Central Asian Journal of Veterinary Science

PCR-based identification of animal species in commercial sausage products using cytochrome b gene markers

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Authentication of meat species in processed products is important for food quality control and consumer protection. This study evaluated the applicability of a PCR assay targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene for species identification in commercial sausage products.
Materials and Methods. Reference samples of horse, cattle, sheep, pig, and chicken meat were analyzed together with 15 commercial sausage products. Total DNA was extracted and amplified using species-specific Cyt b primers. PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and selected amplicons were confirmed by sequencing.
Results. Species-specific amplification products corresponding to the expected fragment sizes were obtained for all investigated animal species. Analysis of commercial sausage products revealed both agreement and discrepancies between declared and detected meat species composition. Sequencing confirmed the identity of selected PCR products.
Conclusion. The Cyt b-based PCR assay proved suitable for qualitative identification of animal species in thermally processed meat products and may be useful for routine authenticity testing of meat products.

Clinical trials of a test kit for the visual diagnosis of uterine diseases in cows

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

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% H₂ O₂ + 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

Kidiraliyev E.Zh., Zhaksylykova A.A., Aryssova E.A. , Abdybekova A.M. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Wild ungulates are a vital component of Kazakhstan’s biodiversity, encompassing 12 species occupying diverse ecological niches. However, the current structure and epizootiological significance of their parasite fauna remain insufficiently synthesized. This review aims to summarize the contemporary data on parasitic diversity in wild ungulates across Kazakhstan, analyze its host associations, and identify key ecological and epidemiological patterns.

Materials and Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and RSCI databases, as well as Kazakhstani peer-reviewed journals. Keywords in Kazakh, English, and Russian included the following terms: wild ungulates, parasite diversity, host-parasite relationships, epidemiology, Kazakhstan. The timeframe covered publications from 1989 to 2026, with earlier foundational works included for baseline comparisons. From 120 initially identified sources, 50 peerreviewed publications were selected after screening.

Results. The parasite fauna exhibits high species richness, with a clear predominance of geohelminths over biohelminths and primary localization in the digestive tract. Dozens of helminth species have been recorded in key hosts, including saiga (Saiga tatarica), argali (Ovis ammon), maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus), roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). The community structure is complex, showing a significant overlap between host species. Critically, a substantial proportion of parasites are shared between wild and domestic animals, indicating active cross-species transmission in both natural and anthropogenically transformed ecosystems.

Conclusion. The parasitic communities of wild ungulates in Kazakhstan are characterized by structural complexity and extensive faunal exchange with livestock, highlighting significant epidemiological risks. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous epizootiological monitoring and the development of integrated control strategies to mitigate the impact of parasitic infections on both wildlife conservation and livestock health.

Horse breeding and horse meat production in Kazakhstan: current status, safety challenges and future development prospects

Temeshova Zh.A. , Serikova A.T. , Duyssembaev S.T., Iskhan K.Zh. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. The global agri-food system is facing systemic challenges driven by climate change, depletion of land and water resources and increasing demand for animal protein. Productive horse breeding represents a strategically important, environmentally sustainable pathway for diversifying the meat market. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of horse breeding and horse meat production in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including an assessment of the veterinary and sanitary, environmental, and biological factors affecting the quality, nutritional value and safety of horse meat products.
Materials and Methods. The study was based on statistical data, analytical reports and published scientific literature addressing various aspects of horse breeding and horse meat production.
Results. The conducted analysis demonstrates that global productive horse breeding is on the threshold of a conceptual shift. The present review advances a fundamentally new position: horse meat should be considered not merely as an ethnocultural niche or a marginal regional specialty, but as a strategically important, environmentally sustainable protein system of global significance.
Conclusion. From the perspective of the One Health systems concept, horse breeding and horse meat production are regarded as an interconnected system linking animal health, human health and environmental health. Contemporary approaches to the sustainable development of the industry require the consideration of environmental, veterinary and sanitary, and biological factors that affect the safety and quality of the products. The study identified key methodological and infrastructural limitations that impede the development of the sector and highlighted the role of horse meat as a strategic source of protein in addressing global food security challenges.

