Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Date of latest update: 2026-09-11

Description

Description (EN):

The project aims to address the challenges of transboundary diseases in Eastern Europe, specifically in the cross-border RO - UA area, which can impact human health, ecology, and biodiversity. The Danube Delta area, a preserved biosphere zone with a substantial population of wild animals, farmers, breeders, and homeless animals, faces the lack of up-to-date data on transboundary diseases and the absence of a unified approach to analysis and assessment of results and risks. It is caused by the lack of cooperation between the two countries in in screening and monitoring of animal emerging diseases. This has made it challenging to assess risks accurately and respond promptly. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of emerging animal diseases such as African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Avian Influenza, Bluetongue, Crimean-Congo Fever, West Nile Virus, and others. These diseases have wreaked havoc on animal populations and the economy of the affected areas, and pose a significant risk to public health. To ensure early detection of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, it is crucial to take into account cross-border pathogens, vectors, scope, sampling methodologies and frequencies, and testing methods. However, the use of these measures in affected areas has been far from satisfactory. The project seeks to address this situation and raise awareness among stakeholders and the general public about the transmission and risks of these diseases with a sense of urgency. The project specifically focuses on African swine fever, West Nile, Bird flu, Leptospirosis, and Toxoplasmosis through a comprehensive and collaborative analysis of transboundary diseases. The project's activities aim to create new opportunities for scientific research and the development of a database that will allow the creation of models for predicting pandemics using artificial intelligence. The partners will also undertake research on the transfer of emerging diseases in the animal-water-soil-human chain using a "One Health" approach to prevent and control these diseases in both animals and humans with a sense of urgency. The project's joint approach to monitoring and controlling transboundary diseases will involve collecting standardized and harmonized data and carrying out a joint analysis using predetermined methods. Additionally, the development of a joint assessment guide with GIS platform displaying the obtained results will create a unique, advanced, and innovative tool for coordinated surveillance. The project aims to deliver results with a sense of urgency and to ensure that effective measures are put in place to protect animal and public health. The main goal of this project is to improve the capacity for research on emerging diseases in the Lower Danube region. This will be achieved by enhancing the capacity of two research institutions in Romania and Ukraine, developing a common screening and monitoring system, and implementing collaborative actions across borders. The aim is to ensure effective surveillance of emerging diseases and prevent epidemics in the region. It is intended to increase the awareness and convince at least 310 professionals in veterinary, animal medicine, and food safety of the importance of implementing joint cross-border surveillance and harmonization of monitoring actions for emerging diseases across borders, while also influencing the behavior of at least 450 individuals in animal welfare and protection against epidemics caused by animal-transmitted diseases. Over a period of 18 months, at least 760 individuals from various backgrounds such as research institutions, sectoral agencies, veterinary clinics, public authorities, pet keepers, breeders, farmers, and the wider public will learn about the significance of collaborative efforts in monitoring emerging diseases that cross borders. They will also be educated on the responsible attitude required for the care of pets and livestock, which is essential for ensuring the health of the population and preventing epidemics. The originality of the project lies in the first time performance of joint cross-border analysis of emerging diseases of African swine fever, West Nile, Leptospirosis, Toxoplasmosis, Avian flu in the animal-water-soil-human chain, and development of joint GIS platform and common practical guide on emerging diseases assessment that will be integral components of the screening and monitoring system of emerging diseases and epidemics protection in the cross-border Lower Danube region

Actual Achievements (EN):

