HERALD OF SCIENCE OF S SEIFULLIN KAZAKH AGRO TECHNICAL RESEARCH UNIVERSITY: Veterinary sciences

Advances and challenges in the development of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever vaccines: from traditional approaches to modern technologies

2025-03-20T14:28:08+05:00

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a high mortality, tick-borne viral illness endemic to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and certain regions of Europe. Notwithstanding its peril to public health, there is presently no licensed vaccination available. This study highlights important progress and challenges in developing CCHF vaccines, including traditional methods (inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines) and new approaches (subunit, DNA, mRNA, and viral vectors). We also investigate the functions of adjuvants and delivery technologies – such as nanoparticles and viral vectors – in enhancing immunogenicity and safety. Insights from historical endeavors and recent advancements underscore the pressing necessity for safe, effective, and scalable vaccinations, especially in endemic areas. Future initiatives must emphasize cross-protective formulations, thermal stability, and international cooperation.

Episotological monitoring of brucellosis of large and small cattle in the Pavlodar Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

2025-06-19T09:42:24+05:00

Background and Aim. Despite the efforts to eliminate brucellosis in the Pavlodar region, its local epizootics remain a huge concern. The aim of this work was to conduct epizootic surveillance and analyze the epizootiological situation with animal brucellosis in the Pavlodar region in 2019-2023.

Materials and Methods. The materials used in this study include the official reports of the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CVCS of MoA of RK), the Republican Anti-epizootic Unit (RSI RAU), the regional branch of the Republican Veterinary Laboratory (RVL), the Republican State Enterprise on the rights of economic management “Scientific and Practical Centre for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring” of the Ministry of Public Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan (RSE SPC SEEaM of MoPH of RK), and the results of our own epizootiological research. The research methods used in the study are in full compliance with the official guidelines for diagnosing brucellosis in animals.

Results. We have established the leading role of cattle and small ruminants in the epizootiology of brucellosis, identified the most significant factors promoting brucellosis persistence in livestock and ascertained the occurrence of the infection in the human population in every district of the region. Using the epizootic surveillance data acquired over the past 5 years, we have identified areas with high, moderate and low incidence of animal brucellosis, as well as disease-free zones, and constructed an epizootic map that can be used to implement adequate interventions.

Conclusion. Epizootic surveillance, coupled with the analysis of dynamics of brucellosis spread to new sites, its incidence in livestock and the results of screening tests, will facilitate epizootic control and help to elaborate a methodologically sound strategy for implementing adequate interventions.

On the distribution of botfly diseases of horses and camels in the Atyrau and Kyzylorda regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan

2025-06-04T10:01:04+05:00

Background and Aim. Botfly larvae parasitize horses and camels, adversely affects animal health and productivity, and can cause death. This raises a need for systematic control of some botfly species. Botfly parasitism causes significant economic damage in Western Kazakhstan, where camel and horse breeding are prominent.

Materials and Methods. The study covered the Kazaly and Aral districts (Kyzylorda region), and the Makhambet, Isatay, Kurmangazy districts (Atyrau region). Field research was conducted in the Kyzylorda region in May and September, 2024, and in the Atyrau region in June, July and September. During the study, a total of 25 camels and 23 horses were examined in the Kyzylorda region; 41 camels and 37 horses were examined in the Atyrau region. The ante-mortem diagnoses of camel cephalopinosis and horse rhinoestrosis were established endoscopically.

Results. Botfly larvae were found in the nasal passages of the examined camels and horses and in the stomachs of the horses. In the Kyzylorda region, no cephalopinosis cases were detected among camels in the spring; however, the prevalence increased to 36% in the autumn. In the Atyrau region, there were no cases of cephalopinosis in July, but its prevalence rose to 17.1% in the autumn. No rhinoestrosis cases were detected in the Kyzylorda region. In the Atyrau region, there were no occurrences of the disease in June; however, 9.5% of horses already had rhinoestrosis in September. The prevalence of gasterophilosis among horses of the Kyzylorda region remained at 33.3% in the spring and autumn. In the Atyrau region, the prevalence of gasterophilosis was 20% in the spring, rising to 100% in the autumn.

Conclusion. Cephalopina titillator larvae were found in camels in September. Rhinoestrus sp. larvae were detected in horses in September, while Gasterophilus intestinalis was observed in May, June and September. Adult botflies were active in September.

