Central Asian Journal of Veterinary Science

Effectiveness of PCR analysis based on Cyt bgene primers for detecting adulteration in sausage products

S.N. Borovikov — 2026-06-22

Introduction and Objective. Meat adulteration, particularly the substitution of high-value meat species with cheaper alternatives, represents a significant challenge for the food industry and veterinary control systems. Thus, this study aimedto evaluate the effectiveness of a developed PCR analysis protocol based on the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene for detecting adulteration in meat products.

Materials and Methods. In this study,samples of horse meat, beef, lamb, pork, and chicken were analyzed, as well as samples of commercial meat products, including 15 types of sausage products. Total DNA was extracted from each type of meat product and analyzed by PCR using species-specific primers targeting the mitochondrial Cyt b gene. PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis in a 1% agarose gel.

Results. The proposed approach enables reliable identification of the animal species origin of meat, even in the presence of thermal processing or mixed ingredients. Comparative analysis of the obtained nucleotide sequences confirmed 100% species specificity of the PCR amplification of DNA from all analyzed animals, indicating the high accuracy and reproducibility of the developed analytical system. The results confirm the efficiency and high specificity of the PCR method based on the Cyt b gene for detecting adulteration in meat products.

Conclusion. A PCR-based method for species identification of meat products based on the Cyt b gene was developed. The proposed method isan effective tool for ensuring the quality and safety of meat products, providing high specificity of species identification and enabling the detection of adulteration in complex food matrices and thermally processed products. Compared with existing methods, the analysis is performed for each sample in a separate reaction tube, which allows reliable confirmation of the authenticity of all components.

Clinical Trials of a Test Kit for the Visual Diagnosis of Uterine Diseases in Cows

I.T. Jakupov — 2026-06-22

Background and Aim. The prevalence of uterine diseases in cows is reported to range from 14.3% to 50% of obstetric and gynecologic disorders, compromising reproductive function and increasing economic losses. Clinical diagnosis is most informative in the early postpartum period, whereas laboratory methods, despite high specificity, are often impractical for routine on-farm use. This study aimed to develop a test kit for visual diagnosis of uterine diseases in cows and to determine its diagnostic performance.

Materials and Methods. The study was performed on a commercial dairy farm («En-Dala» LLP) in Holstein-Friesian cows (n=100) in their first or second lactation. The design features of the test kit for visual diagnosis of uterine diseases in cows (catheter length, catheter diameter) were determined using a comparative approach. The performance of clinical methods (rectal and vaginal examinations), laboratory methods (Whiteside test and cytology), and two prototype reagents included in the visual test kit was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, PPV, and NPV. The diagnostic parameters of the test (foam formation, discoloration time) were determined using descriptive statistics and a comparative method.

Results. An optimal catheter length of 40 cm and diameter of 0.6 cm were established, and a 50-mL syringe with appropriate design features was selected for aspiration of cervicovaginal mucus (CVM). Prototype 1 (10% H₂O₂ + 0.01% methylene blue) showed the most favorable diagnostic profile (Sens. 90.3%, Spec. 100.0%, Acc. 94.2%, PPV 100.0%, NPV 87.5%) versus the other methods, maintaining maximal specificity regardless of days in milk. Diagnostic criteria for test use were defined as foam formation >1 cm and discoloration within ≤4 min, with stratification by clinical course.

Conclusion. The developed test kit for visual diagnosis of uterine diseases in cows is a rapid and highly specific diagnostic method, enabling its use for screening the herd for uterine disease regardless of the days in milk.

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

E.Zh. Kidiraliyev — 2026-06-25

This review summarizes current data on the parasite fauna of wild ungulates in Kazakhstan and provides an analysis of its structure, host associations, and contemporary trends. Wild ungulates represent an important component of biodiversity in the region, including 12 species from different taxonomic groups and ecological niches. Literature data indicate a high species richness of parasites, with a predominance of geohelminths over biohelminths and a primary localization in the digestive tract. A total of dozens of helminth species have been recorded in key host species such as saiga (Saiga tatarica), argali (Ovis ammon), maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus), roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). The parasite fauna is characterized by a complex structure and a high degree of overlap between host species. A significant proportion of parasites are shared between wild and domestic animals, indicating active exchange within natural and anthropogenically transformed ecosystems.

