MAPPING AND ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF CATS IN CITIES OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The article presents the development and application of an information database and a GIS-based cartographic model for analyzing the distribution of endoparasites in cats in major cities of Kazakhstan. The relevance of the study stems from the high epidemiological significance of parasites transmitted from domestic and stray cats to humans, as well as the lack of systematized data on this issue in the country.

The aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive information resource for the collection, storage, analysis, and spatial visualization of data on endoparasites in cats, as well as to identify high-risk areas. The study included data from 1,301 cats from five cities in Kazakhstan (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Uralsk, and Kostanay), obtained from veterinary clinics and animal shelters. The database contained information on the biological characteristics of the animals, types of biological samples, laboratory test results, and the geographic coordinates of sampling sites.

Using GIS technologies (ArcGIS), a spatial analysis of the distribution of endoparasites was conducted, including Toxocara cati, Giardia, Cystoisospora spp., Cryptosporidium (coproscopy), and Toxoplasma gondii (serology).

The results showed that the highest prevalences were observed in Almaty, whereas lower prevalences were recorded in Astana, likely due to climatic conditions and differences in cat population density.

The developed database and cartographic model represent effective tools for epidemiological monitoring, risk assessment, and the planning of preventive measures. The findings may be applied in public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental monitoring to reduce the risk of zoonotic parasitic infections in the human population.