Bacteriological monitoring of infectious epididymitis of rams

2025-06-09T12:15:29+05:00

Background and Aim. Currently, infectious epididymitis of rams (IER) is registered in over 100 countries, including Kazakhstan. The aim of this work is to conduct bacteriological monitoring of infectious epididymitis of rams in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. A total of 1.205 biological samples (907 whole blood samples and 298 tissue specimens) were collected by the Laboratory of Brucellosis from sheep flocks in 17 regions of Kazakhstan. Serological and bacteriological methods were used. Biological properties of the isolated Brucella cultures were determined by studying their culture morphological, tinctorial, biochemical properties, carbon dioxide demand during their growth, ability to excrete hydrogen sulfide, growth on media with dyes - basic fuchsin and thionine, reaction with tripaflavin and R and S sera, thermoagglutination reaction and White-Wilson staining.

Results. As a result of research of 1205 samples of biomaterial 2 cultures of B.ovis species were isolated (from one animal of Zhambyl and from the second one of Turkestan regions). Both Brucella strains received strain passports containing descriptions of their phenotypes and genotypes and documentation required for further strain depositing. Summarizing the results of bacteriological studies with bioassay it can be stated that the study of biological properties of pathogens circulating in the epizootic focus is one of the main links of epizootological control of diseases, allowing to reliably identify sources and reservoirs of infection, to build a scientifically based effective scheme of anti-epizootic measures aimed at preventing infection of humans and animals.

Conclusion. The genus and species affiliation of the isolated brucella cultures to the species B. ovis in terms of their biological properties was confirmed by the results of a biological assay on guinea pigs. The results of the conducted bacteriological monitoring indicate the presence of sporadic cases of IER in some economic entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which requires increasing the coverage of the studied sheep population during the planned mass diagnostic activities.

Bovine Pestiviruses (Flaviviridae, Pestivirus) genomic diversity and global distribution

2025-06-13T14:32:03+05:00

The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a member of the genus pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae and is capable of infecting cattle in many countries; it is characterized by genetic diversity and various diverse clinical manifestations. Bovine pestiviruses belong to three species: Pestivirus bovis (BVDV-1), Pestivirus tauri (BVDV2) and Pestivirus braziliense (BVDV-3 or HOBIE-like pestivirus). There are 21 subtypes of BVDV-1, 4 of BVDV-2, and 4 of BVDV-3. The most widespread in the world, BVDV-1 is widespread in cattle and is most often detected in European countries. The largest number of subtypes of this virus have been identified in cattle in Italy and China. The virus is wides pread in the Central region of the Russian Federation (subtypes 1a and 1m). A number of BVDV-1 subtypes have been detected in Turkey, including BVDV-1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1f, 1h, 1i, 1l, 1r, and 1v. A total of 11 subtypes are presentin native and imported animals in Siberia: 1a (5%), 1b (35%), 1c (5%), 1d (10%), 1f (20%), 1g (2.5%), 1i (2.5%), 1j (5%), 1k (5%), 1p (5%), and 1r (5%). BVDV-2 is the most virulent and is found less frequently, primarily in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, in European countries (Germany, Slovakia, Turkey, and Italy), and in Asian countries (South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia). Three subtypes have been identified in Siberia: 2a (25%), 2b (10%) and 2c (5%). BVDV-3 circulates in Europe, Asia, and South America. The main route of virus introduction is via contaminated biological products. In Russia, BVDV-3 of the Italian Brazilian group (3a) was identified in seven lots of fetal serum. The existence of virus polymorphism complicates disease diagnosis and reduces the effectiveness of vaccination and control programs.

Live Turkey Herpesvirus vaccine against Marek’s Disease: development, stabilization, and immunobiological evaluation

2025-05-26T17:49:02+05:00

Background and Aim. Marek’s disease (MD) is a highly contagious and economically significant viral infection of poultry, caused by Marek’s disease virus (MDV), an alphaherpesvirus that induces lymphomas, paralysis, and immunosuppression in chickens. Kazakhstan currently lacks a domestically produced MD vaccine, resulting in dependence on imports and logistical challenges. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a national live vaccine against MD using a cloned strain of turkey herpesvirus (HVT, strain AV-0007), with optimized production and preservation technologies.

Materials and Methods. The AV-0007 strain was propagated in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cultures using stationary, roller, and suspension cultivation methods. Virus yields were optimized by adjusting MOI, nutrient media, and harvest times. Stabilizing media for cryopreservation and freezedrying were formulated. Experimental vaccine preparations in both forms were assessed for sterility, safety, biological activity, and immunogenicity in one-day old chickens. Virus titers were measured using the focus forming unit (FFU50) method, and immunogenicity was evaluated by virus neutralization tests.

