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

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

S.N. Borovikov — 2025-12-30

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.

Diagnostic Approaches and Comparative Effectiveness of Modern Methods for Treating Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Z.B. Abilova — 2025-12-30

Background and Aim. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic skin disorder in dogs and is often difficult to diagnose due to overlapping clinical signs with other dermatological conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical and epidemiological features, diagnostic approaches, and comparative effectiveness of modern anti pruritic therapies in a clinical setting.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 at the “VetAlliance” veterinary clinic in Kostanay, Kazakhstan. Out of 482 dogs presenting with dermatological complaints, 53 dogs with chronic pruritus (>6 weeks), meeting ≥5 Favrot criteria, and free from parasitic, infectious, or endocrine diseases were included. Diagnostic evaluation included history-taking via standardized questionnaires, clinical examination, CADLI and PVAS scoring, Favrot criteria assessment, cytology, and serological testing for allergen-specific IgE in 18 dogs. Dogs were allocated to three therapeutic groups: monoclonal antibodies (Lokivetmab/Cytopoint), JAK inhibitor (Oclacitinib/Apoquel), and prednisolone. Clinical signs were assessed on days 0, 14, 28, and 56. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis tests, and odds ratios, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results. AD was confirmed in 53 of 482 dogs (~11%), predominantly in females (58.5%) aged 3-4 years. French Bulldogs and West Highland White Terriers were the most frequently affected purebred dogs. Secondary infections with Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp. were detected in 43.4% and 15.1% of cases respectively. All three treatments significantly reduced pruritus and skin lesions. Lokivetmab and prednisolone provided more rapid initial improvement, while comparable clinical efficacy among all treatments was observed by day 30.

Conclusion. Canine AD is a multifactorial allergic disease requiring a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including history, clinical evaluation, PVAS/CADLI scoring, Favrot criteria assessment, and cytological analysis. Treatment should be individualized according to disease severity and patient characteristics, utilizing modern anti–pruritic agents–monoclonal antibodies, JAK inhibitors, or prednisolone–combined with regular monitoring, risk factor management, and owner education to ensure long-term disease control.

Immunoactive Proteins of Mycobacterium bovis: From Molecular Mechanisms to Biomarkers and Vaccines

N. Gubaidullin — 2025-12-30

Background and Aim. Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, posing significant challenges to veterinary health, wildlife management and public health. Despite high genomic similarity to M. tuberculosis, M. bovis exhibits distinct host–pathogen interaction strategies that influence immune recognition, persistence and disease progression. This review aims to systematize and critically synthesize current knowledge on immunoactive proteins of M. bovis and to elucidate their roles in modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, with particular emphasis on mechanisms of immune evasion, diagnostic relevance and vaccine potential.

Materials and Methods. This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature retrieved from international scientific databases. Studies addressing molecular genetics, proteomics, tran-scriptomics, host immune signaling pathways, and experimental infection models of M. bovis were critically evaluated. Special attention was given to proteins involved in phagocytosis, autophagy, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and cytokine regulation, as well as to comparative studies with M. tuberculosis.

Results. The analysis indicates that M. bovis actively modulates macrophage defense mechanisms through multiple molecular axes, including inhibition of phagosome–lysosome fusion, selective activation of PINK1 Parkin-dependent mitophagy and suppression of xenophagy. Key immunoactive proteins, such as ESAT-6, CFP-10, MPB70/80/83, PE/PPE proteins and lipoproteins, play central roles in shaping both inflammatory and regulatory immune responses. Activation of cytosolic DNA sensors, particularly Interferon-Inducible Protein 204 (IFI204), and downstream IFN-β signaling is more pronounced in M. bovis infection and contributes to species-specific immune responses. Differential expression and secretion of these proteins underpin their value as diagnostic biomarkers and potential vaccine antigens.

Conclusion. Immunoactive proteins of M. bovis form a complex molecular network that enables immune modulation, intracellular persistence and host adaptation. Their functional significance extends beyond virulence, positioning them as promising targets for Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA)-compatible diagnostics and second-generation vaccines. An integrated understanding of these mechanisms is essential for improving control strategies for bovine tubercu-losis and reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission.

Alternatives to therapeutic and preventive methods for calves in the early postnatal period

G.G. Absatirov — 2025-12-30

Background and Aim. Calves in the early postnatal period are highly susceptible to infec-tious diseases, particularly gastrointestinal disorders. These pathologies often result from poor zoo-hygienic management and inadequate feeding practices, which activate opportunistic microflora and lead to clinical symptoms. Conventional treatment strategies frequently rely on antibacterial agents, raising concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance in dairy farming. This study aimed to evaluate alternative therapeutic and preventive methods that reduce the need for antibiotics in calf manage-ment.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted under practical farm conditions characterized by suboptimal microclimate and feeding practices that contributed to gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders in calves. A locally produced antibacterial drug, Timutin, was used to assess ther-apeutic efficacy. Additionally, the probiotic Vetom 3 was administered orally to evaluate its preven-tive effect on gastrointestinal diseases.

Results. Limited use of Timutin demonstrated noticeable therapeutic effectiveness in calves under unfavorable housing and feeding conditions, contributing to clinical improvement in gastroin-testinal and respiratory disorders. Preventive oral administration of the probiotic Vetom 3 showed a positive effect, supporting the formation of a stable microbiocenosis and reducing the incidence of bacterial gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by diarrheal syndrome.

Conclusion. The findings indicate that alternative therapeutic and preventive measures such as controlled use of Timutin and probiotic supplementation with Vetom 3 may effectively reduce gastrointestinal morbidity in calves while limiting reliance on antibacterial drugs. These approaches represent promising strategies for preventing antibiotic resistance in dairy farming.