Study of the Distribution of Salmonella Infection in Poultry Farms in the Northern Region of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background and Aim. Avian salmonellosis represents a serious public health concern, as infected birds and contaminated poultry products serve as major sources of transmission. This study aimed to perform serological analyses and isolate Salmonella enterica from samples collected from poultry farms in northern Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. A total of 334 chicken serum samples and 285 biological and pathological samples were collected from poultry farms located in the Akmola, Kostanay, and Karaganda regions. The serum samples were analyzed using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To isolate Salmonella strains, the samples were cultured on differential diagnostic media, and resulting isolates were identified using biochemical and molecular genetic methods. The antimicrobial resistance of the isolated strains was determined by the disk diffusion method.

Results. Antibodies specific to Salmonella antigens were detected in serum samples from chickens at one poultry farm. Nine Salmonella isolates were recovered from pathological material. The isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, and the following serotypes were determined: S. enteritidis, S. paratyphi, S. moscow, S. infantis, and S. mbandaka. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity to amikacin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin. However, the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance to several antibiotic classes, including rifamycins, macrolides, glycopeptides, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, nitrofurans, and penicillins.

Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the circulation of Salmonella at certain poultry farms in the northern region of Kazakhstan and provide insight into the serotypes of the strains and their antimicrobial resistance profiles. These findings may be used to support the development of effective antimicrobial therapy strategies in poultry farming.