Results. Virus titers exceeded 10⁶ FFU50/cm³ across optimized cultivation methods. Cryopreserved and freeze dried vaccines preserved high viral activity after stabilization and storage. Both forms met international standards for sterility and were non-pathogenic in chicks even at 10× immunizing doses. Immunized birds developed virus neutralizing antibodies with titers ranging from 1.67 to 2.33 log FFU50, indicating strong immunogenicity and protective potential.

Conclusion. The AV-0007-based vaccine formulations demonstrated safety, stability, and high immunogenicity. The study confirms the feasibility of producing a domestic Marek’s disease vaccine in Kazakhstan and provides a foundation for the local development of poultry vaccines aligned with international quality standards.

Prevalence of zoonotic intestinal protozoa infections of cats in Central Asia and border regions

2025-06-05T16:24:01+05:00

Totally 97 sources from digitalized databases were analyzed with aim to assess the epidemiological significance and the introducing risk of feline intestinal zoonotic protozoa infections into Kazakhstan from neighboring countries. It was concluded that pet and stray cats in China, Russia, Central Asian countries and Kazakhstan serve as reservoirs for Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis. They pose a significant threat to both humans and animals but are often overlooked due to a lack of awareness at the regional level. The diseases caused by them can be classified as neglected feline and human parasitic infections in Kazakhstan. To implement the One Health Concept, it is necessary to consolidate research and coordinate the work of public health, veterinary, and ecological services at an intergovernmental level for the study the molecular epidemiology and systematic monitoring the catborne zoonotic protozoa among definitive and intermediate hosts’ populations and environment.

Epizootic situation and comprehensive diagnosis of equine salmonellosis-associated abortion in the Republic of Kazakhstan

2025-06-02T17:23:52+05:00

Background and Aim. Abortion associated with equine salmonellosis is an infectious disease that significantly affects the productivity of herd-based horse breeding in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The disease is characterized by late term abortions and is associated with considerable economic losses in the agricultural sector. The aim of this study was to detect Salmonella DNA using molecular genetic methods.

Materials and Methods. The study was based on pathological material collected from horses in nine regions of Kazakhstan during the period from 2023 to 2025.

Results. PCR analysis revealed that the proportion of positive samples ranged from 25% to 33.3%, depending on the year. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of 309 equine serum samples detected antibodies to Salmonella abortus equi in 29 cases (10.6%). Microbiological investigations using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp., as well as opportunistic microorganisms such as Enterobacter hormaechei, Pantoea agglomerans, and Escherichia hermannii.

Conclusion. The obtained results confirm the circulation of the pathogen among horses and emphasize the need for ongoing epizootiological surveillance. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of continued molecular and genetic studies, including whole genome sequencing, to enhance understanding of the disease’s epidemiology and to optimize preventive measures.

Impact of anthropogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan

2025-05-22T14:20:55+05:00

Background and Aim. Despite significant success in the fight against anthrax, cases of animal and human disease are still registered in Kazakhstan. The presence of many permanently unfavorable points with numerous anthrax burial sites contributes to the maintenance of epidemiological unfavorability in the country. Moreover, active human activity in potentially dangerous zones often contributes to the activation of the epidemic process and the emergence of new infection outbreaks. The purpose of this research was to study the degree of influence of various anthropogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. The analysis object was information about anthrax outbreaks in Ka-zakhstan from 1933-2024. The study materials were data from the cadastre of stationary points unfavorable for anthrax, materials for statistical veterinary reporting, and our own records obtained during expedition trips. The data were analyzed using system modeling (Monte Carlo method) and spatial geographical analysis via the Moran autocorrelation method.

Results. In total, 4,089 outbreaks of anthrax in Kazakhstan occurred during the study period. In chronological terms, 5 historical periods were distinguished, and the analysis of the available epidemiological data for 1933–2024 indicates that the main periods of increase and decrease in the annually registered anthrax outbreaks correspond to certain periods of economic and socioeconomic change in the country and the introduction of antiepizootic measures against this infection.

Conclusion. The analysis shows a pronounced uneven temporal and spatial distribution of anthrax foci and significant differences in the dynamics of the epizootic process in Kazakhstan. At the moment, new information is being formed on the factors influencing the ecology and epidemiology of the disease, which are associated with various forms of organization and management of the economy, urbanization of the population, changes in their social conditions and the influence of other anthropogenic factors.

