Parasite fauna of wild ungulates in Kazakhstan: current state and analysis

Abstract

Background and Aim. Wild ungulates are a vital component of Kazakhstan’s biodiversity, encompassing 12 species occupying diverse ecological niches. However, the current structure and epizootiological significance of their parasite fauna remain insufficiently synthesized. This review aims to summarize the contemporary data on parasitic diversity in wild ungulates across Kazakhstan, analyze its host associations, and identify key ecological and epidemiological patterns.

Materials and Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and RSCI databases, as well as Kazakhstani peer-reviewed journals. Keywords in Kazakh, English, and Russian included the following terms: wild ungulates, parasite diversity, host-parasite relationships, epidemiology, Kazakhstan. The timeframe covered publications from 1989 to 2026, with earlier foundational works included for baseline comparisons. From 120 initially identified sources, 50 peerreviewed publications were selected after screening.

Results. The parasite fauna exhibits high species richness, with a clear predominance of geohelminths over biohelminths and primary localization in the digestive tract. Dozens of helminth species have been recorded in key hosts, including saiga (Saiga tatarica), argali (Ovis ammon), maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus), roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). The community structure is complex, showing a significant overlap between host species. Critically, a substantial proportion of parasites are shared between wild and domestic animals, indicating active cross-species transmission in both natural and anthropogenically transformed ecosystems.

Conclusion. The parasitic communities of wild ungulates in Kazakhstan are characterized by structural complexity and extensive faunal exchange with livestock, highlighting significant epidemiological risks. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous epizootiological monitoring and the development of integrated control strategies to mitigate the impact of parasitic infections on both wildlife conservation and livestock health.