Comparative Evaluation of Structural and Tenderness Properties of Minced Beef from Angus and Akbas Cattle Using Penetration-Based Analysis

Zhexembayeva Gulzhan — 2026-06-25

Meat tenderness is a key determinant of consumer acceptance and product quality; however, its evaluation in minced meat systems remains challenging due to the disruption of muscle fiber structure. The present study aimed to assess the structural and tenderness properties of minced beef derived from Angus and Akbas cattle using a penetration-based approach combined with the Rebinder equation. Samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle (n = 12 per breed) were ground and analyzed using a Structurometer ST-2 equipped with a 60° conical indenter. Penetration force and depth were recorded, and structural resistance was calculated. Angus samples exhibited significantly lower force values (282.19 ± 42.24 N) compared to Akbas (308.68 ± 56.82 N), indicating reduced structural resistance and improved tenderness (p = 0.028). Distribution analysis revealed greater variability in Akbas samples, suggesting more heterogeneous structural properties. The application of the Rebinder model enabled normalization of mechanical resistance and improved interpretation of structural behavior. These findings demonstrate that penetration-based methods are suitable for minced meat systems and reveal significant breed-dependent differences relevant for meat quality optimization.

Development of a Dashboard for Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Kazakhstan

S.K. Abdrakhmanov — 2026-06-25

Abstract

Background and Aim.Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains one of the most significant transboundary avian diseases, affecting both farmed and synanthropic and wild bird populations worldwide. Migratory wild birds play a crucial role in the long-distance spread of avian influenza viruses across continents. The aim of this study is to develop an interactive geospatial dashboard for monitoring and assessing risk factors associated with HPAI along migration routes in Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods.Relevant spatial datasets related to the risk of avian influenza spread were integrated into an interactive geospatial dashboard. The analysis included bird migration and ringing data (Euring Institute of Zoology), georeferenced wild bird observations from the eBird platform (25,828 records representing 137 species), and outbreak data from the FAO EMPRES-i and WOAH WAHIS databases. Spatial analysis and data processing were performed using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and the R statistical environment, while species spatial distribution modeling was performed using the MaxEnt algorithm.

Results.By integrating and analyzing heterogeneous spatial datasets, an interactive geospatial dashboard was developed to assess the spatial distribution and potential spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Kazakhstan. The platform combines wild bird observation data from the eBird database, bird ringing and migration data, water body and wetland data, poultry density information, and officially recorded disease outbreaks. Interactive filtering tools allow data to be analyzed by geographic region, taxonomic group, and risk level. Spatial overlay analysis revealed overlap between areas of high wild bird activity and regions with intensive poultry farming, indicating potential ecological links virus transmission. The developed dashboard provides multi-layered visualization of epizootological data and enables rapid analysis of potential HPAI risk zones in Kazakhstan.

Conclusion.The developed geospatial dashboard is an effective decision-support tool for veterinary surveillance and epidemiological risk assessment. The integration of environmental and epidemiological data enables the rapid identification of potential high-risk areas for the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, facilitating the development of evidence-based surveillance strategies.

Cultivation of Vaccinia virus

O.N. Serikbayov — 2026-06-25

Monkeypox has emerged in recent years as one of the most significant zoonotic infections, posing a substantial public health challenge worldwide. Its increasing spread, together with its genetic and antigenic relatedness to other members of the Orthopoxvirus genus, underscores the critical importance of vaccinological and diagnostic studies in this field. In this context, vaccinia virus is regarded as a key model system for investigating Orthopoxviruses and serves as a fundamental platform for developing immunoprophylactic strategies. Moreover, it is extensively utilized in the design of vaccines and diagnostic assays targeting the monkeypox virus.

In the present study, the cultivation conditions of vaccinia virus were systematically investigated across different cell lines and under varying environmental parameters. The results demonstrated that the highest level of viral replication was achieved in HeLa cells. The optimal multiplicity of infection was determined to be 0.00369 TCID₅₀/cell, which ensured stable viral biological activity. Furthermore, a fetal bovine serum concentration of 2% was sufficient to support efficient viral replication, while an incubation temperature of 37°C was the most favorable condition for viral propagation.

In conclusion, the optimized parameters identified in this study provide efficient conditions for the cultivation of vaccinia virus and may be applied in further fundamental and applied research on