Page 58 - VHSA - Onderstepoort 100 Years - Part 1

ONDERSTEPOORT 100
during outbreaks of the disease. Its expertise in molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis enabled scientists to trace the origin of the serotypes responsible for outbreaks in South Africa and elsewhere. It also facilitated the selection of viral strains for the manufacture of vaccines for specific regions. In recognition of the importance of this work for the region as a whole, the EDD won the National Science and Technology Forum’s award in 2002 for the
ARC-OVI and to institute a process of reorganization which included extensive consultation with the staff and a two day workshop on 26 and 27 September 2005. A model aligned with international trends was agreed upon and subsequently approved by the ARC.
The previous multi-disciplinary programme based approach was retained but the structure was simplified in order to promote more effective management and leadership as well as communication and organizational development. The aim was also to clearly define the line functions of the various role players, to standardize their job descriptions and to introduce clear career pathing, thereby stabilizing the staff
position.
The new programme structure at the
time of writing consists of five program- mes and a Research Support Unit as well as a Quality Assurance Office. The five programmes are:
a. New Generation Vaccine Development b. Molecular Epidemiology and
Diagnostics
c. Trans-boundary Animal Disease Control d. Food, Feed and Veterinary Public
Health
e. Parasites, Vectors and Vector-borne
diseases.
The Research Support Unit includes the Library, Public Relations Office, Business Office and Diagnostic Specimen Registra- tion. The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the standardization of policies and procedures, the accreditation of laboratories through the South African National Accreditation System and the implementation of quality standards. He reports directly to the RTM. Each of the five programmes is the responsibility of a Programme Manager who reports to the RTM. Each programme in turn consists of 5 to 8 projects led by a Project Manager and each project comprises 5 to 8 activities led
corporate body that has delivered the best scientific service over the previous 10 years. Other scientific achievements during this period include significant progress in the study of the organism causing heartwater in ruminants. Following its successful cultivation in cell cultures, molecular genetic analysis demonstrated the existence of at least eight different genotypes. An ambitious sequencing programme was also completed in collaboration with various national and international partners, including the Faculty. It resulted in the largest fully sequenced and annotated genome determined in Africa at the time. The identification of specific genes suitable for the eventual development of a stable, safe and effective vaccine for this economically important disease was thus facilitated. A technique was also developed for the routine cloning of full length double stranded RNA genomes which led to the construction of the first complete set of VP2 genes of all nine serotypes of African horsesickness virus. This first gave rise to 58 a procedure by which a new virus isolate could be fully sero-typed in four days and later to a PCR-based technique which further reduced the time needed for serotyping a
clinical specimen to one day.
The remarkable ability of ARC-OVI
“His previous experience at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (formerly International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD)) in Nairobi, Kenya, enabled Musoke to identify weaknesses in the organizational structure of the ARC-OVI and to institute a process of reorganization...”
scientists to continue producing outstan-
ding results in a less than optimal en-
vironment is illustrated by the exploitation
of the phage display technology to identify
important epitopes on antigens that can
be used in the development of new generation vaccines and diagnostics. For example, using this technique an antibody fragment was selected from a library of chicken immunoglobulin genes and used in an inhibition ELISA test for the detection of bluetongue virus antibodies.
by an activity leader.
The success of the new structure can be measured in
terms of its acceptance by the staff, the authorities and the Institute’s clients. Staff turnover was reduced from 7% in 2004 to 5% in 2007 and acceptance by the authorities is reflected in the increase in the total budget of the ARC OVI from ca R65 million in 2005 to ca R118 million in 2007. Most important, however, is the fact that considerable financial support has been obtained from various clients who obviously benefit from the new approach. For example, whereas the Department of Agriculture (DoA) did not support any R&D activities in 2004 they currently provide R15 million annually.
A marked turn around in the history of the Institute followed the appointment in 2004 of A.J. (Tony) Musoke as the new Research and Technology Manager (RTM). His previous experience at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (formerly International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD)) in Nairobi, Kenya, enabled him to identify weaknesses in the organizational structure of the
PART 1
Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute: General History
1908-2008
Years