Central Asian Journal of Veterinary Science

Mapping and analysis of the distribution of parasitic infections of cats in cities of Kazakhstan

2026-09-17T16:33:05+05:00

Background and Aim. Endoparasitic infections in domestic and stray cats are of veterinary and public health importance due to their potential zoonotic transmission and environmental contamination. In Kazakhstan, systematic spatial data on the distribution of endoparasites in cats remain limited. This study aimed to develop an information database and a GIS-based cartographic model for collecting, analyzing, and spatially visualizing data on endoparasitic infections in cats and to identify areas with
potentially increased infection risk.
Materials and Methods. Data from 1,301 cats from five major cities of Kazakhstan (Almaty, n=282; Astana, n=382; Shymkent, n=389; Uralsk, n=76; and Kostanay, n=192) were collected from veterinary clinics and animal shelters. Fecal samples from 1,301 cats were examined for helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts; 1,256 cats were tested for Giardia spp. coproantigen, and serum samples from 273 cats were tested for Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG antibodies. The database included biological characteristics, sample types, laboratory results, and geographic coordinates of sampling sites. GISbased spatial visualization was performed using ArcGIS to assess the distribution of Toxocara cati, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. based on coprological examinations, as well as T. gondii seropositivity based on serological testing.
Results. GIS-based visualization demonstrated parasite-specific spatial variation among the studied cities. The distribution patterns differed according to parasite species; for example, higher proportions of Toxocara cati, Cystoisospora spp., and Giardia spp.-positive samples were observed in Almaty, whereas Cryptosporidium spp. showed the highest observed proportion in Uralsk. These descriptive spatial patterns should not be interpreted as evidence of specific climatic or anthropogenic determinants, which were not directly measured in the present study. The developed GIS model enabled visualization of parasite distribution and identification of areas with higher concentrations of positive samples.
Conclusion. The developed information database and GIS-based cartographic model provide useful tools for the systematic collection, spatial analysis, and visualization of data on endoparasitic infections in cats. Their application can support epidemiological surveillance, risk assessment, and the planning of targeted preventive measures in veterinary and public health programs in Kazakhstan.

Wheat bran-derived xylo- and maltooligosaccharides as potential synergistic prebiotics for animal nutrition

2026-08-25T11:01:14+05:00

Background and Aim. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and maltooligosaccharides (MalOS) are promising prebiotic candidates for functional feed additives in animal nutrition. Wheat bran, containing arabinoxylan-rich hemicellulose and residual starch, is a potential source of both oligosaccharide fractions. This review analyzes their structural-functional properties, possible prebiotic synergy, and prospects for use in animal feeding.
Materials and Methods. Wheat bran was considered a plant-derived biomatrix containing arabinoxylans as a source of XOS and residual starch as a potential source of maltooligosaccharides (MalOS). This review analyzed English-language peer-reviewed publications from 2004–2025 on wheat bran composition, XOS and maltooligosaccharide structure, digestive stability, gut microbiota modulation, short-chain fatty acid production, and use in animal nutrition. Searches were conducted in
Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords including wheat bran, xylooligosaccharides,
maltooligosaccharides, prebiotic properties, animal nutrition, gut microbiota, fermentation kinetics,
and short-chain fatty acids.
Results. The reviewed data indicate that wheat bran is a promising substrate for obtaining two functional oligosaccharide groups: XOS from the arabinoxylan fraction and maltooligosaccharides from residual starch. XOS are resistant to digestive enzymes and can reach the lower intestine, where they serve as substrates for saccharolytic bacteria, whereas maltooligosaccharides may be fermented more rapidly if partially preserved after digestion. The prebiotic effects of XOS are supported by in vitro and animal studies, particularly in poultry, whereas evidence for MalOS is more limited and is derived mainly from in vitro studies. Available data indicate the potential of MalOS to modulate gut microbiota and promote short-chain fatty acid production, but these effects require further validation in animals. The combined use of XOS and MalOS may provide complementary prebiotic effects due to differences
in their structure, digestive stability, and fermentation rate; however, direct evidence for synergistic action between XOS and MalOS is currently lacking.
Conclusion. Wheat bran is a promising source of XOS- and maltooligosaccharide-containing fractions for functional feed additives. Their combination may support animal gut microbiota, enhance shortchain fatty acid production, strengthen intestinal barrier function, and improve feeding efficiency. Further studies should focus on standardizing fraction composition, optimizing production conditions,
and validating XOS-maltooligosaccharide efficacy in in vitro, in vivo, and productive animal trials.