Spatial analysis of rabies using ArcGIS Pro tools

2025-06-05T16:55:58+05:00

Background and Aim. In line with the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health, the global burden of rabies remains relevant given the current increase in zoonotic and vector borne diseases. For successful rabies control, monitoring the changing patterns of infection spread is vital. This paper is devoted to the spatial analysis of the spread of rabies among animals in Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. The Spatial Autocorrelation (Moran’s I) and Anselin Local Moran’s I statistics of the Geoprocessing tool in ArcGIS Pro were used.

Results. Several types of spatial distribution were noted: clusters in the northeast, south, and west of the country; sparse type in the border areas of the north and northwest; and random distribution in the central and southwestern regions. High-Low Outliers indicating sporadic outbreaks of rabies caused by the migration of infected animals, as well as Low-High Outliers indicating the containment of the epizootic due to preventive measures or natural barriers were also revealed.

Conclusion. The study highlights the need to strengthen control over the spread of rabies, implement measures to prevent the migration of infected animals, and optimize vaccination and monitoring programs. The use of spatial analysis methods allows us to identify epidemiological patterns and develop effective strategies to combat the disease in regions with different risk levels.

The effect of an extruded feed with a symbiotic formulation on the production of clary catfish

2025-06-05T16:17:02+05:00

Background and Aim. This article presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of extruded feed containing a formulation of symbiotic bacteria on the performance of catfish production and its meat quality as assessed by veterinary and sanitary indicators. The study aimed to develop extruded feed based on a symbiotic formulation and to determine the effectiveness of the feed on the production of clary catfish meat.

Materials and Methods. Experimental work was carried out on the platform of the International Scientific Research center “Fisheries” and S.Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (S. Seifullin KATRU). In total, 135 kg of feed was used to feed young African clary catfish at a rate of 30 g per fish per day over 40 days. The fish were divided into two pools, with 100 individuals in each group. To assess the effectiveness of feed, a weekly total catch of the two pools was carried out to determine the mass of fish. To determine the Fulton fatness coefficient (kc), 20 fish were measured from each group. Veterinary and sanitary assessments of fish meat were carried out using generally accepted organoleptic and physico-chemical research methods.

Results. On the 40th day, a significant difference was observed in all weight gain indicators on day 40: the mean fish weights were 570 ± 17.8 and 565 ± 18.2 g in the Control and Experimental groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Indeed, the chemical composition of meat improved in terms of the mass fractions of protein and fat: the mass fraction of protein was 16.22 and 17.38% for the Control and Experimental groups, respectively, and 3.90 and 4.90% for the mass fraction of fat.

Conclusion. The novelty of this research is to develop extruded feed based on a symbiotic formulation and to determine the effectiveness of the feed on the production of clary catfish meat. One formulation of extruded feed with a symbiotic was obtained. The effect of symbiotic feed on the productive performance of the African catfish has been studied. A veterinary and sanitary assessment was carried out to determine the nutritional value of fish meat. All indicators of the amino acid, vitamin, and mineral composition of fish meat in both groups were normal.

A comprehensive review of lameness in broilers: infectious and non-infectious factors in the context of Kazakhstan’s poultry industry

2025-05-27T15:27:33+05:00

In recent years, Kazakhstan has experienced steady growth in poultry production and increased poultry meat production, but the prevalence of lameness in broilers remains high. Lameness in broilers is one of the most urgent problems in the modern poultry industry, having a significant impact on the health and welfare of birds, as well as on the economic performance of production. The aim of this review article is to systematize data on causes, diagnosis, prevention and strategies to reduce lameness in broilers. Special attention is given to bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), one of the major infectious causes of lameness caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Both infectious and non-infectious factors are discussed: genetic predisposition, rapid growth, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, poor housing conditions, poor litter quality and high planting density. Modern diagnostic techniques, including bacteriological tests, histology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and imaging technologies such as infrared thermography and computer vision are covered. Preventive measures including probiotics, vitamin and mineral supplements, vaccinations, genetic selection, and improved housing and biosecurity have also been analyzed. The prospect for future research aimed at the use of digital technologies, genomic analysis of pathogens and the development of disease-resistant broiler lines are considered. The review provides an up-to-date scientific and practical basis for specialists working in the field of veterinary medicine, zootechnics and industrial poultry production.