Following the signing of the Grant Contract, each partner designated and assigned the members of its project implementation team and prepared all necessary documentation, attached to the respective partner reports for Period 1. In addition, PP2 procured essential office equipment (two laptops and a multifunctional device) to support the work of the project team. During the reporting period, significant progress was made in establishing the management and communication framework of the project. The LP, with the active involvement of PP2 and PP3, elaborated and approved at partnership level the Project Communication Plan and the Internal Working Procedure. Three partnership meetings were organized, ensuring effective coordination, transparent communication, and shared decision-making across the consortium. The project’s visibility has been successfully enhanced through the development and launch of the official project website, as well as the official Facebook page, which serve as the main communication tools for the public and stakeholders. A total of 42 posts, articles, and press releases were published, including those dedicated to the launching events held in Romania and Ukraine. Within Activity 1.1, PP2 and PP3 produced and distributed promotional materials such as roll-ups, leaflets, stickers, agendas, and pens. Although the LP’s visibility materials and the launching conference in Izmail were postponed due to administrative and procurement-related delays, all preparatory procedures were initiated within the period. Through the project’s official Facebook page and website (developed within the project), where news and topic-related materials are regularly published, the project achieved 3,533 views, contributing to wider visibility and stakeholder engagement. The project launching events represented key milestones, gathering experts and institutional representatives from both countries: the Odesa event (organized by PP3 on 18.09.2025) attracted 49 participants, while the Tulcea event (organized by PP2 on 25.09.2025) gathered 47 participants. These events successfully achieved Deliverables D.1.1.3 and D.1.1.4 and contributed to strengthening cross-border cooperation in the veterinary and public health sectors. Progress was also achieved under the project’s technical activities. Within Activity 1.2, PP3 prepared the premises of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for equipment installation (at the expense of the partner's own sources), carried out market research, and developed detailed technical specifications and tender documentation for the planned laboratory equipment. Under Activity 1.3, PP2 completed procurement and delivery of laboratory and office equipment (mini-freezer, office furniture) and launched the procurement of reagents and consumables. Additionally, contracts were signed for - Microbiological safety cabinet–intended for handling samples with potential pathogen - IT equipment for project staff–delivered and installed - Necropsy table–essential equipment for post-mortem examination of animal samples - Office furniture–delivered and installed - Field mini-freezer – delivered and put into operation. At the same time, regarding the purchase of laboratory reagents and consumables for investigations on emerging diseases, PP2 initiated the specific procurement procedure and finalized the supply contract for some of the items. Finally, under Activity 1.4, partners jointly elaborated and approved the Terms of Reference for the Analysis of Emerging Animal Diseases in the Cross-Border Area. The document was validated during the first hybrid study visit in Ukraine on 02.10.2025, attended by 22 stakeholders from research institutions, public authorities, and the veterinary sector. The meeting fostered professional exchange, alignment of methodologies, and demonstrated the added value of cross-border cooperation between Romania and Ukraine in addressing shared challenges in animal health and disease prevention. During this reporting period, significant progress was achieved across project activities and objectives, demonstrating effective cross-border cooperation. On 3 December 2025, LP1 organized the hybrid Launching Conference in Izmail, Ukraine, attended by 67 participants (50 onsite, 17 online), including veterinary professionals, public authorities, NGOs, volunteers, and local institutions. The event presented project objectives, planned activities, planned laboratory investments, and cross-border collaboration, engaging stakeholders and completing D.1.1.1. All planned visibility materials of LP1—including roll-up, stickers, agendas, pens, backpacks, power banks, leaflets, posters, and plaques—were procured, branded with the project logo and partially disseminated. Partners actively promoted the project through 21 posts/articles, 1 press release, 2 newsletters, 2 news posts, and 1 information sheet, reaching 3,987 people. Five educational videos are currently under development (D.1.6.1). On 26 December 2025, LP1 organized a workshop with 10 veterinary professionals and authorities (D.1.6.2), covering emerging and zoonotic diseases, transmission, risk mitigation, and “One Health” approaches. The draft information sheet was reviewed, finalized, translated into English, Ukrainian, and Romanian, approved by the JS, and published (D.1.6.3 achieved). During the same period, PP3 procured and installed laboratory equipment—including fume hood, water bath, centrifuge, digital microscope, refrigerator, sterilizers, 2 Class II safety cabinets, transport refrigerator, homogenizer—and furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets), with verification and operational permits in progress (D.1.2.1–D.1.2.2 achieved). PP2 completed acquisition of a mini-freezer, office furniture, necropsy table, 2 safety cabinets, 2 centrifuges, and all necessary reagents and consumables (D.1.2.1–D.1.2.3 achieved). The first stage of the joint scientific research was successfully completed by PP2 and PP3. In the second reporting period, the second stage of biological sample collection and laboratory analyses in Romania and Ukraine has started, following WOAH biosafety and traceability requirements. All samples collected are being properly handled and analyzed in project-modernized laboratories under strict national and international biosafety standards. First-stage individual reports are prepared. LP1 coordinated overall project implementation, participated in the JS site visit (14 October 2025), submitted monthly reports, organized Partner Meeting No. 4 (19 December 2025), monitored budgets, and requested a budget modification (Addendum 1, pending MA approval). Project team equipment, including a laptop, tablet, portable hardwareand portable printer, was also purchased.

