Central Asian Journal of Veterinary Science

Antibiotic resistance and safety of probiotic microorganisms

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

The results of scientific publications on the safety and antibiotic resistance of probiotic microorganisms, which are in demand in public health, veterinary medicine and food industry as biopreparations, food and feed additives, biopreservatives, and in the production of fermented products, have been analysed.

The criteria for assessing the safety of probiotic microorganisms, set out by different groups of researchers in both earlier and more recent scientific publications and national regulatory documents, are summarised. The safety criteria set out in the most well-known QPS and GRAS systems are analysed in more detail.

It is noted that safety assessment relies on a comprehensive approach, including molecular and genetic characteristics of the strain. The priority of full-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis is emphasised, which allow a detailed review of the probiotic microorganism genome for the presence of genes determining the synthesis of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, bioamines and others.

One of the current safety issues concerning probiotic microorganisms is their antibiotic resistance associated with mobile genetic elements. There are risks of horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from commercial probiotic microorganisms—used in biologics, food and feed additives—to pathogens of humans and farm animals.

Scientific publications on the antibiotic resistance of probiotic microorganisms were analysed from the following comparative aspects: intrinsic and acquired resistance; phenotypic and genotypic profiles; species- and strain-level differences; and the role of the ecological niche.

In conclusion, the review highlights the necessity of evaluating the safety and antibiotic resistance of each specific strain used in the development of biologics. Whole-genome sequencing of the strain is considered a priority.

Persistence of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a major transboundary infection causing substantial economic losses in sheep and goat farming. For epizootic surveillance and laboratory diagnostics, data on the persistence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in clinical material and environmental matrices are essential, yet remain limited. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the persistence of infectious PPRV in clinical material and selected environmental objects and to determine the effect of key physicochemical factors on loss of infectivity.

Materials and Methods: Infectious virus was recovered from organs/tissues of deceased animals, excretions/secretions from diseased animals, and residual drinking water after storage under controlled conditions. Virus infectivity was assessed after isolation in susceptible primary lamb kidney cell culture and quantified by titration (TCID₅₀). Stability was evaluated under different temperature regimes, desiccation, extreme pH values, freezing (−10 °C and −50 °C), and lyophilization under vacuum and non-vacuum packaging.

Results: Under isolator conditions (14–16 °C, ~80% relative humidity), infectious virus was generally recoverable from carcass material and secretions mainly within the first 24–48 h and was not recoverable after 48 h. Freezing markedly prolonged infectivity: virus-containing material retained infectious activity for 6.5 ± 0.5 months at −10 °C and up to 24 months at −50 °C (observation period). Lyophilized material stored under vacuum at −10 °C remained infectious for at least 18 months with a substantial titre reduction, whereas non-vacuum storage resulted in loss of infectivity within 3–5 days. In model matrices, infectivity declined rapidly at positive temperatures, during drying, and at extreme pH; heating to 80 °C/boiling caused immediate inactivation.

Conclusion: PPRV infectivity in clinical material and environmental matrices is strongly determined by temperature, pH, and desiccation, while freezing and properly packaged lyophilization provide prolonged preservation. The results support practical recommendations for sampling, storage, and transport of material for PPR laboratory diagnostics and epizootic surveillance.

Rhodococcal antigen: Evaluation of the antigenic unit using horse blood serum in the long complement fixation test

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Rhodococcus equi pneumonia occurs endemically on some farms, whereas it occurs sporadically or not at all on others. The disease’s prevalence and severity on endemic farms may vary by season.

A serological study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Rhodococcus equi infection among horses. A total of 260 serum samples collected from four administrative regions (Astana city, Erementau district, Shieli district, and Zhanakorgan district) were examined using the long complement fixation test. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, distribution assessment, and one-way analysis of variance.

The overall seroprevalence was 19.6%. The highest seroprevalence was observed in the Erementau district (41.8%) and Astana city (36.0%), whereas the lowest was recorded in the Shieli district (12.0%), with an intermediate value in the Zhanakorgan district (17.1%). No statistically significant differences in mean seroprevalence were detected between districts (p = 0.231); however, analysis at the individual farm level revealed a highly heterogeneous, clustered distribution of the pathogen. The distribution of seropositivity showed pronounced right-skewness, with a median of 15% and 25% of farms completely free of infection; localized outbreaks with infection rates of up to 66.7% were identified. The antibody titers were dominated by the 1:10 level (56.9%), which, together with the focal distribution pattern, indicates endemic circulation of the pathogen. These findings suggest the need to shift epidemiological surveillance from territorial to farm-level monitoring to ensure targeted control of infection foci.

Outbreak prediction methods and measures to control the spread of camelpox in Kazakhstan

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Camelpox is a highly contagious orthopoxviral disease of camelids causing fever, lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, abortions, and high mortality in young animals. It is endemic across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia and has been repeatedly reported in Kazakhstan, most recently in 2019–2020 in Mangystau and Atyrau oblasts. With the camel population increasing, the risk of rapid spread from new foci is rising. This study aimed to summarize current evidence on camelpox in Kazakhstan and to propose practical approaches for assessing the epizootological situation, forecasting outbreaks, and implementing veterinary control measures based on surveillance data and a risk analysis conducted in 2021–2022.

Materials and Methods. A targeted review of publications indexed in PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, WOAH resources, national statistics, and selected media reports was performed (coverage up to November 22, 2025). Evidence was synthesized to define key risk indicators for introduction and spread, establish principles for surveillance design (including minimum sample size estimation and sampling across epizootological units), and formulate recommendations for diagnostics and interventions. Findings from the authors’ 2021–2022 cross-sectional survey in western and southern Kazakhstan were incorporated.

Results. Historical outbreak data indicate periodic recurrence in western regions. In the 2021–2022 survey (486 camels from 63 herds across seven regions), antibodies to camelpox virus were detected in 10.9% of unvaccinated and 73.6% of vaccinated animals; all unvaccinated seropositive cases were confined to Atyrau oblast. Viral nucleic acid was detected in 1.1% of unvaccinated seropositive animals, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed camelpox virus. A three-zone framework for Kazakhstan was proposed to guide risk-based surveillance and vaccination strategies.

Conclusion. Continuous risk-based surveillance integrating serology and molecular testing, coupled with targeted vaccination and strengthened movement control in high-risk areas, is essential to prevent introduction, limit spread, and support potential regional eradication of camelpox in Kazakhstan.

Evaluation of the potential antagonist's potential use to regulate the growth and toxin formation of the fungus Fusarium graminearum

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Fungi of the genusFusarium are the most frequently isolated pathogens of important agricultural crops. Due to their high pathogenicity and toxigenicity, they cause significant economic damage. Fungi of the genus Fusarium have the ability to synthesize numerous toxic metabolites, including deokinivalenol. zearalenone et al. Toxins enter the human and animal food chains, causing serious human and animal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using a potential antagonist to regulate the growth and toxin formation of the fungus Fusarium graminearum.

Materials and Methods. Fusarium graminearum, a producer of fusariotoxin deoxynivalenol, and Trichoderma Tr2 isolate previously isolated from the soil of the Republic of Tatarstan were used in this study. The effect of invitro interactions vitrobetween Trichoderma Tr2 and F. graminearum on the growth rate of fungal mycelium was evaluated. And the effect of the in vitro interaction between Trichoderma Tr2 and F. graminearum on the amount of F. graminearum and deoxynivalenol production after 10 days of incubation at 25°C on rice grain.

Results. Trichoderma Tr2 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the growth of F. graminearum mycelium on potato agar by 74.3 % compared to the control variant. Grain inoculation with Trichoderma Tr2 isolate significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the amount of F. graminearum on rice grains after 10 days of incubation, reducing the number of CFU fungi by 44 % compared to control vials. A similar pattern was found in the analysis of mycotoxin. The detectable level of deoxynivalenol was also significantly reduced (p <0.05) when grain was treated with Trichoderma Tr2 isolate, which reduced toxin accumulation by 68.7% compared to control vials, both the final concentration of deoxynivalenoland the concentration of deoxynivalenol per CFU by 44.1 %.

Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that the soil fungus Trichoderma Tr2 isolate may be of biotechnological interest. In future studies, it will be possible to determine effective levels of application in the field, test on other species and strains, and develop an optimal strategy for using the future product.

First report of Hyalomma marginatum (Arachnida, Ixodidae) in Saiga tatarica from Ural antelope population: Western Kazakhstan

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Ixodid ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) are one of the most important groups of arachnids globally, significantly impacting human and veterinary practice. Five genera of ticks of the Ixodidae family have been registered in Kazakhstan. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are of particular epizootological and epidemiological significance. Bites from infected ticks can transmit pathogens of bacterial and viral diseases.

Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in the Bokeyorda State Nature Reserve, located in the Bokeyorda, Zhanibek, Kaztalov, and Zhanakala districts of the West Kazakhstan region of Kazakhstan, under a permit from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Trapping for parasite carriage studies was conducted using the Coral method without harming animal health. To avoid stress, each captured animal was examined as quickly as possible. One or two ticks were removed safely, after which the animals were immediately released. The collected samples were placed in sterile laboratory Eppendorf tubes and stored at 2-4 °C. Tick species identification was performed under a trinocular stereoscopic microscope using identification tables.

Results. During the study, Hyalomma marginatum ticks, a major vector of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF), were discovered for the first time in representatives of the Ural saiga population (Saiga tatarica) in Western Kazakhstan. This species has not previously been recorded on saiga in Kazakhstan. Morphological identification allowed us to clarify the characteristic diagnostic features of the discovered specimens, distinguishing them from other species of the genus Hyalomma.

Conclusion. The detection of H. marginatum in saigas is of epizootological significance, as this tick species actively parasitizes farm animals, creating conditions for the circulation and possible transmission of zoonotic pathogens between wild and domestic animals. Saiga migrations between Kazakhstan and Russia contribute to the expansion of the range of H. marginatum and likely increase the risk of tick-borne infections in the steppe ecosystems of the Urals.

Sampling, Transportation and Preservation of Fecal and Gut Samples from the Saiga population for 16S rRNA Sequencing

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. The collection, transport, and preservation of fecal and intestinal samples from wild animals, particularly the saiga antelope microbiome, for 16S rRNA sequencing, are critical processes for studying the complex interactions between host organisms and their bacterial communities.

Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in the Bokeyorda State Nature Reserve, located in the West Kazakhstan region of Kazakhstan, with permission from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The animals were captured for study without harm to their health. Biological material in the form of feces from live saigas was collected using a non-invasive method into sterile test tubes. The autopsy of dead saigas was performed in clean field conditions using sterile instruments. All samples were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Additionally, they were cooled to 4 °C, stored at room temperature, and preserved with RNAlater.

Results. Approximately 19 samples were collected from two dead females from various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as fresh fecal samples and rectal swabs collected from two live females and one male saiga antelope (9 samples in total). After delivery to the laboratory, all samples were stored at −80 °C until the start of laboratory studies. The study showed that sample storage conditions significantly affect the preservation of the saiga faecal microbiota structure. Samples stored at −80 °C showed the greatest stability in both alpha diversity and taxonomic composition of microbial communities. showed pronounced changes. This is particularly important for microbiota research and RNA sequencing in remote and inaccessible regions of the saiga habitat.

Conclusion. The results show that, in field conditions where strict adherence to the cold chain is impossible, especially when working with wild and remote saiga populations, the use of liquid nitrogen or RNAlater is recommended as an effective and practical alternative to rapid freezing.

Видовая принадлежность эктопаразитов животных в Кыргызстане

Atabekova N.S. , Aknazarov B.K. , Jetigenov E.A. , Suerkulov U.M. — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Целью данного исследования являлось изучение состава видовой принадлежности эктопаразитов животных и их распространенность в Кыргызстане. Исследования проводились путем сбора эктопаразитов с сельскохозяйственных и домашних животных, а также птиц в Чуйской, Таласской, Иссык – Кульской, Джалал – Абадской, Ошской, Баткенской и Нарынской областей и в городе Бишкек. За годы исследований с 2021 – 2022 было собрано 5267 видов эктопаразитов от таких животных как: крупный рогатый скот, коз, овец, лошадей, кур, собак и кошек. Проведенные сборы показали разнообразие популяций эктопаразитов в исследуемых территориях Кыргызстана. Было обнаружено, что вид клеща Rhipicephalus turanicus имеет распространенность во всех регионах за исключением двух – это в Иссык – Кульской и Таласской областях. За два года исследований эктопаразитов выявили виды, которые встречались редко, и у них была прирученность к определенной территории. Было выявлено, что такой род как Haemaphysalis sulcata и Hyalomma anatolicum встречаются только в Чуйской долине, а на территории Иссык – Кульской области это Dermacentor ushakovae. А в Джалал – Абадской области был обнаружен Hyalomma asiaticum и в Нарынской области выявлены два рода встречающихся только в данной долине – Dermacentor niveus и Dermacentor ushakovae. Также исследование показало, что эктопаразиты имеют определенный вид хозяев для паразитирования. В результате исследований в Кыргызстане было обнаружено 12 видов клещей семейства Ixodidae, 2 – Argasidae и 2 вида кровососущих насекомых семейства Hippoboscidae.