Support" was opened. This Centre assists

in submitting and execution of research projects and

dissemination of their results. They also make considerable

effort to promote collaboration with agricultural, food-

production and pharmaceutical industries. In cooperation with

the Centre, a new VRI´s visual identity was designed and

approved, including its website which is visited by

the professional community members. The Institute´s Internet

address http://www.vri.cz became popular not only among

Czech and foreign scientists, but also among professionals in

agriculture around the Czech Republic.

Systematic scientific-research activities at the VRI contributed

not only to acquiring new knowledge in basic research, but

also practical results, readily applicable in agricultural

production, food processing and pharmaceutical industries.

Covering a wide range of disciplines in veterinary medicine and

tending to stray into human medicine and other fields

of agricultural and biomedical sciences, the VRI is the only

institution of this type in the Czech Republic and thanks to its

professional staff, instrumentation, long-term experience and

intensive collaboration with other domestic and foreign

partners, it is able to guarantee maximum scientific

performance in both basic and applied research. Therefore,

it is an institution which can be approached by both domestic

and foreign researchers, veterinary and human practitioners

and also partners from agriculture and specialists from other

fields of national economy seeking professional help.

The Institute has again become adequate partner for its

Ministerial founder, and also for companies in agriculture and

other spheres of business and is able to promptly respond to

their demands in the form of implementation of functional

tasks, contractual research, collaboration on projects and

other forms of collaboration. A highly appreciated activity

of the Veterinary Research Institute in Brno in 2015 was a

series of workshops entitled "VRI Fest". The objective of these

events was to accelerate transfer of new knowledge from

research towards practical users. Thanks to this project and its

publicizing, continuous communication with practical users

and non-governmental organizations was carried out with the

aim of enhancing mutual collaboration in the context

of applied research. Regarding agricultural production, the VRI

was a professional guarantor of preventive-medicine

programmes in farm animal herds, development

of reproductive technologies, development of diagnostic kits

and vaccines, monitoring the resistance of pathogenic

microorganisms to antibiotics together with the development

of rapid diagnostic tests for their assessment, monitoring

environmental xenobiotics and their impact on feed

contamination and consequently on farm animal health, etc.

The VRI scientists gave regular lectures to agricultural and

food-processing companies during professional seminars and

provided them with professional consulting.

In 2015, the Supervisory Board, newly appointed

by the Ministerial founder in 2014, held a total of four

meetings and the elected VRI Board (operating since January

2012) also held four meetings. Its activities were fully focused

on the VRI's operation as a whole and significantly contributed

to its stabilization. All VRI activities were discussed

systematically in regular meetings of the VRI Board and

meetings of the Management. Records from the meetings

were sent to the Supervisory Board, VRI Board and

representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The collaboration with the Research, Education and

Consultancy Section, Departmental Organisations Section and

other sections of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech

Republic was systematic and effective. The executives

of the VRI actively participated in the preparation of the

process of the new "Concept of research, development and

innovations of the Ministry of Agriculture for 2016 - 2022" and

its implementation. This material and principles of its

fulfilment will become the main basis for creating the VRI´s

own concept for further specialisation and development.

The VRI´s Statutory Representative became a member of

8

the National Innovation Platform for Agriculture and

Environment, established by the Management Committee

RIS3 of the Czech Government Office. In 2015, Deputy Prime

Minister for Research, Development and Innovations visited

the VRI and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and

other officials in professional and political life of the Czech

Republic repeatedly paid visit to our Institute. These facts,

in particular with regard to the situation in previous years, play

a key role along with the Institute´s personnel responsible

approach to their work. Therefore, we can say that also thanks

to these activities in 2015, the set tasks in all spheres of

the VRI activities, as defined by its Founding Charter, have

been accomplished.

During the year in question there have been no significant

changes to the Institute's staff. At the census taken on

31 December, 2014, the VRI employed 278 personnel (203

FTE) and on 31 December, 2015, it was 239 (199 FTE).

The economic situation of the Institute has also remained

unchanged. The total budget for 2015 was CZK 211,303,000 of

which Institutional funding (Research Institution Development

fund) amounted to CZK 66,702,000, i.e. 34% of the total

budget. Economic activity profit after taxation in 2015

amounted to + CZK 6,589,000. As of 31 December 2015,

the book value of tangible assets totalled CZK 486,682,000 and

the reserve fund was CZK 4,100,000 (the amount was then

temporarily reduced by refunded payment of the above

mentioned two instruments and payment orders related to

the currently resolved historical cases), property reproduction

fund was CZK 18,184,000; special-purpose fund CZK

7,823,000; and the social fund CZK 489,000. Financial assets

of the VRI in 2015 were significantly strengthened

by the successful resolving of litigation on the plot LV 753/1

with the area of 1.4 hectares and worth more than CZK

40,000,000, located on the premises of the Institute, which

was gained with a significant involvement of the partner law

practice.

The VRI continued to compile inventories and update

of Director's instructions, by-laws and directives and has

extended the implementation of standard managerial

practices at the Institute. The Institute has always given full

attention to health and safety at work and fire regulations.

The VRI has always attempted to maintain good working

relations with its Veterinary Trade Union.

Revitalization of the VRI's physical assets has been completed.

It included thermal insulation of the roofs and two main

buildings. The roofing material and related technologies

were exchanged. A significant financial subsidy for

this reconstruction was obtained from the Operational

Programme “Environment” under the auspices of the Ministry

of the Environment of the Czech Republic. After years of delay,

diesel generators serving as backup power for the VRI´s

buildings in the of failure event of the normal supply, have

been put into operation. The sewerage net and wastewater

treatment plant at the Institute have been prepared for

reconstruction as part of the VRI´s revitalisation.

The year 2015 was very successful, and contributed to

the stabilization of scientific research teams at the Veterinary

Research Institute, and brought a number of important

findings, outcomes and inspirations for the years to come.

Finally, sincere thanks and appreciation are due to everybody

who have made a positive contribution to the successful

operation of the Veterinary Research Institute in 2014.

Our wishes of good health and a lot of success go to each and

every one who are concerned with the Institute's outcomes

and its influence on Czech agriculture, veterinary and human

medicine, hygiene and ecology, pharmacy and other

disciplines, and we would like to express our interest in further

cooperation.

MVDr. Miloslav Skřivánek, CSc.

10

Significant Events

Reconstruction and Thermal Insulation

of Buildings I and II In August 2015, thermal insulation and the roof reconstruction

of Buildings I and II was completed. The work began in

February 2015.

The construction work was carried out during full operation of

the laboratories, and thus it was not always easy to harmonize

the work with research activities. Despite many difficulties and

thanks all employees of the Institute, mainly due to their

tolerance and patience, the reconstruction of building

exteriors was brought to a successful end.

Currently, the buildings and their surroundings are shining

new and nobody thinks back to the reconstruction work today.

Special thanks are due to all employees who participated in

the renovation of these two buildings for their strenuous

efforts.

The project "Insulation of buildings at the Veterinary Research

Institute - Buildings I and II" was co-financed by:

European Union - Cohesion Fund, amounting to 85%

(10,826,679 CZK)

State Environmental Fund, amounting to 5% (636,863 CZK)

under the Operational Programme Environment.


11

The Diamond Jubilee of the VRI

The Veterinary Research Institute hosted a celebration to mark

the 60th anniversary of its foundation. The aim of this event

was, among others, to remind guests of historical scientific

achievements implemented by practical users, such as

the control of economically important diseases of farm

animals, and also to present current research results, both

basic and applied, conveyed to veterinary medicine and the

agricultural industry. The programme included awards

bestowed upon the most important personalities in

the Institute’s history in recognition of their achievements in

veterinary medicine. For their contributions in this field,

medallions have been awarded posthumously to Prof. MVDr.

Zdeněk Věžník, DrSc., Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Jaromír Menšík, CSc.

and MVDr. et RNDr. Eduard Salajka, CSc. The award was

presented to the members of the recipients’ families. In

connection with this anniversary, a publication was released,

describing the life of the Institute since its foundation in 1955

until the present time. The book launching ceremony was

performed by Prof. MVDr. Antonín Holub, CSc., former

Director of the VRI, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ing. Josef Kučera,

Chairman of the VRI Supervisory Board.

The Ceremony was attended by over 150 people, including

current and former employees, and also by a large number of

distinguished officials in Czech political and scientific spheres,

and representatives from the commercial sector.

The following guests addressed the audience: Deputy Prime

Minister, for Science, Research and Innovation MVDr. Pavel

Bělobrádek, Ph.D., MPA; First Deputy Minister for Agriculture

of the Czech Republic JUDr. Jiří Jirsa, MEPP; Chairperson

of TACR Ing. Rut Bízková, Ph.D.; Deputy Minister for

Agricultural Commodities, Research and Consultancy Section

Ing. Jindřich Šnejdrla; and Director of Research, Training and

Consultancy of the Ministry of Agriculture Ing. Pavlína Adam,

Ph.D. Councillor Mgr. Václav Božek, PhD. spoke on behalf

of the South Moravian Region. Further speakers were: Vice-

President of Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

Ing. Pavel Juříček, Ph.D. and Vice-President of the Czech

Academy of Agricultural Sciences RNDr. Jan Nedělník, Ph.D.

Guests were given the opportunity to see an exhibition of

historic VRI photographs in the Small Gallery and to visit

reconstructed laboratories equipped with modern

technological instrumentation.

12

Noteworthy visits

Managing Director of the OP RDI

Management Section Visits the VRI

On 17 February, 2015 our Institute was visited by

the Managing Director of the OP RDI Management Section Ing.

Radek Rinn, and Mgr. Lenka Procházková, who is the Head of

the Department of Project Administration of Priority Axis 1, 2

OP RDI.

As part of the visit, the Managing Director had an opportunity

to meet with the Heads of the VRI´s research departments and

get acquainted with professional activities at their workplaces

and related results obtained in the AdmireVet and CEITEC

Centres. Their accomplishment was funded from the OP RDI.

The informal discussion with Heads of the Centres was focused

on experiences with the operation of the Centres and,

consequently, with maintaining sustainability of the built

infrastructure.

Attention was also paid to systematic collaboration between

the VRI and the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry

of Education, Youth and Sports.

At the end of the visit, the guests had an opportunity to see

the research infrastructure, which has been largely acquired

from these projects (e.g. Buildings I and III. and Experimental

Animal Facilities No. 4-5).


13

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Czech

Republic Ing. Jindřich Šnejdrla and Chairman

of the VRI Supervisory Board Doc. Dr. Ing. Josef

Kučera Visit the VRI

On 23 March 2015, a meeting took place between the Heads

of the VRI´s Departments & Units and the Deputy Minister for

Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Ing. Jindřich Šnejdrla and

Chairman of the VRI Supervisory Board VRI Doc. Dr. Ing. Josef

Kučera.

During the working visit, the guests were informed about the

latest professional activities of individual research

departments and activities at respective auxiliary

departments.

During the visit, the results and main tasks of the Veterinary

Research Institute were emphasised in relationship to its

mission and the needs of agricultural and veterinary public.

The information about the projects under the Ministry

of Agriculture´s programme NAZV and the projects submitted

and prepared for competitions announced by other providers

with focus on Operational Programme Research, Development

and Innovation (OP RDI).

The discussion was focused on the aims and organization of

research under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, its

financial support, and on the funding of the newly established

scientific centres of excellence in the Czech Republic and their

actual position and competition for financial resources with

the existing departmental research institutes, e.g., the newly

started collaborative project entitled Sedmikráska. Attention

was also paid to the VRI´s collaboration with the Department

for research, consulting and education led by Ing. Kateřina

Ventrubová, Ph.D. and other sections of the Ministry of

Agriculture of the Czech Republic.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ing. Jindřich Šnejdrla was

very complimentary about the series of specialized

production-medicine seminars entitled VRI Fest, devoted to

the economically most important diseases of farm animal

species. This activity was initiated in November 2014, and its

final tenth part is planned for April 1, 2015. In addition to

these seminars, systematic cooperation with Profi Press, s. r.o.

Publishing contributed to research result transfer.

The guests supported the plan of gradual revitalization of the

VRI´s buildings built 60 years ago. At the end of the visit, the

Deputy Minister appealed to the Institute´s management for

responsible consideration of further obligations from

investments into building of scientific infrastructure in

the context of the development of needs of the Institute and

agriculture sector.

14

Meeting of the AdmireVet Centre Board

On April 30, 2015 the Veterinary Research Institute hosted

a meeting of the AdmireVet Board. The following members of

the Board attended the meeting: Prof. Ing. Otomar Linhart,

DrSc. (Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University

of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice), MVDr. Jiří Nezval

(Bioveta, a.s.), MVDr. Jiří Bureš (Institute for State Control

of Veterinary Biologicals and Medicaments, Brno), RNDr. Petr

Ryšávka (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, s.r.o.) and Mgr. Jan

Lipavský, CSc. (Crop Research Inastitute).

Scientific Director of the Centre, MVDr. Martin Faldyna, Ph.D.

provided information about the research activities and

achievements, both scientific, presented mainly in the form of

articles published in peer-reviewed journals, and results

transmitted to practical users. The programme included a tour

of the built infrastructure - reconstructed buildings and

acquired instruments - investments. During the meeting,

sustainability strategy of the Centre was presented and the

project of the National Programme "Healthy animal as

a source of wholesome food" was highlighted. The possibilities

of expansion of the Institute´s potential for contractual and

collaborative research and alternatives for expanding

the Centre by new scientific directions from the sources of

the forthcoming OP RDE were discussed.

Director of IAEI and Director of ÚKZÚZ Pay a

Working Visit to the VRI

On 13 May 2015 our Institute was visited by the Director of

the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information (IAEI)

Ing. Michaela Šolcová and Deputy Director for Economics and

Administration Ing. Zuzana Pízová. The director of the Central

Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture (ÚKZÚZ)

Ing. Daniel Jurečka was also invited to the working meeting.

During the meeting, professional activities of the Institute,

including scientific infrastructure and the activity of the Centre

for Technology Transfer and Project Support were presented

to the guests. The purpose of the working meeting was,

among others, to find and specify common topics of

collaboration and their direction with respect to the current

needs of the professional public and the application spheres.


