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

Isolation and characteristics of keratinophilic fungi from the objects of the external environment

G.E. Bailina — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. There is a growing number of fungal skin infections in animals worldwide. The frequent detection of mold fungi in association with dermatomycetes, or as a mono infection, indicates exogenous sources of infection. The aim of this study is to isolate and characterize keratinophilic fungi from soil and other environmental sources.

Materials and Methods. A total of 198 environmental samples (soil, litter, feed, scrapings from feeders, fences, paddocks, and walls) were collected from Akmola, Almaty, Karaganda, and Pavlodar regions of Kazakhstan. Hair bait technique was used to isolate keratinophilic fungi. Cultural and morphological features were studied on universal dense agar and microscopically at ×10 and ×40 magnifications. Biochemical properties were determined using Hiss media, Christensen medium with 40% urea, and media with milk and gelatin.

Results. Ecologically significant saprophytic keratinophilic micromycetes were identified in the samples: Trichophyton spp. – 7%, Phoma spp. – 7%, Marquandomyces spp. – 7%, Penicillium spp. – 13%, Lecanicillium spp. – 7%, Fusarium spp. – 7%, Alternaria spp. – 7%, Aspergillus spp. – 6%, Filobasidium spp. – 13%, Mucor spp. – 26%. Among isolates, 85% utilized sucrose, 77% maltose, 69% glucose, and 62% mannitol. Urease activity was observed in 70%, and protein degrading enzyme activity (gelatin and casein) in 50% of isolates. All strains showed varying degrees of keratin assimilation. The most severe hair damage was caused by Trichophyton spp., Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., and Aspergillus spp., which formed dense mycelial sheaths or conidia, leading to thinning and lysis of hair.

Conclusion. The wide distribution of saprophytic keratinophilic fungi in the environment suggests that animal infections are caused not only by classical dermatophytes like Trichophyton, but also by opportunistic keratin-degrading molds.

Analysis of the epidemiological and epizootic situation of alveolar echinococcosis in the world

А.А. Zhaksylykova — 2025-09-30

This review article presents literature data on the distribution of alveolar echinococcosis cases across the world over the past 30 years (1993-2023), statistical data from the WOAH for the past 5 years (2020-2024), and the research results reported by domestic scientists. Alveolar echinococcosis, also known as multilocular echinococcosis, is one of the most dangerous zoonotic parasitic infections. The causative agent, the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, infects carnivorous animals, small rodents, and humans. Humans, as accidental intermediate hosts, are at high risk for severe complications, including liver and other organ damage. This infection has been recorded in Canada, the USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, China, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Iran, Iraq, Mongolia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The World Health Organization classifies this infection as one of the 17 neglected diseases requiring control and elimination by 2050.

Intestinal Helminth Infections in Small Ruminants: Prevalence in Northern Kazakhstan and a New Treatment Scheme

A.E. Ussenbayev — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. Gastrointestinal helminth infections significantly reduce ruminant productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assess the efficacy of a new treatment regimen against sheep intestinal cestodes and nematodes in Northern Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. In 2024, to identify the species and infestation level of parasites, the digestive tracts of 29 sheep, aged 5-9 months, were examined by helminthological dissection, and 200 faecal samples were analysed using the Fülleborn and McMaster methods at two farms in the Tayinsha District. To test the treatment scheme, two groups (control and experimental) were formed, each containing 15 sheep. All animals had mixed infection with strongyles and Moniezia spp. Initially, each sheep was treated with Alvet (Nita-Farm, Russia) at the recommended dosage. Additionally, each sheep in the experimental group received 3 g of the phytobiotic Sangrovit Extra (Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe, Germany) daily for 8 weeks. The treatment efficacy was measured on days 30, 60, 90, and 120 after deworming to assess the prevalence and infestation intensity of helminths.

Results. Parasitological research showed that 93.1% of sheep were infected with Trichostrongylidae spp., Moniezia expansa, Trichuris ovis and Skrjabinema ovis. Mixed infestations of 2 to 4 species were found in 68.8% of the sheep. The infection rates of Moniezia spp. and strongyles were 13.3% and 26.7%, respectively, 4 months after deworming in the experimental group. In comparison, these rates were 3.5 and 2.5 times lower, respectively, than in the control group.

Conclusion. Using Sangrovit Extra effectively inhibited small ruminant intestinal helminth infestation.

Parasitological aspects of animal introduction and acclimatization

L.O. Zhanteliyeva — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. The introduction and acclimatization of wild ungulates, such as the Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus bactrianus), are widely practiced to restore populations and biodiversity. However, these processes pose parasitological risks, including the loss and acquisition of native and new parasites, respectively. This study evaluated the parasitological outcomes of relocating Bukhara deer to the Ile- Balkhash State Nature Reserve.

