4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and DOE. The objective of this project is to evaluate the animal pathogen collection located at the Scientific Research Agricultural Institute (SRAI) in Kazakhstan. This is an extension of an existing ARS partner project funded through the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) under the auspices of the ARS - Former Soviet Union Scientific Cooperation Program. Also, in support of this project, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to provide a DNA sequencer and reagents to SRAI including training on the new equipment. The sequencer will be used to carry out the research funded by ARS under the project more efficiently.

In the last year, the Kazak scientists developed the workplan for the extension in conjunction with their ARS collaborator at Plum Island Animal Disease Center and two collaborators at the DHS. ARS reviewed the new workplan, recommended modifications and approved the final version for funding. ARS also worked on the best mechanism for DHS to ship the DNA sequencer and reagents to the Kazakh institute under the auspices of the project. It was determined that DHS would use the Department of Defense/Defense Threat Reduction Agency to procure and ship the DNA sequencer and reagents to SRAI. ARS signed the addendum to the project agreement with the ISTC and the SRAI to fund the extension for 24 months. ARS funds are to be used for salaries, materials and supplies and travel.