Optimization of culture conditions for vaccinia virus propagation

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Monkeypox virus has recently re emerged as one of the most significant zoonotic pathogens and a major global public health concern. Due to its genetic and antigenic similarity to other members of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the use of model viruses is essential for the development of vaccines and diagnostic approaches. In this context, Vaccinia virus is widely regarded as a key model system for Orthopoxvirus research and is extensively used in the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for the cultivation of vaccinia virus.
Materials and Methods. Vaccinia virus was cultivated in Vero, HeLa, and LK cell lines. Viral replication activity was evaluated based on cytopathic effect observed in cell cultures and the level of viral biological activity. In addition, the effects of fetal bovine serum concentration, multiplicity of infection, and incubation temperature on viral replication were investigated. For each parameter, the efficiency of viral propagation was comparatively analyzed to determine optimal cultivation conditions.
Results. The results demonstrated that the highest level of viral replication was observed in HeLa cells. The optimal infection dose for efficient viral propagation was determined to be 0.00369 TCID₅₀/cell. Furthermore, 2% fetal bovine serum was sufficient to ensure stable and efficient viral growth. The most favorable incubation temperature was 37 °C, which supported the maintenance of viral biological activity.
Conclusion. The optimized cultivation conditions identified in this study enable efficient biomass production of vaccinia virus. These findings provide an important scientific basis for further fundamental and applied research on Orthopoxviruses, including the development of vaccines and diagnostic systems.

Lameness in broiler chickens in Kazakhstan: prevalence and key risk factors from commercial farms

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Lameness in broiler chickens is a major welfare and economic concern affecting productivity and farm profitability worldwide. However, information regarding the prevalence and associated risk factors of broiler lameness in Kazakhstan remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lameness in commercial broiler farms and identify the main contributing factors under local production conditions.
Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to October 2025 on 10 commercial poultry farms located in different regions of Kazakhstan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering housing conditions, litter management, stocking density, feeding practices, environmental control, health management, and the occurrence of lameness. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the collected data.
Results. Lameness was reported on mostfarms, although prevalence varied substantially among production systems. The proportion of lame birds at slaughter ranged from 0 to over 10%, with an average prevalence of 2.1 ± 3.2%. Severe lameness cases (Score ≥ 3) averaged 4.7 ± 6.9%. Poor litter quality, high stocking density, inadequate temperature and humidity control, and differences in feeding strategies were identified as major risk factors. Among infectious agents, Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently reported pathogen. Although preventive measures were implemented on most farms, their implementationwas often inconsistent.
Conclusion. The findings demonstrate that broiler lameness in Kazakhstan is a multifactorial problem influenced by management, environmental, and infectious factors. This study provides one of the first comprehensive assessments of lameness in commercial broiler production in Kazakhstan and highlights the need for improved management practices, standardized monitoring systems, and more effective prevention strategies.

Development of a dashboard for monitoring and risk assessment of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kazakhstan

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains one of the most significant transboundary avian diseases, affecting affecting farmed, synanthropic, and wild bird populations. 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 from EURING and the 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. Through the integration and analysis of 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 interfaces for virus transmission. The developed dashboard provides multi-layered visualization of epizootological data and supports 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.