Materials and Methods. In total, 45 fecal samples from Bukhara deer were collected during expeditions in 2024 2025. Samples were preserved and examined using the Fulleborn flotation method with an ammonium nitrate solution (density: 1.3). Microscopic analysis was performed to identify protozoan oocysts and helminth eggs based on morphological features, following standard parasitological references.

Results. In the new habitat, the deer retained host-specific protozoa (Eimeria spp.) but lost several species-specific helminths, including Fasciola hepatica, Echinococcus granulosus, and 13 nematode species. Conversely, they acquired new parasites from the local environment, such as the cestode Anoplocephala perfoliata and the nematode Cylicocyclus insigne. These shifts in parasite fauna reflect both a “parasitological filter” effect and the potential for local parasites to adapt to introduced hosts.

Conclusion.The introduction and acclimatization of wild ungulates significantly influence host– parasite dynamics. A comprehensive parasitological evaluation is vital for managing biological risks and ensuring the ecological safety of wildlife transloctions.

The main helminths and protozoa of the digestive tract of domestic and wild ungulates in northern and central Kazakhstan

A. Smagulova — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. Parasitic infections in ungulates represent a major challenge to animal health, biodiversity conservation, and agriculture. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, prevalence, and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths and protozoa in domestic and wild ungulates in northern and central Kazakhstan, with a focus on species overlap and ecological implications.

Materials and Methods. Between January 2023 and July 2024, fecal samples (n = 559) from wild and domestic ungulates were collected from five regions. Standard flotation and centrifugation techniques (Fulleborn’s method) were used for parasitological analysis. Parasites were identified morphologically, and their prevalence was statistically assessed using chi-square tests.

Results. A broad spectrum of parasites was found, including Strongyle-type eggs, Eimeria, Trichuris, Nematodirus, Capillaria, and Dicrocoelium lanceolatum. Horses, sheep, and cattle exhibited the highest prevalence and mean intensity of disease, suggesting increased risk due to anthropogenic factors. Wild ungulates had lower infection rates, although cross-species infections were documented.

Conclusion. This study highlights significant interspecies variation in gastrointestinal parasitism, with domestic animals serving as major reservoirs. Monitoring and targeted control are essential at the wildlife–livestock interface.

Spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kazakhstan: investigating the role of bird migration and threats to poultry farming

S.K. Abdrakhmanov — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a serious threat to industrial poultry farming and human health. The virus is highly variable and can be transmitted through the migratory flows of wild birds, which contribute to its widespread distribution. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of HPAI in Kazakhstan and assess the role of migratory birds therein.

Materials and Methods. The study assessed data on outbreaks of HPAI in Kazakhstan for the period 2005 to 2024. Information on migratory bird species in Kazakhstan territories and their migration routes was obtained by the “Institute of Zoology”. The research applied classical methods of epidemiological analysis, statistical modeling of epizootics, and data visualization using ArcGIS Pro software. Results. Over the past 20 years (2005 to 2024), outbreaks of HPAI have been periodically recorded in Kazakhstan, with cases of infection in both domestic and wild birds. The pathogens mainly comprised viruses of the H5N1, H5N8, and other H5 strains. Wild migratory birds played the main role in the emergence and spread of HPAI. The territory of Kazakhstan contained the convergence point of two of their most important migration routes: the Central Asian-Indian and West Asian-African routes. A total of 489 bird species has been registered in Kazakhstan, most of which are seasonal migrants flying through the country; accordingly, they have a significant impact on the epizootic process of HPAI.

Conclusion. Analysis of epizootiological data showed that the dates and locations of HPAI outbreaks directly correlated with the stages and routes of the seasonal migration of migratory birds. Predictive modeling of virus spread showed that the northern and western regions of the country, where most of the country’s poultry farms are located, were at the highest risk.

Microbiological and molecular genetic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw horse meat

S.S. Kozhakhmetova — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. Staphylococcal food poisoning is caused by the consumption of food contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and represents a global public health concern. Food products of animal origin can serve as reservoirs for multi-drug resistant strains of S. aureus. This study aimed to characterize the microbiological and molecular genetic properties of S. aureus isolated from raw horse meat.

Materials and Methods. Species identification of S. aureus was performed using 16S rRNA gene analysis and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The sensitivity of the isolate to antibiotics was investigated using the disc diffusion method. Genetic determinants of resistance were identified using whole genome sequencing. High-throughput sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq platform. DNA quantity was assessed spectrophotometrically, and quality was evaluated by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel. Genome assemblies based on short reads were obtained using SPAdes v. 4.0.0. Assembly quality assessment, organism verification, and initial annotation were performed using FastQC v.0.11.9. Antibiotic resistance genes were identified using the CARD and PATRIC databases.