Avian leukosis and reticuloendotheliosis viruses: biology, epidemiological risks, and the need for molecular surveillance in Kazakhstan

2026-08-25T11:41:15+05:00

Background and Aim. Avian leukosis virus (ALV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) induce severe
immunosuppression and neoplastic processes, increasing susceptibility to concurrent infections and causing substantial hidden economic losses. Despite active viral circulation in neighboring countries (e.g., China, Russia), epidemiological data for Kazakhstan remain scarce. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on retroviral biology, raise awareness of this hidden threat among veterinary professionals, and justify the need for systematic control at poultry facilities.
Material and Methods. A comprehensive analysis of current scientific literature addressing the biology, classification, life cycle, and molecular mechanisms of retrovirus-host cell interactions was conducted. The role of exogenous and endogenous retroviruses in the development of infectious
and oncological diseases was examined. Additionally, available information on the epizootiological situation in countries bordering Kazakhstan was reviewed, alongside contemporary approaches to the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of retroviral infections.
Results. ALV and REV exhibit high genetic variability and establish persistent infections via host genome integration. These infections often progress subclinically: virus-induced lesions remain undetected, and secondary outbreaks are frequently misattributed to vaccine failure. The broad host
range and active pathogen circulation in border regions pose a high risk of introduction into Kazakhstan,
exacerbated by the current lack of systematic molecular epidemiology monitoring.
Conclusion. Implementing continuous molecular-genetic monitoring of avian retroviruses in Kazakhstan is critical to ensure poultry biosecurity, mitigate economic losses, and develop effective disease control strategies.

Evaluation of DNA extracted from hair follicles of four types of Kazakh horses (Zhabe, Naiman, South Altai and Aday)

2026-08-25T11:29:09+05:00

Background and Aim. This study aimed to assess the quality and concentration of genomic DNA isolated from hair follicles of four Kazakh horse types: Zhabe, Naiman, South Altai, and Aday. A total of 86 hair follicle samples were collected from Kazakh horses originating from four regions of Kazakhstan: Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan, Zhetisu, and Mangystau.
Materials and Methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples using the PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit according to the manufacturer's recommended protocol with minor modifications, and the quantity and purity of the extracted DNA were evaluated using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer based on the A260/A280 absorbance ratio.
Results. The analysis revealed that the concentration of extracted DNA ranged from 93.7 to 247.2 ng/μl, while DNA purity values were predominantly within the range of 1.8–1.9, indicating high-quality DNA suitable for subsequent molecular genetic analyses.
Conclusion. The results highlight the potential of hair follicles as a practical and minimally invasive source of genomic DNA in Kazakh horses. The extraction approach provided DNA of sufficient quantity and quality for downstream molecular applications, supporting its use in future genomic studies. Further quality assessment will determine whether the obtained DNA meets the requirements for whole-genome sequencing and subsequent investigation of genetic variation among different types of Kazakh horses.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of DNA extraction methods from sheep ear tissue samples for WGS

2026-09-21T15:03:18+05:00

Background and Aim. Whole-genome sequencing is a powerful tool for studying the genetic structure of livestock populations. Effective implementation of WGS is largely determined by the quality of the source genomic DNA. Sheep ear notches obtained in the field are a convenient source of biomaterial; however, their high connective tissue density makes DNA extraction challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the CTAB method and the commercial PureLink Genomic DNA Kit for DNA extraction from ear notches of Kazakh fat-tailed sheep.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in two stages. CTAB lysis buffer was used in the first stage, and the commercial PureLink Genomic DNA Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used in the second stage. Quality control was performed using a NanoDrop2000 spectrophotometer and gel electrophoresis.
Results. The average DNA concentration isolated by the CTAB method was 293 ng/μl, and the A260/280 ratio ranged from 1.70 to 1.86 (mean 1.78 ± 0.04), indicating heterogeneous purity. The PureLink kit demonstrated consistently high quality: concentration 350.2 ± 96.9 ng/μl, A260/280 1.86± 0.01, and A260/230 2.13 ± 0.08.
Conclusion. The commercial PureLink Genomic DNA Kit is recommended for DNA extraction from sheep ear notches, as it provides consistent quantitative and qualitative data that meet WGS requirements.

Identification of a Salmonella Abortusequi isolate based on morphological and serological characteristics and assessment of its antimicrobial resistance profile

2026-08-25T14:54:58+05:00

Background and Aim. Equine salmonellosis-associated abortion remains an important infectious disease of horses, with significant implications for reproductive health and horse breeding. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusequi is recognized as one of the etiological agents associated with abortion in mares and may persist within affected horse populations. This study is aimed to characterize and identify an S. Abortusequi isolate recovered from pathological material obtained from an aborted equine fetus in the Aiyrtau District of the North Kazakhstan Region through comprehensive assessment of its morphological, cultural, biochemical, and serological characteristics, and to determine its antimicrobial susceptibility profile.
Materials and Methods. A pure bacterial culture was obtained through sequential subculturing followed by the selection of colonies exhibiting characteristic morphological features. Identification of the isolate was performed using an integrated approach based on morphological, cultural, biochemical, and antigenic characteristics. Cellular morphology and staining properties were examined by light microscopy, while cultural characteristics were evaluated based on growth patterns and colony morphology on selective and differential diagnostic media. Biochemical activity was assessed using standard diagnostic tests. The antigenic profile of the isolate was determined by slide agglutination with polyvalent and monoreceptor diagnostic antisera specific for Salmonella O- and H-antigens. Species-level identification was additionally confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed against 12 antimicrobial agents using the disk diffusion method, with results evaluated based on the diameters of bacterial growth inhibition zones.
Results. The recovered isolate exhibited morphological, cultural, and biochemical characteristics consistent with the genus Salmonella, including Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped cells, facultative anaerobic growth, characteristic colony morphology on selective and differential media, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production. Biochemical testing demonstrated glucose fermentation with acid and gas
production, absence of lactose and sucrose fermentation, negative indole and urease reactions, and positive citrate utilization. Serological analysis revealed specific agglutination with O:4 (O-IV) and O:12 (O-XII) diagnostic antisera, assigning the isolate to Salmonella serogroup B; the antigenic formula was determined as 4,12:-: n,x, consistent with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusequi. Identification was additionally supported by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed inhibition zone diameters ranging from 26 to 41 mm, with the largest zones observed for imipenem (41 mm), ofloxacin (40 mm), and ceftriaxone (38 mm), followed by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and norfloxacin (35 mm each), cefoxitin (34 mm), co-trimoxazole and tobramycin (32mm each), ampicillin (31 mm), gentamicin (30 mm), azithromycin (27 mm), and tetracycline (26 mm).
Conclusion. Comprehensive assessment of the morphological, cultural, biochemical, serological, and mass spectrometric characteristics enabled identification of the isolate recovered from pathological material of an aborted equine fetus as S. Abortusequi. Disk diffusion testing demonstrated growth inhibition zone diameters ranging from 26 to 41 mm across the panel of 12 antimicrobial agents tested. These findings provide a phenotypic characterization of the S. Abortusequi isolate and describe
its antimicrobial susceptibility profile, contributing to the laboratory characterization of this pathogen associated with equine abortion.