Comparative evaluation of the structural and tenderness properties of minced beef from angus and akbas cattle using a penetration-based approach

Zhexemayeva G.E., Assetova G.K., Amantay G.A. , Bolkenov B.T. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. 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.
Materials and Methods. A comparative analysis was performed on minced beef samples obtained from Angus and Akbas cattle (12 samples per breed). The structural and mechanical properties were determined using a Structurometer ST-2 (Radius, Russia) fitted with a 60° cone indenter at 4–6 °C. Structural resistance values were calculated using the Rebinder equation using penetration force and depth parameters.
Results. 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 facilitated interpretation of structural behavior. These findings demonstrate that penetration based methods are suitable for minced meat systems and reveal significant breed- related differences relevant for meat quality optimization.
Conclusion. Penetration-based analysis using the Structurometer ST-2 was effective for evaluating the structural and mechanical properties of minced beef. Angus beef demonstrated lower structural resistance and greater tenderness compared to Akbas beef. The results confirm the usefulness of the Rebinder equation for interpreting mechanical properties and support the application of this approach in meat quality assessment and industrial quality control. The study also highlights the potential to improve beef processing efficiency and promoting high-quality domestic meat products in Kazakhstan.

Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from bovine superficial cervical (prescapular) lymph nodes from market-derived bovine products in Semey, Kazakhstan

Tastemirova Sh.A., Bolkenov B.T. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Bovine lymph nodes are relevant to veterinary diagnostics and beef safety because bacteria within lymphatic tissue may evade carcass surface decontamination and enter the food chain. The aim of this study was to describe the phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profile of E. coli isolated from bovine superficial cervical (prescapular) lymph nodes collected from marketderived bovine products in Semey, Kazakhstan.
Materials and Methods. Thirty-two E. coli isolates recovered in autumn from bovine prescapular lymph nodes during pre-sale veterinary-sanitary inspection were tested by disk diffusion on MuellerHinton agar. Eighteen antimicrobial agents were evaluated. Finalsusceptible/intermediate/resistant (S/I/R) categories were determined using CLSI breakpoints where applicable, and Wilson 95% confidence intervals were calculated for susceptible proportions. Isolate-level MDR profiles were summarized from the available phenotypic susceptibility profiles.
Results. The highest susceptibility was observed for gentamicin and amikacin (32/32 each; 100%), followed by enrofloxacin and ceftriaxone (31/32 each; 97%), and ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, and amoxicillin/clavulanate (30/32 each; 94%). High susceptibility was also observed for azithromycin and tetracycline (29/32 each; 91%), streptomycin (28/32; 88%), and kanamycin and neomycin (27/32 each; 84%). Lower susceptibility was observed for imipenem (18/32; 56%), amoxicillin (14/32; 44%), and doxycycline (4/32; 12%). The highest resistance rates were detected for benzylpenicillin (32/32; 100% R), tylosin (30/32; 94% R), doxycycline (15/32; 47% R), and amoxicillin (10/32; 31% R). Isolate-level analysis classified 17/32 isolates (53.1%) as MDR; the dominant resistant classes in MDR isolates were penicillins/beta-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines.
Conclusion. E. coli isolated from bovine prescapular lymph nodes showed a heterogeneous susceptibility profile. Gentamicin and amikacin showed complete in vitro susceptibility, and fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins retained high activity against most isolates. In contrast, benzylpenicillin and tylosin showed poor activity based ondescriptive phenotypic observations, whereas doxycycline and aminopenicillin-related agents showed mixed or reduced activity. MDR was detected in 17/32 isolates (53.1%), with isolate-level profiles dominated by combinations involving penicillins/beta-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines. These data support continued phenotypic surveillance of carcass-associated tissues and should be interpreted together with approved indications, food-animal regulations, and antimicrobial stewardship principles rather than as empirical treatment recommendations.

Review of the prospects for the use of postbiotics in the growing of broiler chickens: from probiotics to postbiotics

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Systematization of current data on the impact of postbiotics on the health and productivity of poultry to justify their use in industrial poultry farming as an effective and safe alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.
Materials and Methods. This article examined review articles on the relevance and effectiveness of postbiotics in poultry farming, published between 2020 and 2026. The analysis was based on 106 review articles published in international and domestic scientific journals with varying impact factors.
Results. A review of scientific publications on the use of postbiotic preparations in poultry farming was conducted. The analysis of available sources demonstrated that postbiotics are considered a promising alternative to probiotics and antibiotic growth promoters due to their high stability, safety, and pronounced biological activity. The results of the review indicate that the use of postbiotic metabolites contributes to the improvement of gastrointestinal health in poultry, enhances feed digestibility, stimulates growth, and reduces the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, postbiotics have a positive effect on the formation of a balanced intestinal microbiota and the strengthening of the immune status of birds.
Conclusion. Thus, the findings of the literature analysis confirm the significant potential for the development and implementation of postbiotic preparations in poultry nutrition technologies, which may contribute to increased productivity and improved biosafety in poultry production.