15

Meeting with Representatives of the

Ministry of Agriculture

On 17 August, 2015 a working meeting took place between

the Heads of the VRI´s Departments and Units and

the Director of Research, Training and Consultancy of the

Ministry of Agriculture Ing. Pavlína Adam, Ph.D. and Deputy

Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Ing. Jindřich

Šnejdrla.

The working meeting was also attended by other

representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture: Ing. Jiřina

Vorlová, Director of departmental enterprises, organizations

and institutions, as well as Mgr. Elena Trefilová, Ing. Ondřej

Sirko a Ing. Lubomír Bařina from the Department of funded

organizations, scientific research institutions and state funds.

During the meeting, the guests were informed about

the current professional activities at the research Departments

and activities at the respective Units. Attention was also paid

to the cooperation between the VRI and the Department

of Research, Consultancy and Training led by Ing. Pavlína

Adam, Ph.D. as well as other specialized sections of the Czech

Ministry of Agriculture.

Discussion took place on the topic of the possibility

of obtaining funds for research and development from foreign

and domestic sources, including contractual research.

Information was provided on projects under preparation for

competitions announced by other providers with the emphasis

on the Operational Programme Research, Development and

Innovation (OP RDI).

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic,

Ing. Jindřich Šnejdrla positively evaluated the VRI´s

achievements and was very complimentary about the series

of special seminars entitled “VRI Fest” organized by the VRI

and the prepared collaborative project between research

institutions of the Ministry of Agriculture in the area

of consultancy entitled Sedmikráska.

16

"VRI Fest" Seminars In 2015, the Veterinary Research Institute in Brno resumed

hosting a series of workshops entitled "VRI Fest", designed for a

broad community of experts in the field of agricultural

production, veterinary medicine, food producing industry,

fisheries, beekeeping, etc. The objective of these seminars was,

in particular, to accelerate transfer of new knowledge from

research towards practical users in the agriculture industry and

veterinary medicine. Each seminar was usually devoted to one

particular animal species, focusing on their current

economically detrimental diseases. The project has been

supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic,

Agricultural Association of the Czech Republic, Agrarian

Chamber of the Czech Republic, breeders' and other

professional associations; Profi Press, s.r.o. was the media

partner. Besides the lectures delivered by researchers from

both the VRI in Brno and other research organisation, an invited

representative of the practical sphere (farmer) gave an address

in each seminar, speaking about their own experiences and

needs. Informal discussion between the participants always

followed. The entire programme of the seminar was usually

concluded with concrete proposals (provisions) to handle the

issues raised.

In early January 2015, the seminar was devoted to Porcine

Respiratory Disease Complex, its proper diagnostics and

treatment, including the risk of antibiotic resistance. The topic

of the next seminar was the health of calves during the milk

nutrition period, where the control of calf rearing, levels and

possibilities of colostrum nutrition and, last but not least,

the risk of clostridium infections were discussed. Another

seminar, which took place in early February, focused on

the health of bee colonies in the Czech Republic. The most

serious viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases of bees were

presented there, including experiences with the control of

serious infections of bees in South Moravia, and current

practices for preventing varroosis and American foulbrood of

honey bees. In mid-February, the seminar was aimed at udder

health in dairy cattle. Attention was paid to staphylococcal

infections, principles of milk sampling for bacteriological

analysis, possibilities of on-farm culture of milk samples for

the detection of mastitis agents and their treatment strategy.

The seminar in March related to gastrointestinal diseases

in poultry farmed on an industrial scale and vaccines,

developed at the VRI, against salmonellosis in poultry were

introduced. The attendants received information on the most

frequently occurring diseases of the digestive tract in poultry

and possibilities of their diagnostics and prevention. Another

topic of this seminar was the health of freshwater fish. Based

on the series of lectures of experts it can be concluded that it

is most important to observe preventive measures. The first

cycle of the VRI Fest was completed on 1 April by a seminar

dealing with the microbiological quality of food where

the current foodborne diseases of animal and vegetable origin

in humans were discussed. The second year of VRI Fest

seminars was launched in November 2015 by a workshop

concerning paratuberculosis in cattle. The attendants were

informed about new important findings about the causative

agent of the disease, and current possibilities and methods of

paratuberculosis control in herds. Seminars are enjoying

unprecedented interest of the public, especially from

veterinarians, farmers, State Administration and services

employees, as well as experts from other scientific institutions.

The high popularity of the VRI Fest events is a pleasant

surprise, but also a commitment of the Veterinary Research

Institute and its main organizer MVDr. Soňa Šlosárková, Ph.D.

The popularity gives evidence of the topicality of the selected

subjects, as well as a high level of the presented information.

New findings in the above mentioned spheres have been

delivered by experts independent of commercial interests, in

a comprehensible form, with respect to the attendants who

are often confronted with the presented issues on a daily basis

in their occupational situations.

The following VRI scientists participated in

the aforementioned seminars: MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D.,

Mgr. Iva Slaná, Ph.D., RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D., MVDr. Martin

Faldyna, Ph.D., Prof. MVDr. Miroslav Toman, CSc., MVDr.

Kateřina Nedbalcová, Ph.D., MVDr. Soňa Šlosárková, Ph.D,

MVDr. Josef Krejčí, CSc., RNDr. Jana Prodělalová, Ph.D., MVDr.

Zoran Jaglič, Ph.D., Doc. RNDr. Ivan Rychlík, Ph.D., Ing. Tomáš

Veselý, CSc., MVDr. Ivana Koláčková, Ph.D., Mgr. Petra

Myšková, doc. MVDr. Renáta Karpíšková, Ph.D., Ing. Hana

Vojkovská, RNDr. Michal Slaný, Ph.D. and Mgr. Petra

Vašíčková, Ph.D.


17

18

.

Participations in exhibitions & trade fairs

VetFair

On 17 and 18 April 2015, the 13th International Veterinary

Trade Fair ”VETFair 2015“ took place in Hradec Králové.

The Veterinary Research Institute was also presented at this

important event.

At the stand of LabMediaServis, s. r. o., shared applied

research results concerning the detection of bacterial

resistance to antimicrobials and other topics were presented

to the professional community.

The results were kits for determining minimum inhibitory

concentrations of important veterinary bacterial pathogens

which are commercially distributed by LabMediaServis, s. r. o.

Bread Basket 2015

From 27 April to 1 September 2015, the 42nd annual

International Agricultural Fair “Bread Basket” was held in

České Budějovice. The Veterinary Research Institute

participated in this exhibition as well as in previous years.

The VRI presented its scientific results and activities in

a shared exhibition with other six research institutes of the

Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic.

Development of novel molecular

adjuvants and their nanoliposomal

formulations for construction of

recombinant vaccines

Long-term collaboration between scientists from

the Veterinary Research Institute in Brno, Institute of Organic

Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences, Prague,

Institute of Physics of AS CR, Prague, Palacky University in

Olomouc and King's College London led to the development of

new molecular adjuvants and their nanoliposomal

formulations for the construction of recombinant vaccines.

The results of collaboration were published in the prestigious

journal Pharmaceutical Research and the patent application

was filed. These results will be further used for

the development of new recombinant vaccines, e.g. against

borreliosis, influenza and Aujeszky's disease in dogs.


19

Outstanding outcome awards to the VRI

scientists

A prestigious award for research into tick-borne

encephalitis

Mgr. Martin Palus from the Department of Virology, VRI,

received the prestigious award for the Young Czech and Slovak

Microbiologist of the Year 2015 from the Czechoslovak Society

for Microbiology. His findings about the immune response in

patients with tick-borne encephalitis, the role of the host

genotype played in determining the clinical course of disease,

virus crossing the blood-brain barrier of the host and virus

interactions with neurons and astrocytes in the brain aroused

considerable interest in the Czech and international

professional communities soon after their publication.

Young scientists receive the Award of Minister

of Agriculture of the Czech Republic for young

scientists 2015

During the opening ceremony of the 42nd Agricultural Fair

“Bread Basket” held on 27 August 2015 in “Pivovarská

zahrada“ major awards were handed out to the winners in

the presence of leading officials of the Czech Government. The

VRI scientists have been successful this year as well as last

year. Scientists from the Department of Immunology won

the 1st and 2nd places in the competition for the “Award of

Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic for young

scientists 2015” for the following scientific studies:

Mgr. Hana Štěpánová, Ph.D.: CD4+ and γδTCR+ T lymphocytes

are sources of interleukin-17 in swine. Cytokine.

Mgr. Lenka Geržová: Characterization of microbiota

composition and presence of selected antibiotic resistance

genes in carriage water of ornamental fish. PLoS One.

The "Award of Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic

for the best results in applied research and experimental

development in 2015” was handed out by the Minister to:

MVDr. Ján Matiašovic, Ph.D. for the applied result: "The use of

Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium

antigens for serological differentiation between infected and

vaccinated pigs" for which the authors were granted a national

patent in 2015.

20

The Award for the Best Project of Applied

Research

The TA CR Project ”TA01011165 – Synthetic multi-epitope

vaccine against borreliosis for veterinary use” was judged

the best by a committee of experts cooperating with the TA

CR, in the category of “Solutions for quality of life” for the TA

CR´s annual award for the year 2015.

RNDr. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc. was the Project Co-ordinator and

the Veterinary Research Institute, Brno was the recipient.

The teams of the following representatives were involved in

the winning Project implementation:

• RNDr. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc, (Veterinary Research

Institute, Brno)

• doc. MUDr. et Mgr. Milan Raška, Ph.D. (Palacký

University, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Olomouc)

• RNDr. Miroslav Ledvina, CSc. (Institute of Organic

Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, Prague)

• doc. Ing. Irena Kratochvílová, Ph.D. (Institute of

Physics AS CR, Prague)

• MVDr. Vladimír Vrzal, CSc., (Bioveta a. s., Ivanovice

na Hané).

Bioveta a. s. is preparing the production process.

The above research teams are involved in the development of

a vaccine for human use and continue this work in

collaboration with another industrial partner Apigenex, which

purchased the license from the Veterinary Research Institute

and Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry and

Imuthes Ltd. to produce a molecular adjuvant.

The official award ceremony will take place on Thursday 22

October 2015 in the National Theatre, Prague.


21

Best Student Lecture Competition

Mgr. Jana Širmarová from the Department of Virology, VRI,

won 2nd place in the “Best Student Lecture Competition” at

the 4th Czech-Slovak conference with international

attendance “Labudovy dny” at the castle of Smolenice,

organized by the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Mgr. Širmarová presented the lecture entitled: Omsk

hemorrhagic fever virus and Kyasanur Forest disease virus

activate human endothelial cells.

Best publication in the field of assisted

reproduction

Mgr. Miroslav Horňák, Ph.D. from the Department of Genetics

and Reproduction, VRI, won 1st prize in the competition for

the best publication in the field of assisted reproduction for

2014. The study has been evaluated the best by the Scientific

Board, Section for Assisted Reproduction of the Czech Medical

Association of Jan Evangelista Purkyne. The publication was

created in cooperation between the Department of Genetics

and Reproduction of the Veterinary Research Institute and

the centre of assisted reproduction REPROMEDA s. r. o. in

Brno.

Comprehensive meiotic segregation analysis of a 4-breakpoint

t(1;3;6) complex chromosome rearrangement using single

sperm array comparative genomic hybridization and FISH.

The VRI´s scientists are co-authors of an award-

winning publication

The Czech Urological Society has awarded the best scientific

paper of 2014 in the category of original experimental work,

published in the journal Veterinary Medicine.

Limitations in using rabbit bladders in electrophysiological and

urodynamic experiments.

The paper focuses on the study of the experimental electrical

stimulation of the urinary bladder´s muscles.

OneHealth

24

Projects in 2015

Projects in 2015

Projects of the Czech Science Foundation

(GACR)