Project outputs: Common actions for enhancing protection of cross-border region from emerging diseases(EN)
Joint RO-UA training and awareness actions on "One Health" across borders (EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Health and social services Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Ua_1) Environmental focus across borders

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: Молодіжна громадська організація "Нове покоління Європи"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 916066061

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 33268090

Address: Flotska, 68600 Izmail, Ukraine

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website (not verified): https://newgeneration.od.ua/

Total budget: EUR 112 863.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 101 577.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 11 286.36

Contractors:

Name: Dinenko Antonina Oleksandrivna
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3205309467
Name: Babaian Mariia Grygorivna
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3022001509
Name: Kartelian Mykola Ivanovych
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2471301074
Name: Hadzhyoglo Evgen Petrovych
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2686002314
Name: LLC "Granat event service"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 42754915
Name: LLC "TV KREATIV"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 39511548

Одеський Державний Аграрний Університет

Name: Одеський Державний Аграрний Університет

Department: International relations department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 897301702

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00493008

Address: Kanatna, 65039 Odessa, Ukraine

Department address: Panteleimonivska, 65012 Odesa, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://osau.edu.ua/

Total budget: EUR 144 748.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 130 273.92

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 474.88

Contractors:

Name: “TA NASHI LIUDY” LLC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 38785958
Name: IE Tetyana BONDARENKO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2312308009
Name: FROLOVA Yuliia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3036914608
Name: IE Svitlana Makarevich
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3222403183
Name: IE Yuliia Steshenko
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3142716688
Name: IE Daria IVASHCHENKO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3365500243
Name: IDSVMH
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00702794
Name: PSI “OHS and RI”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 45653086
Name: IE Vitalii Dikhtiarenko
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3562610136
Name: LLC “HLR”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 42820893
Name: LLC “HLR”
VAT registration or tax identification number: 42820893
Name: IE Daria IVASHCHENKO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3365500243

Directia Sanitară Veterinară și pentru Siguranța Alimentelor Tulcea

Name: Directia Sanitară Veterinară și pentru Siguranța Alimentelor Tulcea

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 879878174

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3721958

Address: Babadag, 820112 Tulcea, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website (not verified): http://tulcea.dsvsa.ro/

Total budget: EUR 160 451.01

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 144 405.90

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 045.11

Contractors:

Name: SC EVMAN HOLZ SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 34740453
Name: SC HA&SZ SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 51411922
Name: CICIRIC BIROTICA CONSTRUCT SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3429369
Name: ACC Design Info Construct SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30462516
Name: SC NITECH SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13890865
Name: SC NOACK ROMANIA SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 5019365
Name: SC WATT DISTRIBUITOR SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10817509
Name: SC DIAMEDIX IMPEX SA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8529458
Name: SC FILARA BIOMED SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 26561708
Name: SC DEXTER COM SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8875940
Name: SC OF SYSTEMS SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2595258
Name: SC MEDPLAZA HEALTH SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41024228
Name: OPTIMUS CONTRAST CONSULTING
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30616372
Name: SC SH MEDICAL SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32207595
Name: SC AMIDOR VET SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 23967087
Name: ACC DESIGN INFO CONSTRUCT SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30462516

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Odesa State Agrarian University

Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context

Partners and Projects info

Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Directorate Tulcea

Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context

Partners and Projects info

Youth Public Organisation "New European Generation"

Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context

Project acronym: SMS-RO-UA

Project ID: ROUA00136

Project start date: 2025-06-04

Project end date: 2026-12-03

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project “Promoting sustainable production and implementation of good practices in the bovine farms from Romania, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine cross-border regions” in the framework of Joint Operational Programme "Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova 2007-2013" (MIS CODE 1549) (EN) | With this project, OSAU expanded the laboratory-diagnostic center for the safety of products of animal origin and strengthened the potential for diagnostics and monitoring studies in the assessment of the quality of food products associated with the presence of endemic diseases. A multidisciplinary laboratory of veterinary medicine has been established at OSAU. In 2021, it was certified: certificate No. 04-0055/2021 was received on compliance of the measurement system with the requirements of DSTU ISO 10012:2005. The equipped laboratory with modern high-tech equipment and high-quality test systems will fully contribute to the SMS-RO-UA project making it possible for PP3 to carry out accurate research work on emerging diseases. The laboratory can carry out tests for the presence of infectious (ELISA-diagnosis) and parasitic diseases, general clinical and biochemical blood/urine tests, and analysis of the state of the reproductive system with special attention to the control of indicators of quality and safety of food. The SMS-RO-UA project will continue the further research and enhancement of analysis of emerging diseases bringing added value to the mentioned project creating synergy of results and outputs. (EN), Project "African swine fever: risk awareness raising and risk mitigation in Ukraine" funded by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (EN) | The project conducted appropriate African Swine Fever (ASF) surveillance at the public level and facilitated the exchange of diagnostics methods among participating state laboratories, agricultural universities, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The knowledge and experience gained through these activities will be used in SMS-RO-UA project and will contribute significantly to the results of the project. Furthermore, the PCR equipment transferred by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and FAO to PP3- OSAU will enable the staff and students of the veterinary faculty to carry out precise analyses not only of ASF but also of other pathogens that cause emerging animal diseases, including those envisaged in the project. The PCR method is a valuable tool for accurately identifying and analyzing, which is critical to combatting animal diseases. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 418 063.41

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 376 257.06

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Launching conference in Izmail, Ukraine
Final conference in Izmail, Ukraine
Launching information event in Tulcea Romania
Launching information event in Odesa, UKraine
Specialized laboratory equipment for research
Laboratory furniture
Sampling consumables and reagents
Specialized equipment for laboratory
Furniture for the laboratory
Reagents for emergent disease investigations
2 Study-visits in Romania and Ukraine
Joint TOR for analysis
Joint GIS platform
Joint scientific report
Practical guide "Assessment of Emerging Diseases"
5 protocols for African swine fever, West Nile Virus, Leptospirosis, Toxoplasmosis, Avian flu
2 training seminars in Romania and Ukraine
International conference
"Modern Challenges of Emerging Diseases"
5 short informational videos
3 workshops in Izmail with veterinary experts
Recommendation sheet for animal keepers
6 informational seminars on "One Health" approach
Joint Action plan on animal health and welfare
Analysis on the current situation of animal health, welfare, epidemiologic situation in the region