Determinants of the epizootic situation in the middle east: the interaction of historical, climatic, and socio-economic factors

Khatib Y., Rudenko P., Vatnikov Y., Semenova V., Kulikov E. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. The Middle East is one of the most complex epizootic regions in the world due to the interaction of historical, natural, climatic, and socioeconomic factors that influence the spread of infectious animal diseases. Traditional epidemiological approaches cannot fully explain the persistence of epizootic threats in the region. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the epizootic architecture of the Middle East as a complex metasystem operating at the intersection of historical, environmental, and political-economic determinants.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted as a meta analysis and retrospective modeling for the period 2020 2024. Data from the international monitoring systems WOAH WAHIS and Handistatus II, FAO and ECDC materials, as well as scientific publications and analytical reports for 2005–2024 were used. A systematization, comparative analysis, and qualitative predictive modeling of epizootological processes were conducted, taking into account spatiotemporal, climatic, and socioeconomic parameters.
Results. It has been established that the epizootic situation in the Middle East is determined by three interrelated groups of factors: historical-institutional, natural-climatic, and socio-economic. The region is a heterogeneous megasystem, encompassing four types of epizootic regimes: high-tech, crisis, transit, and isolationist. Crisis areas form persistent infection hotspots, while transit countries increase the spread of pathogens through migration and animal trade. Climate change contributes to the concentration of livestock and an increased risk of disease outbreaks.
Conclusion. Effective management of epizootological risks requires a shift from universal veterinary measures to differentiated strategies that take into account the historical, environmental, and socioeconomic characteristics of individual countries and subregions of the Middle East.

The impact of helminth infections on the effectiveness of brucellosis immunoprophylaxis in cattle

Mikailov M.M., Gunashev Sh.A., Khalikov A.A., Yanikova E.A., Arakelyan P.K. — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0500

Background and Aim. Brucellosis remains one of the most significant bacterial zoonoses affecting livestock productivity and public health worldwide. Vaccination is the cornerstone of bovine brucellosis control; however, its efficacy may be reduced by factors that affect the host immune response, including parasitic infections. Helminths are known to modulate immune and may suppress vaccine induced antibody production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of helminth infestation on antibody production following vaccination with Brucella abortus strain 82 and to assess the impact of prior anthelmintic treatment.
Materials and Methods. A total of 20 cattle were divided into two groups (n = 10 each). Helminth infections were confirmed in all animals using coproscopic and larvoscopic methods, including the Fulleborn flotation technique. The experimental group received anthelmintic treatment (Monizen forte, 1 µL/20 kg body weight, orally) before vaccination, whereas the control group was vaccinated without prior deworming. All animals were immunized with B. abortus strain 82 (5 µL, subcutaneously). Blood samples were collected 26 days after vaccination, and antibody responses were assessed using the indirect hemagglutination assay, agglutination test, and thecomplement fixation test.
Results. Parasitological analysis revealed mixed helminth infections (Dictyocaulus spp., strongylates, Nematodirus spp., and Moniezia spp.) in allanimals. Anthelmintic treatment demonstrated high efficacy, resulting in the complete elimination of strongylates and monieziosis. Serological results showed significantly stronger and more consistent antibody responses in the treated group compared with untreated controls, which exhibited lower titers and heterogeneous reactions.
Conclusion. Helminth infestation adversely affects post vaccination humoral immunity against brucellosis in cattle. Pre-vaccination deworming enhances antibody production and may improve the effectiveness of brucellosis control programs.