Results. The S. aureus 76_KZ strain was isolated from a raw horse meat sample. Morphologically, it is a Gram-positive coccus arranged in irregular clusters resembling grape bunches. The identified antibiotic resistance profile of S. aureus 76_KZ characterizes this strain as a multidrug resistant isolate with sensitivity to a limited spectrum of antibacterial drugs. This study presents the results of wholegenome sequencing of S. aureus isolated from raw horse meat in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The sequencing yielded a genome coverage of 173×. The sequenced genome of the S. aureus 76_KZ isolate, consisting of 2.616.354 bp, has been deposited in the GenBank genetic database under accession number JBNBZR000000000.1.

Conclusion. The whole-genome data obtained for S. aureus 76_KZ enable the assessment of the isolate's resistance to antimicrobial drugs and facilitate the identification of genetic features relevant to epidemiological typing.

Spatiotemporal Clustering of Animal Rabies in Kazakhstan: Insights from ArcGIS Pro-Based Analysis

A. Kabzhanova — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that continues to pose a major public health threat worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to vaccination and disease monitoring. Kazakhstan remains endemic for animal rabies, with variable patterns across geography and species. The objective of this study is to identify spatial and temporal clusters of rabies outbreaks among animals in Kazakhstan from 2013 to May 2025, using GIS-based methods to inform regional control and prevention strategies.

Materials and Methods. This study applied three geospatial tools within ArcGIS ProHot Spot Analysis using Getis-Ord Gi*, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), and Space-Time Kernel Density to a national dataset of confirmed rabies cases among animals. The database included geographic coordinates, species type, dates of confirmation, and number of infected animals. KDE and Getis-Ord Gi* were used to detect spatial clusters and density gradients, while Space-Time Kernel Density enabled tracking of outbreak patterns over time.

Results. Hot Spot Analysis identified high-risk zones in northeastern (North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar oblasts) and western regions (Aktobe oblast), potentially linked to wild animal migration and insufficient vaccination coverage. KDE revealed additional high-density areas in southern and eastern regions. Space-time analysis showed persistent clusters in Zhambyl, Kostanay oblasts, and western Kazakhstan, while central regions exhibited low density likely due to geographic and demographic isolation.

Conclusion. Spatial and spatiotemporal analyses demonstrated that rabies outbreaks in Kazakhstan are not randomly distributed but form distinct species- and region specific clusters. These insights support the need for differentiated veterinary approaches. Timely and geographically targeted vaccination programs particularly in identified hot spots are critical to reducing the incidence of rabies.

Estimation of the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus in Astana, Kazakhstan

G.N. Yessembekova — 2025-09-30

Background and Aim. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most important retroviral pathogens in domestic cats, causing immunosuppression, anemia, lymphoma, and leukemia. FeLV exists in two forms: exogenous (exFeLV), which is infectious and horizontally transmitted, and endogenous (enFeLV), which is inherited as integrated proviral sequences. Differentiating between these forms is essential for accurate epidemiological assessment and diagnostics, since enFeLV sequences can interfere with molecular assays and lead to false-positive results. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of endogenous FeLV sequences in domestic cats in Astana and to determine whether exogenous FeLV was actively circulating in this population.

Materials and Methods. A total of 203 whole-blood samples from domestic cats were collected during routine veterinary examinations, and genomic DNA was extracted using a modified Kanai method. Two independent real-time PCR systems were employed: primers targeting the conserved env region to detect enFeLV, and primers specific to the U3 region of the long terminal repeat (LTR) to identify exFeLV. Amplifications were performed on the CFX96 Touch platform, and samples with quantification cycle (Cq) values <40 were interpreted as positive.

Results. Of the 203 analyzed samples, 197 (97%) were positive for enFeLV sequences, confirming the widespread presence of endogenous retroviral elements in the genome of cats, while no amplification was detected with U3-specific primers, indicating the absence of active exFeLV infection. The Cq values for enFeLV-positive samples ranged from 11.24 to 37.04, reflecting variability in proviral copy number among individuals. These findings demonstrate that enFeLV is nearly ubiquitous among domestic cats in Astana, while no evidence of exFeLV circulation was detected.

Conclusion. The results underscore the importance of using U3-LTR specific assays to reliably differentiate endogenous from exogenous forms of FeLV and to avoid false-positive diagnoses. Further studies should focus on monitoring potential recombination events between enFeLV and exFeLV, evaluating the expression of endogenous loci, and assessing their role in disease pathogenesis.