Comparative acaricidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants against the mite Рsoroptes cuniculi

2026-08-25T15:53:10+05:00

Background and Aim. Psoroptes cuniculi is one of the most widespread causative agents of psoroptic mange in rabbits, causing significant economic losses in rabbit breeding. Given the increasing need for environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic acaricides, the investigation of acaricidal properties of medicinal plants represents a promising research direction. The aim of the present study
was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the acaricidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants against Psoroptes cuniculi mites under laboratory conditions.
Material and Methods. The study objects included extracts of Mentha piperita, Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris, Ferula foetida, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) D. Don, Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton, and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. at concentrations of 200, 500, and 1000 μl/ml. A 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution was used as a negative control, while permethrin at concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μl/ml served as a positive control. Acaricidal activity was assessed by mite mortality rates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results. It was established that the extraction method significantly influenced the efficacy of the preparations. Overall, ethanolic extracts induced significantly higher mite mortality compared to aqueous extracts (30.33% and 19.70%, respectively; P < 0.01). The most pronounced acaricidal activity was demonstrated by the ethanolic extract of Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb., which achieved
100% mite mortality at a concentration of 1000 μL/mL, whereas the aqueous extract caused only 28% mortality. High efficacy was also shown by ethanolic extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (69%) and Curcuma phaeocaulis (48%) at the maximum concentration. Extracts of Mentha piperita, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, and Ferula foetida were characterized by considerably lower acaricidal activity.
Conclusion. The obtained results indicate the high potential of ethanolic extracts of Eugenia caryophyllata, Cinnamomum cassia, and Curcuma phaeocaulis as sources of natural acaricidal compounds for the development of alternative control agents against Psoroptes cuniculi. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm their practical efficacy, focusing on therapeutic effectiveness and safety of application.

Comparative assessment of the biological effectiveness of a domestic medium for bovine oocyte aspiration

2026-09-24T18:34:12+05:00

Background and Aim. In vitro embryo production is an important reproductive biotechnology for accelerating genetic improvement in cattle. The efficiency of this technology largely depends on the quality and developmental competence of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered during ovum pick-up (OPU). Aspiration media play an important role in maintaining oocyte viability during collection and subsequent handling. This study aimed to evaluate the biological efficacy of a newly developed domestic aspiration medium for bovine oocyte recovery and to compare its performance with that of
a commercial aspiration medium.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using six physiologically healthy Galloway donor cows aged 1–4 years. Oocyte aspiration was performed twice in each donor at a 14-day interval. The recovered COCs were assigned to experimental and control groups according to the aspiration medium used. A commercial aspiration medium was used in the control group, whereas a newly developed domestic medium based on modified Dulbecco’s medium was used in the experimental group. COC quality was evaluated immediately after aspiration by morphological assessment and after 24 h of in vitro maturation using fluorescence and polarization microscopy. Nuclear maturation, cumulus morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial activity, and apoptotic changes were assessed. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.
Results. A total of 125 COCs were recovered using the commercial medium and 121 using the experimental medium, with mean yields of 20.8 ± 3.6 and 20.5 ± 3.2 COCs per OPU procedure, respectively. Morphologically normal COCs accounted for 81.6% in the control group and 80.1% in the experimental group, with no statistically significant differences between the groups. After in vitro maturation, the proportion of oocytes reaching metaphase II and the presence of the meiotic spindle were comparable between groups. No significant differences were detected in cumulus morphology, ROS levels, mitochondrial activity, or apoptotic changes. The proportion of oocytes with high mitochondrial activity was 76.4% in the control group and 74.2% in the experimental group.
Conclusion. The newly developed domestic aspiration medium demonstrated biological efficacy comparable to that of the commercial medium and maintained the morphological quality, nuclear maturation, mitochondrial activity, and overall viability of bovine oocytes. These findings indicate that the medium is promising for further evaluation in OPU and in vitro embryo production. However, validation in a larger number of donor animals, including assessment of fertilization, cleavage, blastocyst development, embryo transfer, and pregnancy outcomes, is required before conclusions can be drawn regarding its broader practical application.