1. GA15-11688S The effect of intestinal microbiota

composition on the chicken caecum immune system

development

2. GA14-22016S Deregulation of proliferative,

proinflammatory and carcinogenic responses in lung epithelial

models induced by chemical airborne contaminants

3. GA14-29256S Mechanisms of neuronal injury in the CNS

induced by tick-borne encephalitis virus infection

4. GP13-31474P Characterization of chicken leukocyte

proteome after Salmonella Enteritidis infection

5. GAP502/12/2201 Changes in important regulatory

mechanisms of cell division during the transition from meiosis

into mitosis

6. GBP503/12/G147 Centre for studies of toxic properties

of nanoparticles

7. GAP502/11/0719 Comparative study of male meiosis in

members of the family Bovidae

Projects of the Ministry of Education, Youth and

Sports

8. EE2.3.30.0064 Strengthening the team for the study of

host-pathogen interactions by new postdoctoral positions

9. EE2.3.20.0213 CeDiLa - Strategic development of the cell

division laboratory team

10. ED1.1.00/02.0068 CEITEC - Central European Institute of

Technology

11 ED2.1.00/19.0385 Development of research capacity of

the AdmireVet Centre

12. LD15055 Effect deoxynivalenol and its metabolite de-

epoxy deoxynivalenol on the intestines of newborn piglets

13. LD15056 The use of the detection and analytical

molecular biology methods in the study of the occurrence and

survival of parasites contaminating food

14. LD14015 Conditions, cell structures and mechanisms

involved in bacterial adhesion, formation of bacterial biofilms

and stress response to disinfection

15. LD14104 The effect of stimulation of mitochondrial

activity on the developmental capacity of mammalian oocytes

16. LO1218 Healthy animal as a source of wholesome food

17. LH13072 The role of the mitotic spindle assembly

checkpoint in the aetiology of chromosome segregation in

mammalian oocytes and embryos

18. CZ.1.07/2.3.00/20.0164 Development of an international

team of excellence for research and targeted treatment of

hematologic and immunologic diseases


25

Projects of the Ministry of the Interior

19. VG20102015011 Creating a system of procedures for

the detection and quantification of major bacterial and viral

pathogens contaminating food, water and environment and

threatening human and farm animal health

20. VI20152020044 Multiplex xMAP technology for

comprehensive detection of pathogenic agents important in

terms of ensuring human and animal health protection

Projects of the Ministry of Health

21. NV15-32198A Preparation of recombinant mimotopes

which induce neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 gp120

glycoprotein using the technology of high-affinity ligands

22. NV15-33968A The use of advanced methods of

molecular genetics methods in the investigation of genotoxic

changes in at-risk populations

23. NT14599 The significance of cyclin-dependent kinase 12

(CDK12) in pathogenesis and prediction of breast cancer and

other malignancies

24. NT13871 Restoration of normal function of the urinary

bladder by creating somatic-CNS-autonomic reflex –

Experimental part

25. NT13884 Concurrent incidence and epidemiology of

Hepatitis E virus in the Czech Republic; Serological and

molecular biological study

Projects of the Ministry of Agriculture

26. QJ1510047 The use of synergic effects of cannabis,

honey and propolis for supportive treatment of infections of

the mammary gland

27. QJ1510104 Possibilities of small ruminant vaccination

against tick-borne encephalitis

28. QJ1510108 Overlooked and emerging viral infections of

pigs and their importance in the complex of clinical diseases

29. QJ1510113 Comprehensive approach to viral diseases of

bees as a tool to promote and develop beekeeping in the

Czech Republic

30. QJ1510138 Innovation of biotechnologies in

reproduction of farm animals

31. QJ1510216 Phage therapy of infections caused by

Staphylococcus aureus in farm animal herds

32. QJ1510217 Proposal and application of a blanket system

of bovine diseases data collection and its use in herd

management, breeding and the rational use of antimicrobials

33. QJ1510218 Clostridial infections in pigs - epidemiology,

prevention and therapy

34. QJ1510219 Comprehensive management of colostrum

feeding in calves and its improvement as a natural tool to

promote the health of calves, disease control and reduction in

the need for antibiotics

35. QJ1510233 Comprehensive assessment of the impact of

traditional and alternative castration methods on pig rearing

and meat quality for ensuring sustainable and competitive

pork production in the Czech Republic

36. QJ1510338 Fermented dairy products and cheeses for

healthy nutrition of humans, procedures of their production

and evaluation methods with an emphasis on high

microbiological safety and improved nutritional parameters

37. QJ1530107 Methods for the identification, traceability

and authentication of food and feeds containing components

of animal origin

26

38. QJ1530272 Comprehensive strategy for effective

detection of food adulteration in the chain from farm to fork

39. QJ1310019 A trivalent Salmonella vaccine to protect

poultry flocks

40. QJ1310258 Development of a new generation feed

formulation for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of

enteric infections in piglets as a way to reduce

the environmental burden of antibiotics and/or zinc

compounds

41. QJ1210112 The use of humic substances as a feed

additive for the prevention of diarrhoea in piglets and

increasing performance of pigs

42. QJ1210113 The effect of traditional and non-traditional

methods of farm and wild animal meat processing on the

occurrence of emerging foodborne viral, bacterial and

parasitic agents in the final products

43. QJ1210114 Contamination risks of raw materials and

products of vegetable origin with selected viral, bacterial and

parasitic agents

44. QJ1210115 Vaccination possibilities with an inactivated

vaccine for the control of Salmonella in pigs

45. QJ1210119 Development and production of veterinary

kits for determination of MIC of antimicrobials by

a standardized microdilution method and a new concept of

evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobials by MPC

46. QJ1210120 A programme for control of economically

important infections in pigs

47. QJ1210237 Prevention of serious infectious diseases in

cyprinids

48. QJ1210284 The introduction of methods for MRSA

detection in food animal meat and effective measures for their

spread in the food chain

49. QJ1210300 Systems to assure quality and safety of dairy

products using suitable methods applicable under practical

conditions

50. QJ1210301 Research, new products and services to

create centres of prevention, detection and mastitis treatment

support.

TA CR Projects

51. TA04010812 A live attenuated vaccine supplemented

with recombinant antigens against salmonellosis and

coccidiosis

52. TA04011004 Optimization of the vaccination schedule

with an attenuated Salmonella enteritidis vaccine leading to

long-term protection against infection with Salmonella in

poultry

Projects of the EU 7th Framework Programme

53. TargetFISH - Targeted disease prophylaxis in European

fish farming

Provider: 7th FP

54. PROHEALTH – Sustainable intensive pig and poultry

production

55. Asklepios – Advanced studies towards knowledge on

Lyssavirus Encephalitis pathogenesis improving option of

survival

56. Fishboost - Boosting the domestication of established

farmed finfish species through selective breeding


27

Top projects at the VRI in 2015

The VRI has received a top security research

project

The project entitled Multiplex xMAP technology for a complex

detection of pathogenic agents significant for the protection of

human and animal health, with a total budget of CZK

50 million, has received funding from the Ministry of the

Interior of the Czech Republic within the Security Research

Programme in the Czech Republic for the period of 2015–2020

(BV III/1-VS).

The five-year project is aimed at validation of screening

methods for the detection and semi-quantitation of up to 50

pathogenic agents important from an aspect of protection of

public health, food sources and environment, performed in

a single analysis. The project will bring the following outcomes:

certified methods and prototypes for rapid one-step screening

of pathogenic agents, setting of effective tools for risk

management, complete education as part of the measures for

security protection and crisis situations, and detecting

bioterrorism.

Two VRI projects were selected for funding

under the programme COST CZ

On 17 August, 2015, results of a public competition held in

Research, Development and Innovation, under the VES15

programme of international cooperation in research and

development COST CZ, were announced on the website of

the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The staff of our

Institute submitted the following two projects to this

competition and both of them were selected for funding:

"The use of detection and analytical methods of molecular

biology in the study of the prevalence and survival of parasites

contaminating food", submitted by Mgr. Michal Slaný, Ph.D.

will be carried out in connection with the project COST FA1408

"A European Network for Foodborne Parasites" and "Effect of

deoxynivalenol and its metabolite de-epoxy deoxynivalenol on

the intestine of newborn piglets" submitted by MVDr. Martin

Faldyna, Ph.D., which extends the activity COST FA1401

"European network on the factors affecting the gastro-

intestinal microbial balance and the impact on the health

status of pigs".

The NPU I project successfully continues for the

2nd year

The professional part of the project was revised in 2015 and

extended to include topics of 12 newly granted co-financed

projects (MZe NAZV KUS) and two COST CZ projects. At

the same time, the originally designed objectives and

outcomes were achieved, in some cases earlier than planned.

It follows that - even with no changes to the three sub-goals of

the project - their internal activities will better reflect the work

progress and its completion.

Thanks to new projects, the Centre is expanding. The new

students entering Ph.D. programme in combination with new

professional topics guarantee the achievement of the planned

indicator values and the continuing sustainability of

the AdmireVet Centre. In the course of the project

implementation, results of several different types were

achieved in 2015. These results were either produced with

exclusive dedication to the project, or (and mostly) with

dedication to co-financing projects.

Scientists published 46 Jimp papers, 21 publications of Jrec

type and 8 publications of Jsc type, 1 professional book and

4 articles in Proceedings.

1 national patent was granted, 1 certified technology,

1 prototype, 2 functional samples and 25 certified

methodologies.

Several international collaborative projects were

implemented, 4 DSP students belonging to the Centre were

involved in R&D activities in foreign research institutions, and

3 foreign university students participated in activities at

the Centre.

The AdmireVet Centre Increased Its Research

Capacity owing to OP RDI programme

Earlier this October, the Ministry of Education, Youth and

Sports of the Czech Republic awarded funding of over CZK 25.5

million to the Veterinary Research Institute for the project

28

Development of Research Capacity of the AdmireVet Centre

under Operational Programme Research and Development for

Innovations (OP R&D&I).

The award was used to purchase two significant state-of-the-

art equipment complexes which will allow the enhancement of

the current activities of the Centre for Advanced Microbiology

and Immunology in Veterinary Medicine (AdmireVet) carried

out under the following two major scientific programmes of

the Centre, VETERINARY EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSTICS

and VACCINES AND PREVENTION.

The Centre laboratory capacity was thus improved by

sophisticated equipment for the identification of bacterial

agents based on proteomic analysis. This device is MALDI

TOF/TO mass spectrometer that can simultaneously improve

the methodological approach and extending knowledge

planned in carrying out the research under the project NPU I

“Healthy animal health as a source of wholesome food

(OneHealth)” Reg. No. LO1218, specifically research in

the field of epidemiology and pathogenesis of important

veterinary infections and zoonoses of bacterial origin and

the Development and application of methods for diagnosis of

pathogens and contaminants in food chains and

the environment), but also in dealing with new activities,

especially in the area of antimicrobial resistance and food

safety.

Research capacity of the Centre was further enhanced by

the acquisition of a flow cytometer for cell sorting, mainly for

carrying out the programme Vaccines and Prevention. This

programme aims to address the host-pathogen interactions

and subsequent development and testing of live and

inactivated vaccines, the physiology of vaccination and

alternative methods for animal health protection.

The device will also allow deepening and in some cases

carrying out sophisticated analyses for the needs of planned

professional activities when conducting the existing activities

under the same project NPU I (with an emphasis on areas

which are covered by the activities of Epidemiology and

pathogenesis of important veterinary infections and zoonoses

of bacterial origin and Methods of control, prevention and

treatment of important veterinary infections and zoonoses).

30

Results of Applied Research

Transfer of knowledge and technologies and their commercialization are considered significant activities to complement the main mission of the Institute. The primary aim of the intellectual property protection policy is to use the tools created by employees to generate the maximum possible benefit for the VRI. The VRI has available several internal directives that stipulate this issue in accordance with valid legislation. The centre, coordinating activities related to the commercialization of new knowledge and technologies developed at particular Institute's departments, is the Centre of Technology Transfer and Project Support (CTT PS). Its main activities are: Monitoring research activities and new knowledge, evaluation of the commercial potential of new knowledge, ensuring the protection of intellectual property of the created tools, management of portfolio of intellectual property, consultancy, preparing contractual documents, preparation of internal regulations, licensing policy, promotion of results, consultations, analysis, arrangement of external legal services. CTT PP maintains a database of the VRI´s intellectual property. In 1997 – 2015, 22 national patents, 4 utility models and

6 international patents were registered. Over the last three years, the VRI was awarded 2 utility models, 3 international and 3 national patents and 4 four international and 4 national patent applications, and 3 utility model applications were filed. The basic internal legislation for dealing with the results of research, development and innovations at the VRI is the updated Internal Directive No. 8/2014 entitled “Method of handling the results of research, development and innovation at the Veterinary Research Institute”. In 2015, in connection with the activities of the CTT PS further internal directives were prepared: Directive 02 – System of intellectual property protection, Ref. No. VRI 2715/2015 and Directive 04 - Evidence of research, development and innovation results in research, development and innovations, Ref. No. VRI 2770/2015. One of the principal tasks of CTT PP in 2015 was to increase collaboration with end users in agriculture and veterinary medicine as well as other potential users of research and knowledge. Collaboration with commercial and non-profit sector was established in the form of applied research projects and expert activities with the aim of setting long-term mutually beneficial conditions. In 2015 within the framework of commercialization of research and development results, contracts were concluded with domestic and foreign partners from the application sphere amounting to about 15.1 million CZK. These collaborations were accomplished in the form of licensing agreements, contracts for contract research and custom research. The results of applied research achieved in 2015:

Certified methodologies

CM VÚVeL 45/2014, ISBN 978-80-86895-51-2

Examination of the sensitivity/resistance of bacterial pathogens

of pigs to antimicrobials by determining the minimum inhibitory

concentration

A kit for the determination of MIC of bacterial isolates from

pigs with a genuine selection of the tested antimicrobials

allows testing of resistance of especially veterinary

antimicrobials which are used to treat diseases of pigs and

whose generics are registered in the Czech Republic.

CM VÚVeL 46/2014, ISBN 978-80-86895-52-9

Examination of the sensitivity/resistance of bacterial pathogens

of cattle to antimicrobials by determining the minimum

inhibitory concentration


cattle with a genuine selection of the tested antimicrobials

allows testing of resistance of especially veterinary

antimicrobials which are used to treat diseases of pigs and

whose generics are registered in the Czech Republic.


31

CM VÚVeL 47/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-48-2

The use of the modified HOS test to predict sensitivity of sperm

to the freezing process

The proposed procedure evaluates the quality of the sperm

membrane system - modified HOS test to predict effective

sperm cryopreservation. This procedure is not intended to

replace diagnostic information provided by routine semen

analysis (which is, however, considered insufficient for

determining sperm sensitivity to cold shock), but extends

the array of diagnostic indicators of sperm membrane function

level.

CM VÚVeL 48/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-53-6

Detection and quantification of Bacillus anthracis by PCR

Slaný, M.

The methodology allows rapid detection and quantification of

B. anthracis. The system was designed to be species-specific to

B. anthracis.

CM VÚVeL 49/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-54-3

Detection and quantification of Clostridium difficile by PCR

Slaná, I., Bartejsová, I.


C. difficile. The system was designed to detect only toxigenic

A+ and B+ and A- and B+ C. difficile strains

CM VÚVeL 50/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-55-0

Detection and quantification of pathogenic Yersinia

enterocolitica by PCR

Slaný, M.


pathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica. The system was

designed to be genus specific for Y. spp and simultaneously

allow differentiation between toxigenic strains of

Y. enterocolitica.

CM VÚVeL 51/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-56-7

Detection and quantification of Yersinia pestis by the PCR

method

Slaný, M.

The method allows rapid detection and quantification of

Y. pestis. The system was designed to be species specific for

Y. pestis

CM VÚVeL 52/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-57-4

The use of external control (armored RNA) of the sample

analysis process for the presence of non-enveloped RNA

viruses, and their subsequent quantification

Vašíčková, P., Mikel, P., Králík, P.

The aim of the method is to ensure proper control over

the entire analysis process (isolation of nucleic acids, qRT-PCR)

of every single sample. This methodology will also allow

determination of the effectiveness of the entire analytical

process, and thus more accurate calculation of the amount of

pathogenic viruses (or genome equivalents, viral load) in each

examined sample.

CM VÚVeL 53/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-58-1

Detection and quantification of human Adenovirus serotypes 40

and 41 using qPCR method

Mikel, P., Bartejsová, I., Králík, P.

The aim of the method is rapid detection and quantification of

human Adenovirus. The system was designed to detect all

adenovirus serotypes, with focusing on AdV40 and AdV41, and

was useful for diagnostics in humans.

CM VÚVeL 54/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-59-8

Detection and quantification of Pseudorabies virus (Aujeszky)

by PCR

Slaný, M.


the Pseudorabies virus. The system was designed to be species

specific for Pseudorabies virus.

CM VÚVeL 55/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-60-4

Detection and quantification of Campylobacter jejuni and

Campylobacter coli using qPCR method



Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. The systems

were designed to detect both types and are useful for

diagnostics in humans and all susceptible animal species.

32

CM VÚVeL 56/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-61-1

Detection and quantification of Campylobacter lari and

Campylobacter upsaliensis using qPCR method



Campylobacter lari and Campylobacter upsaliensis. The system

was designed to detect both types and be useful for


CM VÚVeL 57/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-62-8

Detection and quantification of Clostridium botulinum using

qPCR method

Slaný, M., Slaná, I.

The aim of the methodology is rapid detection and

quantification of C. botulinum. The system was designed to be

species specific for C. botulinum.

CM VÚVeL 58/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-63-5

Detection and quantification of Clostridium perfringens by qPCR

method



C. perfringens. The system was designed to be genus specific

for C. spp and simultaneously allow differentiation of

C. perfringens.

CM VÚVeL 59/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-64-2

Detection and quantification of Clostridium tetani by qPCR

method



C. tetani. The system was designed to be species specific for

C. tetani.

CM VÚVeL 60/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-65-9

Detection and quantification of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae by

qPCR



Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The system was designed to

detect only Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and be useful for


CM VÚVeL 61/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-66-6

Detection and quantification of Francisella tularensis by PCR

Kubíková, I., Králík, P.


F. tularensis. The system was designed to detect species that

are pathogenic to humans, i.e. F. tularensis subsp. tularensis,

F. tularensis subsp. holarctica and F. tularensis subsp. novicida

[Ellis 2002].

CM VÚVeL 62/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-67-3

Detection and quantification of Mycobacterium avium by PCR

Slaný, M.


M. avium. The system was designed to be genus specific for

Mycobacterium spp. and simultaneously allow

the differentiation of M. avium.

CM VÚVeL 63/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-68-0

Detection and quantification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by

PCR

Slaný, M.


the MTC. The system was designed to be genus specific for

Mycobacterium spp. and allow MTC differentiation.

CM VÚVeL 64/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-69-7

Detection and quantification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by

PCR


The aim of the methodo is rapid detection and quantification

of the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

CM VÚVeL 65/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-70-3

Detection and quantification of Staphylococcus aureus by PCR



Staphylococcus aureus. The system was designed to detect

only Staphylococcus aureus and be useful for diagnostics in

humans and all susceptible animal species.


33

CM VÚVeL 66/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-72-7

Detection and quantification of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli

(VTEC) by PCR



the verotoxin producing bacterial species Escherichia coli.

CM VÚVeL 67/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-73-4

Detection and quantification of Listeria monocytogenes by PCR



the bacterial species Listeria monocytogenes.

CM VÚVeL 68/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-74-1

Quantification of human group A rotaviruses (RNA) using

reverse transcription real-time qPCR

Prodělalová, J., Moutelíková, R.


human group A rotaviruses (RVA). The system was designed to

detect human rotavirus A strains shed in the stool of infected

persons.

CM VÚVeL 69/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-75-8

Detection and quantification of Salmonella enterica by PCR



Salmonella enterica. The system was designed to detect only

Salmonella enterica and was applicable for diagnostics in

humans and all susceptible animal species.

CM VÚVeL 70/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-76-5

Detection of Giardia lamblia in water and foods of plant origin

by PCR

Slaný, M.


Giardia lamblia in water and foods of plant origin.

Verified methodologies Production of a kit for MIC determination in antimicrobial

agents in bacterial pathogens of poultry 4394/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-80-2

Nedbalcová, K., Zouharová, M., Pokludová, L., Bureš, J., Krejčí,

T., Hera, A.


cattle with genuine selection of tested antimicrobials allows

testing of resistance, particularly to veterinary antimicrobials,

which are used to treat diseases of poultry and their dosage

forms are registered in the CR. The kit also represented

antimicrobials that are not allowed for poultry disease

treatment, but testing is important for predicting their

effectiveness and for epidemiological reasons.

Functional patternsTrivalent Salmonella vaccine for oral vaccination of poultry 4109/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-77-2

Rychlík, I., Matulová, M., Faldynová, M., Šebková, A., Šišák, F.,

Havlíčková, H.

The subject of this functional sample is a functional trivalent

Salmonella vaccine with protective effect for oral

administration to poultry, which contains attenuated strains of

S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimuirum and S. Infantis serovars.

Aerosol vaccination of poultry with a trivalent Salmonella

vaccine

4057/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-78-9

Rychlík, I., Matulová, M., Faldynová, M., Šebková, A., Šišák, F.,

Havlíčková, H.

The main goal of this functional sample was to verify

the possibility of aerosol vaccination of poultry with an

attenuated Salmonella vaccine containing strains of 3 serovars

and compare the quality and duration of the immune

response with the administration of the same vaccine by

the oral route.

34

Experimental vaccine against Haemophilus parasuis based on

capsular polysaccharides

5032/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-83-3

Nedbalcová, K., Matiašková, K., Tesařík, R., Kudláčková, H.,

Faldyna, M. Toman, M.

Infection of pigs, caused by the bacterium Haemophilus

parasuis, is currently becoming a more frequent problem of

pig farmers worldwide. One of the most effective means of

control and eradication of infectious diseases is vaccination.

Therefore, the aim of this method was to develop a subunit

vaccine by the isolation of capsular polysaccharide and test its

ability an adequate formation of antibodies against selected

serotypes of H. parasuis in mice.

Egg yolk mass containing IgY antibodies specific against

Escherichia coli and rotaviruses

5031/2015, ISBN 978-80-86895-82-6

Zemánková, N., Házová, K., Alexa, P., Prodělalová, J.,

Kudláčková, H., Krejčí, J., Faldyna, M.

IgY antibodies isolated from egg yolk of immunized hens are

increasingly used in the treatment and prevention of human

and animal diseases. IgY antibodies are able to fulfil most of

the functions normally performed by mammalian antibodies.

The aim of the present functional sample is the production of

dried egg mass (melange) containing specific IgY antibodies

against enteropathogenic strains of E. coli expressing adhesive

factors F4 and F18, and against porcine rotaviruses.

Patents

International patent granted in 2015

Compounds derived from normuramyldipeptide

Hipler, K., Miller, A., Turánek, J., Ledvina, M.

EP 2578598 granted on 15 April 2015

The patent relates to novel hydrophobic derivatives of

normuramyl glycopeptides and their use as

immunotherapeutics and molecular adjuvants for vaccines.

National patent granted in 2015

The use of antigens of Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar

Typhimurium for serological differentiation between infected

and vaccinated pigs

Matiašovic, J., Gebauer, J., Kudláčková, H., Kosina, M.,

Kovařčík, K., Tesařík, R., Osvaldová, A.

305077, granted on 11 March 2015

The method allows serological differentiation of infected pigs

from pigs vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine based on

the wild-type strain of Salmonella Typhimurium without

the necessity of targeted modification of the vaccination

strain. Serological differentiation between animals infected

with Salmonella Typhimurium and vaccinated animals is

necessary for vaccination in control programmes aimed at

reducing the percentage of Salmonella positive market pigs.


35

Prototype

Diagnostic tool for the detection of hepatitis A virus by RT-qPCR

using external control of the analysis

4396/2015

Vašíčková, P., Mikel, P.

A diagnostic tool that enables in vitro detection of HAV in

various types of matrices (water, food and swabs from

the environment and hands of people, clinical material) and

simultaneous inspection of the whole analytical process of

every sample examined. The tool, termed as "HAV triplex RT-

qPCR kit" is unique in its composition and simplicity of use.

The kit is designed in accordance with the valid legislation of

the Czech Republic and the EU.

Invention applicationsPV 2015-753, Method of determining poultry immune response

after vaccination with live attenuated vaccine

Rychlík, I., Volf, J., Šebková, A., Havlíčková H.

PUV 2015-31613 A kit for in vitro determination of the genus

Norovirus (NoV GI a NoV GII)

Králík, P., Vašíčková, P., Mikel, P.

PUV Antidiarrheal veterinary composition containing lactoferrin

Gebauer, J., Tesařík, R., Matiašovic, J., Faldyna, M., Danešová,

M., Ryšávka, P.

Patent applicationsPCT/CZ2015/000042, Vaccine for prevention of lyme borreliosis

Turánek, J., Mašek, J., Raška, M., Weigl, E., Krupka, M., Bittner,

J., Nepeřený, J., Vrzal, V., Ledvina, M., Kratochvílová, I.

PCT/GB2015/052833, Mucoadhesive carriers of particles,

method of preparation and uses thereof

J. Turánek, J. Mašek, M. Raška, R. Lukáč, P. Knotigová, D.

Lubasová, A.D.Miller

Other activities for practical users Alkalisation of the litter

Functional task MoA CR "Verification of functionality and

usability of the litter pH measurement for the use under field

conditions and a summary of verified procedures of adjusting

litter pH for practical users”

In 2015, the VRI was commissioned by the Ministry of

Agriculture with help in developing a method for monitoring

the implementation of the sub-measure Improvement of

the animal facility environment in herds of cows kept in

market milk production system under article 33 Animal

Welfare. Based on the specified functional task,

measurements were carried out in animal facilities on several

farms with different litter types and different animal densities.

Simultaneously, different types of pH meters were verified or

tested and samples were collected for testing in accredited

laboratories. The results were statistically evaluated and based

on them a Method has been developed for

the implementation of Government Decree No. 74/2015 Coll.

on the conditions for granting subsidies for the measures

provided for Animal Welfare, sub-measure “Improvement of

the environment in dairy herds”. Subsequently, this was

published by the Ministry of Agriculture as obligatory for the

purpose of checking the correctness of the sub-measure

implementation.

Subsidy of MoA – 9.F.i. Agricultural consultancy support

38

International Collaboration

The Veterinary Research Institute and PiGutNet

The Department of Immunology at the Veterinary Research

Institute, Brno is involved with the PiGutNet international

action sponsored by COST (Co-operation in Science and

Technology) which is funded by the European Union.

The aim of the project is to define genetic, environmental,

dietary, therapeutic and immunological factors which

influence the composition of the microbiota in the gut of pigs.

Collaboration with foreign institutions

Department of Virology

Belgium

University of Leuven

Doc. RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D.

Collaboration on the Asklepios project.

Denmark

EU Reference Laboratory for Fish Diseases, National Veterinary

Institute, Bülowsvej 27

DK – 1870 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen - Denmark www.eurl-

fish.eu

Ing. Tomáš Veselý, CSc.

The NRL collaboration with the EURL.

Aarhus University

Hangøvej 2, DK - 8200 Århus N, www.vet.dtu.dk


Collaboration on the TargetFish project.

Finland

MTT Agrifood Research Finland

www.mtt.fi


Collaboration on the FISHBOOST project.

France

Institut Pasteur



The Netherlands

Artemis One Health Research B.V.



European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders



Cell Biology & Immunology group, Department of Animal

Sciences

Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, De Elst 1, 6708

WD

www.cbi.wur.nl



Israel

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram Campus N/A,

Jerusalem, 91904




39

Germany

FRIEDRICH-LOEFFLER-INSTITUT, Sudufer 10, Greifswald-Insel

Riems



Norway

NOFIMA AS, www.nofima.no



Hungary

Szent Istvan University



Institute for Veterinary Medical Research,

Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of

Sciences



Poland

National Veterinary Research Institute



Scotland

THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United

Kingdom



The University of Edinburgh, www.roslin.ed.ac.uk



United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency



Spain

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE INVESTIGACION Y TECHNOLOGIA

AGRARIA Y ALIMENTARIA

Carretera de la Coruna km 7.5, Madrid 28040,



Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Technologia Agraria y

Alimentaria, www.inia.es



Department of Bacteriology

France

ANSES, General de Gaulle, Maisons –Alfort, Paris,

www.anses.fr

Doc. MVDr. Renáta Karpíšková, Ph.D.

Collaboration in the field of detection, incidence and study of

the properties of Listeria monocytogenes (EU-RL for Listeria)

Italy

Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, Roma,

www.iss.it/

MVDr. Ivana Koláčková, Ph.D.

Collaboration with the EU-RL for Escherichia coli.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A,

Parma,

www.efsa.europa.eu/ Doc. MVDr. Renáta Karpíšková, Ph.D.

Collaboration in the field of microbiological risks.

Austria

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-

1210 Vienna

www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/university


Collaboration in the field of the detection, identification and

characterization of Listeria.

40

Institute Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES)

NRC Salmonella, Beethovenstrasse 6, 8010 GRAZ,

www.ages.at


Collaboration in the detection, identification and

characterization of Salmonella.

Ireland European Commission, Food and Veterinary Office, Grange,

Dunsay, Co. Meath

http://ec.europa.eu


National expert in the field of food microbiology

Slovakia

Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, Bratislava, www.uniba.sk


Long-term Collaboration in research into pathogens causing

foodborne diseases.

Slovenia

Veterinary Faculty, National Veterinary Institute, Gerbiceva 60,

Ljubljana

www.vf.uni-lj.si


Long-term Collaboration in research into antibiotic resistance,

Listeria and Salmonella.

Sweden

ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)

Tomtebodavägen 11a, Stockholm,

www. ecdc.europa.eu


Expert of MZ (EPIS) in FWD (Food and waterborne diseases).

Department of Immunology

France

S. A. SOCIÉTÉ INDUSTRIELLE LESAFFRE Ltd. 59706 Marq-en-

Baroeul, 137 Rue Gabriel Peri – BP, 3029, France, contact

person - dr. Romain D´Inca

MVDr. Martin Faldyna, Ph.D.

Testing the effects of feed additives for veterinary use.

CEVA Santé Animale S.A.. 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500

Libourne, France

contact person - Dr. Roman Krejčí


Testing the effects of experimental vaccines for veterinary use.

Hungary

Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary

Doc. RNDr. Ivan Rychlík Ph.D.

In 2014, we completed our collaborative work on chick

fibroblast responses to Salmonella infection. We have

identified a novel gene encoding G0S2 protein which is

induced by chicken fibroblasts after Salmonella infection.

Slovenia

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia


Under the international project PROMISE we first compared

the composition of intestinal microbiota in laying hens and

broilers kept in Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Then we

characterized Campylobacter jejuni proteome during in vitro

and in vivo culture after infecting the chickens.

Spain

INIA - Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria

y Alimentaria, Carretera de la Coruña, Km. 7,5., 28040 Madrid,

Espaňa, contact person - dr. Javier Dominguez


Collaboration in the field of studies of porcine macrophages,

preparation of collaborative publications.


41

Great Britain

University of Oxford


In 2014, we analysed the expression of genes and proteins in

the chicken caecum in relationship to the microbial

composition of gut microbiota. These activities resulted in a

shared project aimed at monitoring the relationship between

the composition of gut microbiota and poultry behaviour.

University of Nottingham


With colleagues from the University of Nottingham, we have

been collaborating for a long time in order to characterize

Salmonella-chicken host interaction.

Department of Food

and Feed Safety

Austria

Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien

Mgr. Iva Slaná, Ph.D.

Long-term collaboration in the field of diagnostics of the

causative agent of paratuberculosis.

Italy

Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e

dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER)

Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.

Long-term collaboration in the field of the causative agent of

paratuberculosis in foods.

Cyprus

Cyprus University of Technology, Department of Agricultural

Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science

Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D., Mgr. Iva Slaná, Ph.D.

Preparation of a collaborative project, introduction of

methods for fast culture of the causative agent of

paratuberculosis.

France

Thermo, Lissieu

Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.

Testing of diagnostic kits and development of new methods

for the detection and quantification of Mycobacterium avium

subsp. paratuberculosis.

Department of Genetics

and Reproduction

USA

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount

Road, Front Royal, VA 22630.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/

MVDr. Petra Přinosilová, Ph.D.

Long-term collaboration with Dr. Pierre Comizzoli, especially in

the reproduction of wild felids, consultations, internships.

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Prof. Richard Schultz, Department of Biology,

www.bio.upenn.edu/people/richard-schultz

MVDr. Martin Anger, CSc.

Collaboration focused on the study of failure of chromosome

segregation in mammalian oocytes. Collaboration funded by

project KONTAKT II.

Developmental Epigenetics & Reproductive Biology, Michigan

State University

Dr. Jason Knott, Associate Professor,

www.ans.msu.edu/people/dr_jason_knott


Collaboration focused on techniques of somatic cell cloning.

Germany

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University. An den

Tierkliniken 19, 04103 Leipzig.

www.vmf.uni-leipzig.de/


42

Collaboration with Prof. Dr. Johannes Kauffold in the detection

of Mycoplasmas in semen of various animal species,

consultations, collaborative projects.

EMBL Heidelberg

www.ellenberg.embl.de


Collaboration is focused on living cell microscopy.

Great Britain

Imperial College London

Dr. Nabuaki Kudo

www.imperial.ac.uk/AP/faces/pages/read/Home.jsp?person=n

.kudo&_adf.ctrl-

state=104e0ermyx_107&_afrRedirect=3837254493309863


Short annotation of collaboration: Collaboration is focused on

the study of the mitotic spindle construction in mammalian

oocytes.

University of Oxford

Prof. Bela Novak,

www.bioch.ox.ac.uk/aspsite/index.asp?pageid=593


Collaboration focused on the study of cell cycle regulation.

South African Republic

University of Stellenbosch

Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and

Zoology, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602

prof. MVDr. Jiří Rubeš, CSc.

Study of chromosomal evolution in Bovidae

Department of Chemistry

and Toxicology

Norway

Statens Arbeidsmiljoinstitutt (National Institute of

Occupational Health), Oslo;

https://stami.no/

RNDr. Miroslav Machala, CSc.

Bilateral scientific collaboration in the study of the

mechanisms of carcinogenesis caused by exposure to chemical

contaminants in the environment; characterization of changes

in gene expression during cell transformation in the lung and

bronchial epithelial cells; metabolism of benz/a/pyrene, and

production of inflammatory factors in lung cell models.

The Netherlands

Institute for Environmental Sciences, (IVM), Amsterdam;

www.ivm.vu.nl/en/index.aspx


Bilateral scientific collaboration in the study of endocrine-

disrupting polychlorinated biphenyls; formation of quantitative

toxic potencies of various substances for risk assessment.

Department of Pharmacology

and Immunotherapy

Great Britain

GlobalAcorn Ltd.

Temple Road, London W4 5nw, UK

Dr. Andrew Miller,

www.globalacorn.com

RNDr. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc.

Development of vaccination systems and adjuvants,

theranostics and targeted drugs.


43

Medway School of Pharmacy

The Universities of Greenwich and Kent at Medway

Dr. Nigel Temperton

Anson Building, Central Avenue

Chatham

Kent, ME4 4TB, UK

www.msp.ac.uk


Development of new pseudovirus-based technologies for

vaccine construction and testing.

Malvern Instruments Ltd.

Enigma Business Park

Grovewood Road

Malvern, WR14 1XZ

United Kingdom

www.malvern.com


Education and research centre for the characterization of

nanoparticles and biopolymers.

France

Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé

Institute of Rene Descartes

Université Paris Descartes

Daniel Sherman

12, rue de l'Ecole de Médecine

75270 Paris Cedex 06, FR

www.univ-paris5.fr


Development of DNA vaccines using minicircle plasmids.

Membership in foreign organisations

Department of Virology European Association of Fish Pathologists

Ing. Tomáš Veselý, CSc., MVDr. Dagmar Pokorová

International Scientific Working Group on Tick-borne

Encephalitis



Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology


Organisational membership benefits: organizational work in

the Society´s management, access to information; members

get discounts on fees in conferences organized by CSSM.

European Culture Collections´ Organization, ECCO

MVDr. Markéta Reichelová

Organisational membership benefits: Exchange of information

on European collections and preserved strains of

microorganisms; hosting of conferences (ECCO Meetings).

World Federation for Culture Collections, WFCC

MVDr. Markéta Reichelová

Organisational membership benefits: access to the database

World Data Centre for Microorganisms (WDCM) and to the

information about collections around the world through the

WFCC Newsletter; hosting of conferences.


American Society for Microbiology


Organisational membership benefits: Discount on fees for

publishing in journals and at conferences organized by this

society.

International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG)

MVDr. Ján Matiašovic, Ph.D.

Organisational membership provides access to the journal

Animal Genetics.

European Veterinary Immunology Group (EVIG) of the European Association of Immunological Societies (EFIS) Prof. MVDr. Miroslav Toman, CSc.

Organisational membership provides these benefits: Member

of the Board, transmitting of information on the development

44

in the field of veterinary immunology in Europe and the Czech

Republic, extending mutual cooperation.

Department of Food and Feed Safety

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); International

Association for Paratuberculosis

Mgr. Iva Slaná, Ph.D., Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.

Active participation in the Association´s events (regular

participation at global conferences organized every two to

three years), subscription to the journal "The Paratuberculosis

Newsletter" and access to materials for members on the IAP

website.

International Association for Paratuberculosis

Mgr. Iva Slaná, Ph.D., Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.

Organisational membership provides these benefits: Members

International Humic Substances Society (IHSS)

MVDr. Alena Lorencová, Ph.D.

International Society brings together professionals in research,

production and application of humic substances.

Representatives of the Czech section of IHSS meet with the

aim to develop cooperation and exchange of experience

among experts in the field of humic substances in the Czech

Republic; joint projects; contractual research.

A European Network for Mitigating Bacterial Colonisation and

Persistence on Foods and Food Processing Environments

Mgr. Lenka Činčárová, Ph.D.

Organisational membership provides these benefits:

International cooperation in the framework of COST Action

FA1202.

A European Network for Foodborne Parasites (Euro-FBP)

RNDr. Michal Slaný, Ph.D.

International cooperation in the framework of COST Action

FA1408.

Department of Genetics and Reproduction

European Veterinary Society for Small Animal Reproduction

(EVSSAR)


Membership makes it possible that our laboratory is listed in

the database of laboratories dealing with the preservation of

semen from small animals. Our sperm bank can be more easily

found across the world. Discounts on fees at conferences

organized by EVSSAR, and on fees for publishing in the journal

Reproduction in Domestic Animals.

Society for Study of Reproduction (SSR)


International cooperation

European Embryo Transfer Association (A.E.T.E.)

MVDr. Pavlína Hulínská Ph.D.

Knowledge of international trends in the field of reproductive

biotechnology.

Department of Chemistry and Toxicology

EUROTOX (European Societies of Toxicology)


Member of Molecular Toxicology specialty section of

EUROTOX – involved in organizing new thematic sessions at

annual conferences of EUROTOX.

Czech and Slovak Society for Mutagenesis by External

Environment and a member of the European Environmental

Mutagen Society


Member of the Board - organizing annual collaborative

conferences; involved in the preparation of the international

conference "EEMGS2015" in Prague 23 - 26 August, 2015.

Department of Pharmacology and

Immunotherapy The International Liposome Society


The organization brings together leading specialists engaged in the development of liposome systems, supports research and development of new technologies, leading to the application of liposomes in medical and non-medical fields.


45

Foreign official journeys

During the year of 2015, the researchers made 106 business

trips to countries all over the world, where they participated in

conferences and seminar

s and presented the results of their scientific work. The

projects were financed by grant agencies and operational

projects.

Foreign internships

Great Britain

Name of the scientist: MVDr. Lucie Dufková, Ph.D.

Name of the foreign institution: Animal and Plant Health

Agency (APHA), Weybridge, New Haw, Surrey

The visited workplace: Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne

Disease Research Group

Name of the scientist: Mgr. František Hubatka

Name of the foreign institution: King´s College

The visited workplace: Institute of Pharmaceutical Science

Name of the scientists: Mgr. Ivana Lipenská

Mgr. Darina Zouharová

MVDr. Pavlína Turánek Knotigová, Ph.D.

Mgr. Hana Čelechovská


Name of the foreign institution: University of Kent

The visited workplace: School of Pharmacy

Name of the scientists: RND. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc., PharmDr.

Josef Mašek, Ph.D.

Name of the foreign institution: King´s College

The visited workplace: Institute of Pharmaceutical Science

Denmark

Name of the scientist: MVDr. Ľubomír Pojezdal

Name of the foreign institution: DTU National Veterinary

Institute

The visited workplace: Section for Virology, Fish Disease Unit

(EURL)

Belgium

Name of the scientist: MVDr. Jiří Volf, Ph.D.

Name of the foreign institution: Veterinary Faculty, Ghent

University

The visited workplace: Department of Pathology, Bacteriology

and Avian Medicine, Veterinary Faculty of Ghent University

USA

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Darina Čejková, Ph.D.

Name of the foreign institution: Jackson Laboratory for

Genomic Medicine

The visited workplace: Weinstock laboratories

Name of the scientist: MVDr. Martin Anger, CSc.

Name of the foreign institution: University of Pennsylvania

46

Germany

Name of the scientist: MVDr. Jitka Matiašovicová, Ph.D.

Name of the foreign institution: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

in Munich

The visited workplace: Institute of Animal Physiology

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Nikol Reslová

Name of the foreign institution: Bernhard-Nocht-Institute

The visited workplace: Department of Tropical Medicine

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Iveta Červenková

Name of the foreign institution: EMBO European Molecular

Biology Laboratory

The visited workplace: Molecular Biology Laboratory

Italy

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Naďa Zemánková

Name of the foreign institution: CREA - Council for Agricultural

Research and Economics

The visited workplace: CREA-NUT Food and Nutrition Research

Centre

Norway

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Durdica Maroševič

Name of the foreign institution: Norwegian University of Life

Sciences (NMBU)

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Simona Strapáčová

Name of the foreign institution: National Institute of

Occupational Health

Cyprus

Name of the scientist: Mgr. Veronika Verbíková

Name of the foreign institution: University Cyprus of

Technology

The visited workplace: Department of Agricultural Science

Austria

Name of the scientist: MVDr. Jaroslava Šebestová, Ph.D.

Name of the foreign institution: University of Natural

Resources and Life Sciences

The visited workplace: Institute of biotechnology in animal

production

Spain

Name of the scientist: Zrinka Oreškovic – Universidad

Autonoma de Madrid, CBMSO-CSIC

Name of the foreign institution: Universidad Autonoma de

Madrid, CBMSO-CSIC


47

VRI-hosted visits of foreign scholars

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA

Dr. Wyatt N. Vreeland

Expert in chemistry and biological engineering.

27 March 2015

The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition,

Polish Academy of Science, Jabłonna, Poland

Prof. Jacek Skomiał, Ph.D., DSc.

Ewa Święch, Ph.D., DSc

Marcin Taciak, Ph.D.

Marcin Barszcz, MSc

25 and 26 June 2015

Mutah, University Mutah-Jordan

Prof. Omar M. Atrooz

2 October 2015

Russian Academy of Medical Sciences

Irina Kozlova, Olga Suntsova, Oksana Lisak, Elena Doroschenko

1 – 5 October 2015


Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,

PA, USA

Dr. Paula Stein


Oxford University, UK

Prof. Bela Novak


48

VRI-hosted study visits from abroad


Irina Kozlova, Olga Suntsova, Oksana Lisak, Elena Doroschenko

Russia: Russian Academy of Medical Sciences


Anna Szczypinska

Poland: Wojewódzka Stacja Sanitarno-Epidemiologiczna

Internship in the laboratory for E. coli


Ozren Majstorović

Croatia: University of Zagreb,

Pascal Pullmann,

Germany: University of Halle, 17 August – 18 December

Erika Gioahin

Slovenia: University of Ljulbljana, 30 March – 30 June

Department of Food and Feed Safety

Nicolas Markantonis

Cyprus: Cyprus University of Technology


Ejaz Ahmad

Turkey: Adnan Menderes University Turkey

Laboratory for Andrology and Spermatology (ERASMUS)

Jason G. Knott

USA: Michigan State University

Laboratory for Mammalian Reproduction


Dr. Zdeněk Andrysík

USA: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy

Prof. Omar M. Atrooz

Jordan; Mutah University

Head of Medical Laboratory, Sciences Department

Andrew D. Miller

England: King´s College, UK

An international scientific expedition into

Central Siberia

Based on the implementation of a joint project of the Russian

Academy of Medical Sciences aimed at comparative genomic

and bioinformatic analyses of European Subtype Strains of

the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus from Central Europe and

Russia, the staff of the Department of Virology of

the Veterinary Research Institute participated in

an international scientific expedition dispatched into Russian

Siberia. The expedition was undertaken under the auspices of

Irkutsk State Medical Academy and the Institute of Family

Health and Reproductive Problems of the Russian Academy of

Medical Sciences. The purpose of the expedition was to collect

biological material (tick collections, rodent trapping) in

the taiga, steppe and forest-steppe areas at Central Siberia.

The collected material will undergo virological investigation.

Information gained from this research should make

a contribution to knowledge of historical paths of spread of

the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus from the Far East and Siberia

to Europe and identification of molecular factors of the virus

virulence, which determine the clinical course of tick-borne

encephalitis, differing between patients from Russia and

Europe.


49

50

VRI hosted international events

Spring School of Advanced Microscopy

23 - 27 March. 2015

Lecturer:

Dr. Paula Stein

MVDr. Anna Mac Gillavry Danylevska, PhD.,

RNDr. Jan Pala

Mgr. Roman Badík

Organizer: MVDr. Martin Anger, CSc.

International conference in Telč

The 9th International Conference on Drug Delivery Systems

31 May – 6 June 2014


13th Annual International Veterinary Exhibition

VETFair 2015 - Hradec Králové

17 and 18 April 2015

Michigan State University, USA

Jason Knott, PhD

13 October 2015


European Environmental Mutagen Society

“EEMGS2015“

3 – 26 August 2015 in Prague

RNDr. Miroslav Machala, PhD, involved in the meeting

preparation


Workshop on Analysis of Nanoparticles by NTA Method

20 October 2015


Workshop on Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy and Confocal

Microscopy

10 November 2015



52

Incidental Institutional Activities

Small Gallery In 2015, the VRI hosted exhibitions of the following authors:

Igor Siwanowicz – Aliens on Earth

Tereza Holá – TOVTOM

Knut Norbert „FELIX“ Firchau - Prints from the series „Der

Butt“ and „Bacchus “

Zdeněk Eda Cupák – Needle and Pen

Jiří Hlušička – Photographs

Renata Špičková – Photography impression

Andrej Bielak – Landscape dynamics

Marie Kubíčková – Childhood

Detailed information about current exhibitions are regularly

updated on the Web:

http://www.vri.cz/cz/o_nas/mala_galerie

Annual employees´childern´s day On 18 June, 2015, the Veterinary Research Institute hosted

a traditional Children's Day for employees and their families.

This year, its theme was the world of Harry Potter. The event

included a bouncy castle, face painting and field sports for

children who could engage in adventure activities faced by

the young heroes from Hogwarts described in the book by JK

Rowling. Children also had the opportunity to meet farm

animals.

VRI-hosted reunions of former

employees - pensioners A meeting of former employees - seniors was held on Friday,

8 December 2015 at 2pm in the Large Lecture Hall.

VRI-hosted reunions of mothers with

their children Reunion of mothers on maternity leave and their children is

hold regularly. In 2015, it took place in the pre-Christmas

atmosphere. For children and mothers, environment suitable

for games, chatting and relaxation was prepared.


53

54

VRI-hosted visits by school children On 29 June, 2015, students of the Higher Professional School and the Secondary Veterinary, Agricultural and Health School and College in Třebíč visited the Institute. The VRI´s staff presented to them specializations of research departments and the importance of the Institute. Its role in research under the Ministry of Agriculture was discussed. A tour of the Institute´s infrastructure, which has been significantly improved in recent years thanks Operational programmes, was part of the visit.

Library The collection of books and journals held by the Central VRI Library has been updated in 2015. The VRI library also provided other bibliographic services, including national and international book loans and copying services. In addition, the Library fulfilled the requirements within MVS services for other libraries in the Czech Republic. As well as in previous years, the online access to full-texts of requested papers in databases offered by Elsevier (ScienceDirect and Scopus), Springer, Wiley and Blackwell and to the information database Web of Science (Web of Knowledge) were provided to the VRI researchers.

56

Additional activities

Veterinary Committee for Food Safety

The Committee's activities in 2015 were carried out on

the basis of Work Contract No. 68/2015 according to

the approved operational programme. Professional activity of

the Committee members and external experts, invited to

assist in performing the tasks, was concentrated on making

studies and opinions focused on the issues closely related to

animal health, animal welfare, zoonoses, hygiene of farms,

safety of foods, animal products and animal feeds.

Members of the Committee in 2014:

RNDr. Miroslav Machala, CSc. Chairperson, VRI Brno

MVDr. Pavel Alexa, CSc., VRI Brno

MVDr. Ivan Pšikal, CSc., Dyntec, Ltd., Pražská 328, 411 55,

Terezín

Prof. MVDr. Zdeněk Pospíšil, DrSc.,

Prof. MVDr. Vladimír Večerek, CSc., MBA,

Prof. MVDr. Lenka Vorlová, PhD., VFU Brno

MVDr. Věra Billová, Institute for State Control of Veterinary

Biologicals and Medicines, Hudcova 56a, Brno

MVDr. Josef Brychta, Ph.D., State Veterinary Institute, Jihlava,

Rantířovská 93, Jihlava,

MVDr. Václav Jordán, Agris, Ltd., Medlov, Medlov 175,

Němčičky u Židlochovic

MVDr. Radomír Belza, State Veterinary Administration of the

Czech Republic, Slezská 7, Prague

Secretary of the Committee in 2015: MVDr. Eva Renčová,

Ph.D., VRI Brno. In 2015, during an open competition at

a meeting held on 25 September, the following new members

of VVV were elected by ballot: Doc. MVDr. Jan Bardoň, Ph.D.

from the State Veterinary Institute in Olomouc and

Prof. MVDr. Ing. Petr Doležal, CSc. from MENDELU.

In 2015, two regular sessions of the Committee took place

where 3 studies were discussed and defended. Based on

the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture, two expert

opinions were prepared.

Professional activities of the Committee

Professional activities of the Committee in 2015 were mainly

focused on processing and consulting the following three

studies with the subjects closely related to food and feed

safety.

Expert studies

• Emerging bluetongue disease serotype 8 in the EU

countries and its possible impact on the production and

quality of food of animal origin

• The use of antimicrobials in food animals and its impact on

human health

• Verification of the LC-MS/MS method for the identification

of mechanically separated meat (MSM)

In 2015, two opinions were prepared:

Opinion on the issue of chlamydia among agricultural workers.

Prof. MVDr. Dagmar Zendulková, CSc. and Doc. MVDr. Petr.

Lány, Ph.D., VFU Brno

Opinion on the issue of additives and admixtures in cheese.

Author: MVDr. Jiří Hlaváček, State Veterinary Administration,

Czech Republic


57

Reference laboratories

National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia

coli

Characterisation of the NRL main activities: The NRL is accredited according to ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and

carries out duties arising from Decree No. 298/2003 Coll., on

national reference Laboratories and reference laboratories.

The Reference laboratory provides diagnostic and consulting

services in the field of infections caused by bacteria

Escherichia coli. They develop, establish and improve

diagnostic methods. They perform special diagnostics of E. coli

isolates, particularly by serological typing and detection of

virulence factors with special focus on diagnosing the ability of

toxin production, particularly Shiga toxins and enterotoxins,

including their detailed typing. Furthermore, they monitor the

occurrence of resistance to antimicrobial agents in E. coli

strains, in particular the incidence of strains producing broad-

spectrum β-lactamases. It cooperates with the EU RL

Reference laboratory for E. coli and participates in the annual

workshop organized by the EU RL for E. coli in Rome, or other

educational workshops. They host workshops and seminars for

laboratory staff dealing with the diagnosis of pathogenic E. coli

in the field of veterinary medicine and food safety.

Methods in use:

• Typing of somatic O-antigen in E. coli strains - SOP No. 301/A,

• Determination of Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2), intimin adherence factor (eaeA) and enterohemolysins (hly), by PCR multiplex - SOP No. 302/A

• Determination of enterotoxins STa and LT by multiplex PCR – SOP No. 303/A

• Horizontal method for the detection of Escherichia coli O157 (ISO 16654: 2001) - SOP No. 305/A

• Detection of verotoxin (Shiga toxin) on cell line Vero - SOP No. 304/A

• Horizontal method for the detection of shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli - culture method and PCR (ISO/TS 13136) - SOP 306/A

• Pulse gel electrophoresis (PFGE) - Pulsenet Europe: Standard operating procedure for Pulsenet PFGE of Escherichia coli O157: H7, Escherichia coli non O157 (STEC)

• Phenotypic determination of antimicrobial resistance -

Disk diffusion method and double disk synergy test

• Detection of selected genes responsible for resistance to tetracyclines, β-lactams and quinolones by PCR.

Summary of activities:

The laboratory performs routine diagnostics and typing of pathogenic isolates of E. coli in samples originating from farm animals, food and environment, and participates in international round tests and regular NRL meetings at the European level. The information obtained is transmitted to the professional public in conferences, by providing lectures and, furthermore, in regular meetings of staffs from laboratories engaged in the detection of shigatoxigenic E.coli. The laboratory collaborates with employees of the State Veterinary Institutes and State Veterinary Administration when required, particularly for monitoring the occurrence of STEC in carcasses of slaughtered farm animals. It performs confirmation of obtained isolates and prepares data for reporting the results to the EFSA. The monitoring methodology was supplemented with a sample processing method that has been developed. This method is reviewed periodically to keep it up to date with the latest knowledge. The NRL is also an accredited laboratory of the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority for performing the analysis of samples taken during official controls. The laboratory collaborates with the Regional Institute of

Hygiene (KHS) and the Institute of Public Health (ZÚ) and

performs detailed typing of E. coli isolates from food, including

interpretation of the severity of the judgment. The collection

of the laboratory keeps standard strains of E. coli and standard

diagnostic sera are being prepared.

58

Participation in professional congresses, symposia, seminars

and workshops:

• Seminar on Food Microbiology, 9 – 10 February 2015, Brno: active participation in the form of verbal communication - Koláčková I. STEC detection in foods, methods and interpretation of results.

• VRI Fest, Microbiological quality of foods 1 April 2015 Brno: active participation in the form of verbal communication - Koláčková I. Shigatoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli in pigs and cattle at slaughterhouses.

• Internal seminar for CAFIA employees, 8 April 2015, Brno: active participation in the form of verbal communication: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in food.

• Basic Food Microbiology - Detection of pathogens in food, 28 April 2015, Prague: theoretical training of staff in microbiological laboratories.

• A monitoring mission of DG SANCO - Microbiological contamination - primary production; 2 June 2015 - CAFIA and FVO audit.

• Basic course for laboratory assistants in microbiology I.; 4 June and 9 June 2015, Brno: organizing a course in microbiological techniques (theory and practical training).

• 9th Basic Course on Bioinformatics Tools for Next Generation Sequencing data mining; 11 – 12 June 2015 (EURL, Roma, Italy).

• Course of shigatoxigenic E. coli detection, 29 to 31 July 2015; VRI Brno – theory and practical training in the isolation and identification of STEC in foods according to ISO 13136.

• 10th Workshop of National Reference Laboratories for E. coli 5 – 6 November 2015, Rome, Italy.

Participation in international inter-laboratory comparison tests:

15th inter-laboratory study on the detection of Verocytotoxin-

producing E. coli (VTEC) in sprouts (PT15) – the study was

focused on the detection of shigatoxigenic E. coli in sprout

samples according to ISO 13136, including pathogenic strain

isolation and identification.

4th inter-laboratory study on Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis

(PT-PFGE4) – the study was focused on macrorestrictional

analysis of pathogenic E. coli, including the evaluation, using

Bionumerics software.

16th inter-laboratory study on the detection of Verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) in sprout spent irrigation water (PT16) - the study was focused on shigatoxigenic E. coli in water samples according to ISO 13136, including the isolation of pathogenic strains and their identification.

National Reference Laboratory for Viral

Diseases of Fish

The main NRL activities: The Reference Laboratory makes diagnosis of viral diseases of

fish for the needs of the State Veterinary Administration of CR

and breeders. The researchers unify diagnostic procedures,

perform top-level diagnostics and prepare materials for

adoption of anti-infective and organizational measures.

Diagnostic procedures follow the EU directives and include

the culture of the examined samples in parallel on two cell

lines; ELISA diagnostics; other immunochemical methods and

PCR. In cooperation with the EU Reference Laboratory in

Denmark, our laboratory is included in the annual round test

of national reference laboratories in the EU countries. Our

laboratory prepares annual reports on behalf of the Czech

Republic for the EU and presents them at the annual meeting

of national reference laboratories in the EU and invited

countries. The NRL prepares positive and negative controls for

diagnostic ELISA kits for the detection of IPN, SVC and VHS

viruses and performs their testing in cooperation with

the Test-Line Clinical Diagnostics.

Methods in use: • Isolation of fish pathogenic viruses on cell lines (SOP1

1/01-03/A)

• Detection of fish pathogenic viruses by ELISA method (SOP 2/ 01-03/A)

• Detection of selected sections of DNA and RNA sequences by the PCR method (SOP 3/01-03/A)

• Electron microscopy diagnostics of viruses by a negative staining method (SOP1 01/01/A)

• SDS-PAGE, Western blotting


59

Summary of Activities: The NRL is accredited according to ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and fulfils obligations arising from Decree No. 298/2003 Coll., on National Reference Laboratories and Reference Laboratories. Cooperation with the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL Copenhagen, Denmark). Transfer of special information supplied by the European Union Reference Laboratory. Participation in proficiency testing organized by the European Union Reference Laboratory, focused on the detection of VHS, IHN, IPN, SVC, EHNV, ISA and KHV. Isolation and identification of fish-pathogenic viruses. Providing expertise, technical assistance and special information to other central laboratories, checking their professional standards and assisting in provision of reference strains and reference diagnostic sera and other diagnostic products. Organization of inter-laboratory test comparisons between official laboratories and procuring appropriate measures following such tests. Confirming positive results of tests carried out in other laboratories and the issuance of the Reference result for the needs of the State veterinary supervision. Storage of isolates replicable on cell lines in the NRL and Collection of Animal Pathogenic Microorganisms (CAPM) at the Veterinary Research Institute in Brno. Writing a report "Questionnaire Survey and Diagnosis of Fish Diseases in Europe 2013" on behalf of the Czech Republic for the EU Reference Laboratory (Copenhagen, Denmark), in cooperation with the State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic.

Sequencing of VHSV isolates (part of the viral glycoprotein) and comparison of sequences from the previous period. Cooperation with a working group of European laboratories in

introducing a method for the detection of carp edema virus

(CEV), an emerging disease in European aquaculture

Participation in professional congresses, symposia, seminars and workshops CEV workshop on carp edema virus organized by EURL

(Copenhagen, Denmark) and WU (Lelystad, Netherlands),

Copenhagen, Denmark, 11 to 13 January 2015

Workshop on Freshwater fish health in the Czech Republic, VRI

FEST, hosted by VRI Brno, 18 March 2015

Workshop on Fish health protection, 2015, hosted by FFPW

USB, Vodňany 1 to 2 April 2015

OIE Coordination Working Group - animal health chapters,

Brussels, Belgium, 16 April 2015

19th Annual meeting of EU NRLs, hosted by EURL

(Copenhagen, Denmark), Copenhagen, Denmark 27 to 28 May

2015

ISDCI Congress 2015 (International Society of Comparative and

Developmental Immunology), Murcia, Spain, 28 June – 3 July

2015

17th EAFP conference (European Association of Fish

Pathologists), Las Palmas, Spain, 7 – 11 September 2015

Workshop on Medical aspects of fish farming, organized by

FFPW USB Vodňany, 10 December 2015

OIE Reference Laboratory for Paratuberculosis

& OIE Reference Laboratory for Avian

Tuberculosis

The VRI has been commissioned by the Paris-based World

Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) with the leadership of

two global reference laboratories; Reference Laboratory for

Paratuberculosis (one of the four laboratories in the world)

since 2003, and Reference Laboratory for Avian Tuberculosis

(the only laboratory in the world) since 2005. Both

laboratories use accredited methods (accredited according to

the ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025), where the laboratory staff at

the same time develop and improve methods for

the detection and identification of mycobacteria. Futhermore,

the two laboratories provide expert activity, expert opinions,

and participate in preparations of OIE documents and provide

training in the detection and identification of mycobacteria

60

Methodological centres

Methodological and consulting centre for

bacterial respiratory infections in animals

Methodological and consulting centre for bacterial respiratory infections in animals Head of the centre: MVDr. Kateřina Nedbalcová, Ph.D. In 2015, the methodological and consulting centre performed diagnostics of pathogens causing of the bacterial respiratory syndrome of cattle and pigs. The testing was focused on the detection and identification of the causative agents of diseases, serotyping, genotyping and other special diagnostics of isolated bacterial strains which are not commonly performed in diagnostic laboratories. Integral part of the activities of the methodical and consulting centre was testing of isolated strains for the resistance to selected antimicrobials by determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations. During the year, the centre provided veterinarians, breeders, and employees of diagnostic laboratories, with professional individual consultancy with the aim of introduction of efficient treatment and preventive measures. Methodological and consulting centre (MCC) for detection of food and feed adulteration Head of the centre: MVDr. Eva Renčová, Ph.D. MCC for detection of food and feed adulteration carried out their function in 2015. The MCC provided consultancy for the State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic (SVA CR) on species identification of fish and fish products. The SVA CR appointed Dr. Renčová a contact person for the European Commission on fish species identification. Methodological and consulting centre (MCC) for clinical and anti-infection immunology Head of the centre: MVDr. Martin Faldyna, Ph.D. In 2015, the centre conducted testing of immunological

parameters for the detection of immunodeficiency and

autoimmune conditions in animals for agriculture and

veterinary medicine in the Czech Republic and also abroad.

The most frequently performed test was the detection of

antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi, ANA-tests were

carried out, examination with the Coombs test and

requirements for specifications of lymphoma and leukemia

were more frequent.

Based on contract research, the MCC also cooperated with

Czech and foreign pharmaceutical companies (CEVA, Lesaffre,

AllTechnology, B.A.R.D., Tekro, Dyntec, MediTox, Moravian

Biotechnology) and with Czech institutions based on

collaborative research (Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR,

Institute of Microbiology AS CR, Masaryk University, Mendel

University).

Methodological and consulting centre for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis Head of the centre: MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D. The centre conducted serological testing in order to ensure the National eradication programme aimed at infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (NOP IBR) approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on 11 August, 2005 (Ref. No.: 21682/2009-17210), which is part of the Methodology of animal health control and mandating vaccination for 2015 (Ref No.: 32214/2010-10000). The centre performed the analysis in herds where the control procedure within the NOP IBR was unsuccessful. We participated in the meetings of the Joint Health Commission of Cattle Breeders and working groups for IBR at the Ministry of Agriculture. Methodological and consulting centre for viral diseases of cattle Head of the centre: MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D. The centre provided consulting and advisory services focused on respiratory pathogens of cattle. Epidemiological analysis and identification of major viral respiratory tract pathogens are carried out. Based on the results, preventive measures in cattle herds have been set out. Another important activity of the centre is optimization of vaccination programmes in specific herds of cattle, design and implementation of programmes for BVD virus eradication. Methodological and consulting centre for salmonellosis in animals Head of the centre: MVDr. František Šišák, CSc. In 2015, the centre provided expert opinion and consulting activity for the following organizations:


61

• All year-round diagnostics within the control programme of Salmonella for the company Integra, a.s., Žabčice, in hatcheries and parental flocks on laying hen farms.

• All year-round diagnostics within the control programme of Salmonella for the company Avigen, s.r.o., Žabčice in a flock of laying hen lines kept for breeding;

• All year-round diagnostics within the control programme of Salmonella for the company Mach drůbež, a.s., Litomyšl, in hatcheries and parental flocks on broiler farms;

• Preventive culture testing of delivered porcine faecal samples for Drupork, a.s., Svitavy.

Methodological and consulting centre for electron microscopy typing and diagnostics of animal viruses Head of the centre: MVDr. Pavel Kulich, Ph.D. The accredited laboratory for electron microscopy No.1354

monitored viral infections in farm animal herds and

companion animals. Samples were sent for the examination

from diagnostic laboratories (SEVARON, Vedilab, Dyntec, VRI

NRL for fish diseases), University of Veterinary and

Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Institute for State Control of

Veterinary Biologicals and Medicines, private veterinarians,

cattle producers and zoological gardens. In the laboratory,

paramyxoviruses were diagnosed in hens and exotic birds. In

cooperation with the Plzen Zoological Garden and Vetcentrum

in Prague, viruses in reptiles such as ranaviruses and

paramyxoviruses were detected. In farm animals, rotaviruses

and coronaviruses were detected in piglets and calves. In

some herds, in cooperation with the diagnostic laboratory

Sevaron, vaccine efficacy against coronaviruses in calves was

tested for. On poultry farms, among the most commonly

diagnosed infections were coronaviruses in 4-week-old

chicken. Regarding viral infections of cattle, papilloma virus

was demonstrated. Aimed at the production of a vaccine

against papillomatosis, viral particles from papillomatous

infections were demonstrated in cooperation with Dyntec. In

case of the titter of viral particles was high, autogenous

vaccine was produced. Furthermore, papilomaviruses

expressed on baculoviruses known as VLP (virus like particles)

were tested for the presence of particles. From clinical

material of NRL for fish, rhabdoviruses were diagnosed and

infection caused by poxviruses is being monitored.

Collection of Animal Pathogenic

Microorganisms

Main activities The Collection of Animal Pathogenic Microorganisms (CAPM) focuses on the acquisition, storage and provision of cultures of animal viruses and animal pathogenic bacteria which are important for veterinary medicine. The CAPM keeps almost 600 strains of viruses and over 1,400 strains of bacteria. Long-term preservation of viable cultures is procured by lyophilisation and subsequent storage in liquid nitrogen (at -196°C) and deep-freeze boxes (-80°C). Cultures of microorganisms that are the subject of patent application at the national level are also stored in the CAMP. For database of viral and bacterial strains available, visit the website of the Crop Research Institute in Prague http://www.vurv.cz/collections/vurv.exe/search?lang=cz.

The Collection is included in the National Programme for Conservation and Utilization of Genetic Resources of Microorganisms and Small Animals of Economic Importance. The "National Programme" includes all activities necessary for preservation of ex situ and in situ genetic resources, their characterization and documentation and ensuring their availability to users in the Czech Republic and from abroad, including the provision of samples and relevant information, under the conditions laid down by applicable national standards and international agreements. In 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture provided financial subsidy of CZK 990,000 to cover the operation of the Collection. Overview of Activities

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All activities of the Collection were carried out in accordance with the approved "Methodology" (Standard practice procedure for preservation, characterization and documentation of genetic resources). In 2014, the number of strains kept in the CAPM was extended by 7 viral strains (Human respiratory syncytial virus-1 isolate, West Nile virus-1 isolate, Enterovirus 71-1 isolate, Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus-3 isolates, Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus -1 isolate) and 43 strains of bacteria (12 isolates of Clostridium spp., 6 isolates of Bacillus spp., 3 isolates of Yersinia spp., 8 isolates of Burkholderia spp., 1 isolate of Brucella canis, 1 isolate of Escherichia coli, 8 isolates of Pseudomonas spp., 4 isolates of Campylobacter spp.). Fifteen viral and 71 bacterial strains were propagated and preserved (frozen or lyophilized), namely viral strains in the species of Bovine rotavirus, Human respiratory syncytial virus, Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, Canine coronavirus, Avian orthoreovirus, Enterovirus 71, Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, Bovine herpesvirus 2 and Porcine parvovirus; bacterial strains were Listeria monocytogenes, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and species of the genera Clostridium, Bacillus, Yersinia, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Campylobacter and Mycobacterium. To determine the biochemical activity and subsequent identification of selected bacteria, we used commercially available kits in the series of MIKRO-LA-TEST (ANAEROtest 23 ENTEROtest 24, N ENTEROtest 24 NEFERMtest 24,

STREPTOtest 24), the series of API (API Campy, API Listeria, API 50CH) and the series of Microgen (Microgen Listeria-ID). In 2014, the CAMP provided laboratories in the Czech Republic with 10 viral strains and 92 bacterial strains. Our major customers for cultures were: VRI Brno; State Veterinary Institute in Jihlava; State Veterinary Institute in Prague; SEVARON Counselling, s.r.o.; Bioveta, a.s. and Dyntec, spol. s.r.o. In addition, two viral strains were sent abroad (University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia). The evaluation of the CAMP significance The Collection strains were mainly supplied to other laboratories for research and diagnostic purposes. In the VRI Brno, they were used for the execution of research projects in which CAPM staff participated (e.g. project OneHealth (LO1218), RVO and a project within the framework of Security Research Programme CR 2010-2015(VG20102015011)). The Collection provides consulting services in the area of: • isolation, culture, identification and long-term

preservation of viruses and bacteria • detection and elimination of mycoplasma contamination

in viral and cell cultures

• biosafety and biosecurity CAPM is registered with the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) under No.181 and is a member of the European Culture Collections' Organisation (ECCO) and Federation of Czechoslovak Collections of Microorganisms (FCCM).

Accredited Testing Laboratory – Centre of Laboratories Testing Laboratory No. 1354 accredited by the Czech

Accreditation Institute (CAI) according to CSN EN ISO/IEC

17025

Laboratories operating in 2015:

01 - Laboratory for Animal Health and Food Safety Mgr. Iva Slaná, Ph.D.

o Serological testing for mycobacterial infections in animals by ELISA method

o Serological testing for mycobacterial infections in animals, using MAPIA

o Serological testing for mycobacterial infections in animals by agglutination testfor MAC

o Identification of causative agents of paratuberculosis, avian tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections of animals by culture examination

o Identification of causative agents of paratuberculosis, avian tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections of animals by microscopy


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o Detection of the presence of specific DNA sequences by PCR

o Quantification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis by real time qPCR in milk

o Quantification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis by real time qPCR in faeces

o Quantification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium by real time qPCR in the soil

o Quantification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis by real time qPCR in tissues

o Detection of human noroviruses, hepatitis A and E viruses using real time RT-PCR.

02 - Laboratory for Methods for detection of food and feed adulteration Mgr. Pavel Krčmář, Ph.D.

o Detection of vegetable DNA in food by multiplex PCR o Determination of species and tissue -specific animal

DNA (cattle, chicken, dog, cat, horse, common mackerel) and mRNA (bovine mRNA for GFAP) using real time PCR

o Species identification of marine fish (Gadidae, Scombridae and Clupeidae) in food and biological materials by conventional PCR

03 - Laboratory for E. coli infections MVDr. Ivana Koláčková, Ph.D.

o Typing of somatic antigen of Escherichia coli (O-antigen) –serologically

o Determination of shigatoxins (stx1 and stx2), adherence factor intimin (eaeA) and enterohemolysin (hlyA) by multiplex PCR, and differentiation of Stx2e

o Determination of STa and LT enterotoxins by multiplex PCR

o Horizontal method for the detection of Escherichia coliO157 by immunomagnetic separation

o Horizontal method for the detection of shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli by culture method and PCR

04 - Laboratory for Cytogenetics prof. MVDr. Jiří Rubeš, CSc.

o Cytogenetic examination of farm animals by a conventional method

05 - Laboratory for Electron Microscopy MVDr. Pavel Kulich, Ph.D.

o Detection of viruses by negative staining - electron microscopy

06 - Laboratory for Viral Diseases of Fish Ing. Tomáš Veselý, CSc.

o Isolation of fish -pathogenic viruses on cell lines o Detection of fish-pathogenic viruses by ELISA

method o Detection of the presence of selected sections of the

DNA and RNA sequences in fish-pathogenic viruses by PCR

07 - Laboratory for Spermatology and Andrology MVDr. Petra Přinosilová, Ph.D.

o Laboratory examination of semen – microscopy o Determination of the functions of male reproductive

organs using biochemical methods and microscopy o Biological safety testing of various materials for

sperm by microscopy 08 - Laboratory for Viral Diseases of Cattle MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D.

o Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) – detection of the virus and antibodies by ELISA

o Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)) -detection of the virus and antibodies by ELISA

09 - Laboratory for Typing of Bacteria MVDr. Ivana Koláčková, Ph.D.

o Detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes by a culture method

o Phage typing of Salmonella o Serotyping of Listeria monocytogenes and

Salmonella spp. by slide agglutination and PCR o Macrorestriction analysis in bacteria by PFGE o Horizontal method for the detection of bacteria of

the genus Salmonella by a culture method o Horizontal method for the detection and

quantitation of bacteria of the Campylobacter spp. by a culture method

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Fundamental information about the Institute and its

main operations

Identifying data

Výzkumný ústav veterinárního lékařství, v.v.i.