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The SMS-RO-UA project is a cross-border cooperation initiative designed to make a significant contribution to the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). The project has been developed to address two of the EUSDR's key pillars, namely connecting the region and protecting the environment, which align with the cooperation efforts of Romania and Ukraine towards similar objectives.
The project aims to bring together scientists, policymakers, and representatives of all seven target groups in the Danube Lower region to promote collaboration and alignment of efforts towards opening new macro-regions in the future. The ultimate goal is to advance Ukraine's integration into the European Union by creating a more robust and cohesive Danube region.
Alleviating investment differences between Romania and Ukraine is one of the integrated components of the SMS-RO-UA project. Tulcea county, which is included in the EUSDR, is strategically positioned to play a crucial role in mediating an accessible transition for the Odesa partner region from the Interreg NEXT program into a larger-scaled cooperation region governed by EUSDR. This will help to foster enhancement of the environmental protection, health of human and animals, food safety and preservation of biodiversity, as well as promote social and economic exchange between the two countries.
Overall, the SMS-RO-UA project represents a significant step towards creating a more integrated and cooperative Danube region. The initiative aims to bring together stakeholders from different sectors and countries to promote sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the EUSDR's goals.
Other The project activities, evaluating the transfer of emerging diseases in the animal-bird-water-soil-human chain, are directly related to the basic principle of the Biodiversity strategy for 2030, respectively to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems, to put Europe's biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030 for the benefit of people, climate and the planet. They will contribute to the main goals of the Strategy and mostly will aim on the effective management and control of land and sea biodiversity through the actions on identification of current situation, risks, and development of mitigation measures for the spread of emerging diseases.
Other The project results contribute to European Green Deal first priority, protecting our biodiversity and ecosystems, taking into account the emerging disease transfer between biological materials, water, soil, human, aquatic flora and fauna, assessment of transmission paths. By envisaged research and preparation of assessment of emerging diseases guide the project will make one step forward the reduction of emergings of African swine fever, West Nile, Bird flu, Leptospirosis, and Toxoplasmosis on the predefined area and enhancement of the opportunities of both countries to ensuring the control, monitoring, diagnosis, as well as protective measures for animal and human health.
Other The project results contribute to The law of Ukraine № 1206-IX dated February 4, 2021 “On veterinary
medicine” ensuring the health of animals and their well-being, as well as the circulation of by-products of animal origin, which is the subject of public relations in Ukraine according to current legislation (art. 3);
contributing to state Ukrainian policy in the field of veterinary medicine (art. 4), namely development,
approval and application of veterinary and sanitary measures; elimination or reduction of the risks of the spread of zoonoses and diseases; protection of the territory from the penetration of animal diseases from quarantine zones or territories of other states; protection of animals and the population from animal diseases and their pathogens by implementing diagnostic measures; development and implementation of effective measures for detection, localization, control and, if possible, elimination of endemic animal diseases.
Other The project results contribute to the law of Ukraine № 1206-IX dated December 23, 1997 “About the basic principles and requirements for the safety and quality of food products” additional risks affecting the quality of food products of animal origin will be identified.
Other European strategy of the big data in veterinary medicine for the years 2022–2027 gives the strategic vision for the introduction of new digital solutions in the field of veterinary medicine regulation. The primary objectives of the strategy are focused at implementing sustainable processes and systems and delivering accurate and reliable information to promote public and animal health as well as environmental safety. The project will contribute to this document through creation and content of a GIS platform, which will have an attribute and spatial component for focusing detection and characteristics of endemic diseases.
Other According to the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, Ukraine undertook obligations, in particular in the areas of environmental protection and climate change, protection of health and life of people and animals, and protection of consumer rights. The Strategy for ensuring biological safety and biological protection according to the principle of "One health" for the period until 2025"; approved by the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated November 27, 2019 No. 1416-р is part of the implementation of Ukraine's obligations under this Agreement. The process of approximation of the legislation of Ukraine to the legislation of the European Union, including in the specified areas, significantly intensified with the acquisition by Ukraine of the status of a candidate for EU membership on June 23, 2022. So the topic and activities upon the project correspond to the strategic direction of the transboundary development.
Other The project will contribute to the Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) through the collection of joint reliable, transparent and accessible epidemiological data in the cross-border area of the Danube cross-border area for the identification of current situation, utilizing methods, integrate common approach and assessment for ensuring the future exchange of data and surveillance. The project will be the step forward to the common surveillance methodology, frequency and intensity, joint monitoring and control of animal health and epidemiological risks caused by the emerging diseases.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Ukraine (UA), Odesa, Krasnova, 3, 65000
România (RO), Tulcea, Babadag, nr. 165, bl B2, 820112

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO81) Participations in joint actions across borders: 32.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

79 / 79 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

197 / 208 (94.71%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer