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

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne virus with a high mortality rate, posing a significant threat to global health, especially in endemic regions. Despite the substantial need, there is no licensed vaccine, and vaccine development has faced numerous challenges, including the virus's genetic diversity and biosafety concerns. This review examines the evolution of CCHF virus vaccine research, focusing on traditional strategies such as live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines, as well as more advanced platforms like subunit, nucleic acid, and viral vector vaccines. Special attention is given to the use of adjuvants and novel delivery systems, which are critical for enhancing immune responses in these vaccine platforms. The lessons learned from decades of research are discussed, along with promising future directions in vaccine innovation, including multivalent formulations, new adjuvants, and nanoparticle-based delivery technologies. As research advances, it becomes clear that global collaboration and technological innovations will be crucial for developing a safe and effective vaccine against the CCHF virus, capable of reducing the global burden of this deadly pathogen and protecting at-risk populations.

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

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Botfly larvae, parasitizing horses and camels, reduce body condition, productivity, and can cause mortality, necessitating systematic control of certain species. The disease is prevalent in western Kazakhstan, where camel and horse breeding are prominent, causing significant economic damage.

The study covered the Kazaly and Aral districts of the Kyzylorda region, and Makhambet, Isatay, Kurmangazy districts of the Atyrau region. In the Kyzylorda region, research was conducted in May and September 2024, while in the Atyrau region, it was carried out in June-July and September. Over the study period, a total of 25 camels and 23 horses were examined in the Kyzylorda region, while 41 camels and 37 horses were examined in the Atyrau region. For the ante-mortem diagnosis of camel cephalopinosis and horse rhinoestrosis, an endoscope with real-time display visualization was used.

Botfly larvae were found in the nasal passages of camels and horses, as well as in horses' stomachs. In Kyzylorda, no cephalopinosis cases were detected in camels during spring, but the infection rate reached 36% by autumn. In Atyrau, no infections were recorded in July, but prevalence rose to 17.1% by autumn.

In the Kyzylorda region, no rhinoestrosis cases were detected in horses. In the Atyrau region, the disease was also not recorded in June; however, by September, 9.5% of horses were affected by rhinoestrosis.

In the spring, the prevalence of gasterophilosis in horses in the Kyzylorda region was 33.3%, with the same rate in autumn. In the Atyrau region, the prevalence of gasterophilosis in horses was 20% in the spring, rising to 100% in the autumn.

Cephalopina titillator larvae were found in camel nasal cavities in early September. Rhinoestrus sp. larvae were detected in horses in September, while Gasterophilus intestinalis was observed in May, June, and September. Adult botfly flight activity was recorded in September.

Bacteriological monitoring of infectious epididymitis of rams

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Currently, infectious epididymitis of rams (IER) is registered in more than 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. For bacteriological studies 907 whole blood samples and 298 samples of biological material were delivered to the brucellosis laboratory of the Institute for bacteriological studies from small cattle of different economic entities and slaughterhouses of 17 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. When carrying out epizootological monitoring of IER by the staff of the brucellosis laboratory of KazNIVI, 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).

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.

Bovine Pestiviruses (Flaviviridae, Pestivirus), their genomic diversity and distribution in the world

Glotova T.I. , Glotov A.G. — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a member of the Pestivirus genus in the Flaviviridae family and is involved in cattle diseases worldwide. It is characterized by high genetic diversity and a wide range of clinical manifestations. Bovine pestiviruses include three genetically distinct species: Pestivirus bovis (BVDV-1), Pestivirus tauri (BVDV-2), and Pestivirus brazilense (BVDV-3 or HoBi-like pestivirus). There are 21 subtypes of BVDV-1, 4 of BVDV-2, and 4 of BVDV-3. Pestivirus bovis (BVDV-1) is widespread among cattle, but is most often registered in European countries. The greatest number of subtypes were detected in cattle in Italy and China. The virus is widespread 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, 1v. Eleven subtypes circulate among 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%). Pestivirus tauri (BVDV-2) is the most virulent and is found less frequently, mainly in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, some European countries: Germany, Slovakia, Turkey, Italy, and Asia: South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia. Three subtypes have been identified in Siberia: 2a (25%), 2b (10%) and 2c (5%). Pestivirus brazilense (BVDV-3) circulates in Europe, Asia and South America. The main route of virus introduction is contaminated biological products. In Russia, BVDV-3 of the Italian-Brazilian group (3a) was identified in 7 lots of fetal serum. The existence of virus polymorphism complicates the diagnosis of diseases, reduces the effectiveness of vaccination and control programs.

Live Turkey Herpesvirus Vaccine Against Marek’s Disease: Development, Stabilization, and Immunobiological Evaluation

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Marek’s disease (MD) is a prevalent and economically important viral infection in poultry, caused by Marek’s disease virus (MDV), an alphaherpesvirus that leads to lymphomas, paralysis, and immunosuppression in chickens. The lack of a domestically manufactured MD vaccine in Kazakhstan necessitates dependence on foreign imports, resulting in logistical difficulties and supply vulnerabilities. This research outlines the creation of a national live vaccine for MD with a cloned strain of turkey herpesvirus (HVT, strain AV-0007). The process involved increasing the growth of the virus in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells using different methods like stationary, roller, and suspension cultivation, reaching levels over 10⁶ FFU_50/cm³.

Media were developed to maintain viral viability during cryopreservation and freeze-drying. Experimental vaccine formulations in cryopreserved and freeze-dried states were standardized in accordance with international guidelines. Safety, sterility, biological activity, and immunogenicity were evaluated in one-day-old chicks. Both vaccine types were free from germs, safe to use, and produced virus-fighting antibodies at levels of 1.67–2.33 log FFU₅₀, showing a strong immune defense. The results validate the viability of domestic vaccine production for Marek’s disease in Kazakhstan and establish a technological basis for expanding national poultry vaccine manufacturing.

Prevalence of zoonotic intestinal protozoa infections of catsin central asia and border regions: A Review

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Totally 105 sources from digitalized databases were analyzed with aim to assess the epidemiological significance and the introducing risk of feline intestinal zoonotic protozoal 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 forToxoplasma 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 levelfor the study the molecular epidemiology and systematic monitoring the cat-borne 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

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Abstract

Equine salmonellosis-associated abortion is an infectious disease which significantly impacts the productivity of herd-based horse breeding in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The disease is characterized by abortions occurring in the late stages of gestation, and is associated with substantial economic losses in the agricultural sector. This study was conducted between 2023 and 2025 on pathological materials collected from horses across nine regions of Kazakhstan to detect Salmonella DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The proportion of PCR-positive samples ranged from 25% to 33.3%, depending on the year. In 2025, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on 309 horse serum samples from various regions; antibodies to Salmonella abortus equi were present in 29 samples (10.6%). Microbiological investigations utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp., as well as co-occurring opportunistic microorganisms, including Enterobacter hormaechei, Pantoea agglomerans, and Escherichia hermannii. These findings confirm the circulation of the pathogen among horses and underscore the necessity of sustained epizootiological surveillance. Furthermore, they highlight the need for continued molecular and genetic research, including whole-genome sequencing, to enhance understanding of the disease’s epidemiology and optimize preventive measures.

Impact of anthropogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Despite significant success in the fight against anthrax, cases of ani-mal and human disease are still registered in Kazakhstan. The presence of many permanently un-favorable points with numerous anthrax burial sites contributes to the maintenance of epidemio-logical 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 infec-tion outbreaks. The purpose of this research was to study the degree of influence of various anthro-pogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan.
Materials and Methods. The analysis object was information about anthrax outbreaks in Kazakhstan 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 peri-od. In chronological terms, 5 historical periods were distinguished, and the analysis of the availa-ble 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 socioeco-nomic change in the country and the introduction of antiepizootic measures against this infection.
Conclusion. The results of the analysis clearly revealed unevenness in the chronological and territorial distributions of anthrax foci and differences in their epidemiological activity in Ka-zakhstan. At present, new data on the epidemiology and ecology of anthrax are being accumulated, associated with the introduction of new forms of economic relations in the country and changes in the social conditions of the population.

Spatial analysis of rabies using ArcGIS Pro tools

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

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 [11]. 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 [12].

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 [15]. 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 [14]. 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 and the veterinary and sanitary assessment of its meat

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0500

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 ISRC “Fisheries” and NFT-KATU LLP of 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

We observed a significant difference 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 < .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

We conducted a veterinary and sanitary assessment 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.