Veterinary Research Institute

Identification No.: 00027162

Tax Identification No.: CZ00027162

Address

Hudcova 296/70

621 00 Brno

Czech Republic

Phone: +420 5 3333 1111

Fax: +420 5 4121 1229

E- mail: [email protected]

http://www.vri.cz

ID Data Mailbox: 3gsnh8r

Veterinary Research Institute location on the map

GPS Loc: 49°23728"N, 16°57948"E

Deed of Establishment: Ref. No.: 22970/2006 - 11000, in

accordance with § 3 of the Act No. 341/2005 Coll., on public

research institutions.

The Veterinary Research Institute has become a public

research institution with effect from 1 January, 2007.

Founder:

Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic

Based in: Těšnov 17

117 05 Prague 1

ID: 00020478


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Organisational Structure

Valid from 1 January to 31 December, 2015

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Basic personnel data

Total number of employees on 31st December, 2015 239

FTE personnel 199.1

Disabled personnel 6

Educational Background of Employees:

Basic 5 2%

Secondary Apprentice School 17 7%

Secondary Apprentice School with A Levels 6 3%

Secondary/Grammar School with A Levels 45 19%

University Graduates 166 69%

Female Employee Age Group Analysis:

25-35 years 64 42%

36 – 46 years 39 26%

46 and over 48 32%

Male Employee Age Group Analysis:

25 – 35 years 21 24%

36 – 46 years 24 27%

46 and over 43 49%

The average gross monthly salary of VRI employees in 2015

was CZK 26,158. When compared with the previous year, this

represents a decrease of CZK 1,494 (5.29%) due to completing

the OPVK project during 2015. The national average for 2014,

published on the Czech Republic’s Statistical Office website on

11th March, 2015 was CZK 26,467. The Institute’s gross salary

quoted above includes bonuses, salary compensation and

overtime paid to FTE employees. Gross salaries are paid net of

income tax, statutory health and social security contributions,

and any other deductions agreed with individual employees.


69

Subject of the main activities Basic and applied research and development in veterinary medicine, veterinary hygiene and ecology and related biomedical, agricultural and food sciences: - Participation in international and national centres of

research and development - Activities of reference laboratories - Operation of the Collection of Animal Pathogenic

Microorganisms - Scientific, professional and educational cooperation - Transfer of research and development results, including new

technologies, to practical users; verification and dissemination of research results

- Hosting and holding of professional courses, seminars, conferences, workshops and other professional events

- Providing information and support of publishing activities in veterinary medicine and food safety

- Experimentation - Agricultural activities

Experimentation Experimentation on live animal models is carried out on the basis of the granted accreditation (58809/2014-MZE-17214, valid until 21 August, 2019). The aim is to create optimal conditions for high quality experiments conforming to the highest international welfare and ethical standards. Agricultural activities The farmland on the VRI premises is used for the production of green fodder, which serves to strengthen the fodder base and is also the source of good quality hay and straw. Part of the VRI agricultural area is designed for farm animal evacuation in case of fire or other emergency events. This area is inevitable and conforms to the current legislation.

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Development of the VRI in 2014-2018

Animal diseases, their prevention, food safety and quality

Decision No. RO 0515

Investigator: Mgr. Jiří Kohoutek, Ph.D.

In 2014, the concept, structure and research aims of

the Development of Research Organization (RVO) for 2014-

2016 was formulated. It covers a wide area of current research

into animal health, food safety and raw materials of animal

origin (virology, bacteriology, immunology, food safety,

reproduction and genetics, toxicology, pharmacology and

immunotherapy). Four basic areas of research have been

proposed under which the main scientific research activities

were carried out:

1. Infectious animal diseases and their prevention

2. Non-infectious animal diseases and reproductive

disorders (etiology, prevention, diagnostics and therapy)

3. Food safety and quality to protect consumers

4. Pharmacology, toxicology, immunotherapy and

vaccinology.

Results obtained under the RVO project consisted of novel and

more accurate methods of diagnostics, products for

prevention of animal diseases, tools for hygiene control of the

food chain components, new knowledge following from basic

and applied research, which has been published and extended

in subsequent projects, and advanced methods have been

developed.

In 2015, all sub-goals of development of research organization

were met. Significant priority data of basic research,

epidemiological data and a number of significant applied

results were obtained. The results were published in English in

72 papers in scientific journals with impact factor, 25 papers

were published in other peer-reviewed journals; 10 papers

were published in Jsc, 4 papers were published in Proceedings

and under the RVO, 6 chapters in a scientific book in 2015 and

1 scientific book were published. Results were further

popularized in a number of professional and popular journals

and presented at a number of scientific conferences both

abroad and in the Czech Republic.

Within applied research, 1 international patent, 1 national

patent were granted; 2 patent applications were filed for

a national and also international patent; applications for 2

utility models were filed; 1 certified technology, 4 functional

samples, 25 certified methodologies and 1 prototype were put

into effect.

Within RVO, new advanced methodologies have been

introduced and research was carried out in cooperation with

the AS CR institutes, Czech and foreign pharmaceutical

companies and universities. The VRI provided consulting and

training to the agricultural and veterinary sectors, and in many

areas also unique epidemiological data.

Other activities Other activities relate to the major activities in the fields of veterinary medicine, veterinary hygiene and ecology and related biomedical, agricultural and food sciences: (1) Activities under the National Programme of Conservation

and use of genetic resources of plants, animals and

microorganisms important for nutrition and agriculture according to Act No. 148/2003 Coll., on conservation and use of genetic resources of plants and microorganisms important for nutrition agriculture and amending Act No. 368/1992 Coll., on administrative fees, as amended (Act on Genetic Resources of plants and microorganisms)


71

(2) Provision of the Veterinary Committee for Food Safety operation based on Czech Government resolution dated 10 December 2001 No. 1320 on the Strategy to ensure safety of food in the Czech Republic

(3) Expert activities in the fields of healthcare and agriculture; diseases and infections of farm animals transmissible to humans

(4) Commercial, financial, organizational, and economic consulting

(5) Holding of professional courses, training and other educational activities, including lecturing activities

(6) Providing software and consultancy in hardware and software

(7) Graphics and drawing services (8) Publishing services

Complementary acitvities FREE TRADES (2) Activities of business, finance, organization and economic

consultants (3) Research and development in sciences, technology and

social sciences (4) Providing software, and consultancy in hardware and

software (4) Copying services (5) Graphic art services (6) Specialized retail-sale and mixed goods (7) Hosting professional courses, trainings and other

education, including lecturing (8) Publishing (9) Manufacture of food products (10) Accommodation services

NON-TRADE ACTIVITIES (1) Letting real estate, apartments and non-residential rooms. (Besides letting out, no other services are provided by the lessor than basic services ensuring proper operation of the real estate, apartments and non-residential rooms.) (2) Agricultural production, provision of works and services in agriculture, production and sale of animals and animal and vegetable products. (3) Expert activities in the fields of healthcare and agriculture – diseases and infections of farm animals transmissible to humans. The Founding Charter of the Veterinary Research Institute, on 9 November, 2006. The register of public research institutions http://rvvi.msmt.cz/detail.php?ic=00027162

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The VRI authorities

Director - Statutory Representative of the VRI Brno

MVDr. Miloslav Skřivánek, CSc.

Director from 6 January, 2014 up to the present time

The VRI Board

Mgr. Jiří Kohoutek, Ph.D. VRI Brno

Chairman

MVDr. Martin Faldyna, Ph.D. VRI Brno

Deputy – Chairman

Members of the VRI Board

Prof. RNDr. Luděk Bláha, Ph.D. Masaryk University, Faculty of Science

Prof. MVDr. Vladimír Celer, Ph.D. University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno

Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Milan Gelnar, CSc. Masaryk University, Faculty of Science

MVDr. Eduard Göpfert, Ph.D. VRI Brno

Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Aleš Hampl, Ph.D. Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine

MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D. VRI Brno

RNDr. Miroslav Machala, CSc. up to 13 February, 2015 VRI Brno

MVDr. Ján Matiašovic, Ph.D. VRI Brno

RNDr. Jana Prodělalová, Ph.D. VRI Brno

Doc. RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D. from 15 June, 2015 VRI Brno

RNDr. Jiří Salát, Ph.D. VRI Brno

MVDr. Petr Šatrán, Ph.D. up to 5 June, 2015 State Veterinary Administration, Prague

Prof. MVDr. Miroslav Toman, CSc. Up to 18 June 2015 VRI Brno

RNDr. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc. VRI Brno

Members of the Supervisory Board No. I. from 1 January, 2015

Doc. Dr. Ing. Josef Kučera, Chairman

Mgr. Tomáš Jírů, Deputy-Chairman

Ing. Ladislav Jeřábek, member

Ing. František Brožík, member

Mgr. Jaroslav Hejátko, member

Doc. MVDr. Renáta Karpíšková, Ph.D., member

Ing. Mojmír Vacek, CSc., member


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Members of the Supervisory Board No. II from 26 November, 2015

Doc. Dr. Ing. Josef Kučera, Chairman

Mgr. Tomáš Jírů, Deputy-Chairman

Ing. Ladislav Jeřábek, member

Ing. František Brožík, member

Mgr. Jaroslav Hejátko, member

Doc. MVDr. Renáta Karpíšková, Ph.D., member

Ing. Mojmír Vacek, CSc., member

Director's Board

Specialized departments

Virology Doc. RNDr. Daniel Růžek, Ph.D.

Bacteriology Doc. MVDr. Renáta Karpíšková, Ph.D

Immunology MVDr. Martin Faldyna, Ph.D.

Food and Feed Safety Mgr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.

Genetics and Reproduction Prof. MVDr. Jiří Rubeš, CSc.

Chemistry and Toxicology RNDr. Miroslav Machala, CSc.

Pharmacology and Immunotherapy RNDr. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc.

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Units Centre for Technology Transfer and Project Support Ing. Ildikó Csölle Putzová, Ph.D., MBA

Informatics Unit Bc. Petr Maňásek

Economics Unit Bc. Petra Borovcová

Experimental Animal Facilities MVDr. Eduard Göpfert, Ph.D.

Technical Unit Ing. Pavel Coufal

Safety Officer Ing. Iva Stránská

Director's Secretariat Bc. Barbora Kamasová

Ing. Jan Rázek

Personnel Unit Michaela Půčková, BA (Hons.)

Veterinary Trade Union RNDr. Jaroslav Turánek, CSc.

Investment Committee RNDr. Miroslav Machala, CSc. - Chairman

Bc. Petra Borovcová



MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D.

MVDr. Petr Králík, Ph.D.

Ing. Pavel Coufal

Prof. MVDr. Jiří Rubeš, PhD.


The Expert Committee on the Protection of Animals against Cruelty MVDr. Martin Faldyna, Ph.D. - entrusted with the management of the Committee

MVDr. Eduard Göpfert, Ph.D.

MVDr. Kamil Kovařčík, Ph.D.

MVDr. Kateřina Nedbalcová, Ph.D.

MVDr. Zdeněk Zralý, CSc.


75

The activities of the VRI Board in 2015

In 2014, four regular meetings were held by the VRI Board. During this year, Prof. MVDr. Miroslav Toman, CSc. resigned from the position of internal member of the VRI Board and MVDr. Petr Šatrán from the position of external member of the VRI Board. In complementary election, MVDr. Petr Králík, Ph.D. was elected into the position of internal member of the VRI Board and Prof. MVDr. Břetislav Koudela, Ph.D. into the position of external member. The VRI Board members at their meetings mainly dealt with the following topics: In the formal sphere, they approved the directive "The protection of intellectual property at the VRI", discussed the proposed Appendix to the directive "Rules for the management of funds at the public research institution AdmireVet" and "Rules for management of funds of the public research institution CEITEC". They also approved the VRI Bonus Regulation for 2015 and the submitted “Rating System for the evaluation of teams and departments for 2015”. In the middle of the year, the VRI Board also approved the annual report of the Institute for 2014. In the economic sphere, the VRI Board members approved the budget for 2015, including the allocation of resources of the Fund of property reproduction and the management of economic profit after taxation. The VRI Board also acknowledged the proposed Social Fund budget for 2015 and

approved the Internal VRI´s wage regulation. Further, RI approved the disbursement of funds from the reserve fund for the purchase of strategic instruments under the call OP RDI 3.2. In the sphere of the organizational structure of the Institute, the VRI Board approved the Centre for Technology Transfer and Project Support establishment and its incorporation in the VRI´s organisational structure. In the project sphere, the VRI Board discussed the proposals submitted to open calls by different providers of specific subsidies, both in applied and basic research, for example Czech Science Foundation, National Agency for Agricultural Research of the Ministry of Agriculture of the CR and Agency for Medical Research of the Ministry of Health of the CR. They approved the submitting of FIT II to the call "Support of excellent research teams in Priority Axis 1 OP RDI" and a project into the “GAMA Programme of applied research, experimental development and innovation" of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.

VRI and the media

Authors of photographs:

Photographs of cattle: CESTER

Electron microscope photographs: MVDr. Pavel Kulich, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, VRI´s Laboratory for electron microscopy

p. 29

p. 36

p. 64

Other photographs: VRI


Published by the Veterinary Research Institute; Brno, 2016

Text: Team of Authors

DTP: Andrea Ďurišová

Printed by: AMBROSIAmode CZ

VRIYearbook

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