Aizada A. Mukhanbetkaliyeva

Background and Aim: Trichinella nativa is a freeze-resistant zoonotic nematode that circulates predominantly in Arctic and subarctic wildlife and represents an important foodborne parasite affecting both animal and human health. Its remarkable ability to survive prolonged freezing conditions distinguishes it from other Trichinella species and contributes to its persistence in wildlife reservoirs and transmission through the consumption of raw or undercooked game meat. This review summarizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches for T. nativa, with particular emphasis on recent advances in molecular and immunological detection methods. Conventional diagnostic techniques, including artificial digestion, serological assays, and molecular methods, are critically discussed, along with their advantages and limitations, for species-specific identification. Emerging recombinant antigen-based diagnostic approaches are also reviewed for their potential to improve the sensitivity and specificity of early detection. In addition, the review highlights recent epidemiological findings from endemic regions, including Central Asia, and discusses the importance of wildlife surveillance and integrated One Health approaches for disease prevention and control. Current knowledge gaps, particularly regarding standardized species-specific diagnostics, field validation of novel biomarkers, and harmonized surveillance strategies, are identified. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of T. nativa biology, ecology, and diagnosis, while emphasizing future research priorities to improve early detection, epidemiological monitoring, food safety, and the effective management of trichinellosis in endemic regions. Keywords: Arctic wildlife, Central Asia, epidemiology, molecular diagnosis, recombinant antigens, Trichinella nativa, trichinellosis, wildlife surveillance.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a transboundary disease of birds with zoonotic potential. Since 2021, H5 HPAI virus variants have spread globally, with migratory waterfowl playing a key role in transcontinental dissemination. Kazakhstan lies at the intersection of major flyways, creating a persistent risk of virus introduction into domestic poultry. While HPAI risk in wild birds has been explored in Kazakhstan, the spatial risk for poultry has remained underassessed. Here, we present a risk map for HPAI in poultry across 174 administrative districts of Kazakhstan, using a multi-criteria decision analysis (TOPSIS) that integrates five quantitative risk indicators that relate to wild bird habitat, virus survival in the environment and poultry farm census. The obtained district-level risk index agreed well with historical outbreak data (2005–2025), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.899 (95% CI: 0.846–0.952). Most districts (56%) were at negligible risk, whereas medium- and high-risk clusters occurred in the north, central, and southern regions, and near the Caspian Sea. These findings provide an operational, spatially explicit tool for targeting surveillance and biosecurity measures to high-risk areas, ultimately helping to mitigate the impact of one of the most devastating transboundary poultry diseases in Central Asia.

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 veterinarysurveillance and epidemiological risk assessment. The integration of environmental and epidemiologicaldata enables the rapid identification of potential high-risk areas for the introduction and spread of highlypathogenic avian influenza, facilitating the development of evidence-based surveillance strategies.

Rabies is endemic in Kazakhstan, with the primary reservoirs being wild canids, such as foxes and dogs, maintaining distinct sylvatic and urban cycles. This paper outlines three high-return priorities for rabies control in the country, informed by the epidemiological patterns of the disease, the national regulatory framework (Order No. 7-1/587), and evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Kazakh population. The three priorities are (a) transition into a One Health, real-time surveillance system featuring standardized digital reporting and GIS-guided interventions; (b) implementation of biannual oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of foxes in high-risk districts, incorporating mandatory quality assurance (via tetracycline biomarkers and/or serology) aligned with EU/EFSA standards; and (c) adopt an urban strategy focused on dogs to increase vaccination coverage and reduce delays in human post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These measures align with the WOAH Terrestrial Code and the “Zero by 30” roadmap, leveraging existing national assets like risk maps and laboratory capacity, such as dFAT, RT-PCR, and sequencing. Kazakhstan’s predictable rabies pattern allows for targeting district-level strategies and transparent measurement of risk reduction, contingent on enforcing standardized reporting and rigorous quality assurance programs. The opinions introduced in this paper are based on the scientific evidence collected in Kazakhstan over the last decade and summarize the need for urgent actions to promote rabies control in the country.

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.

Background and Aim. Despite significant success in the fight against anthrax, cases of animal and human disease are still registered in Kazakhstan. The presence of many permanently unfavorable points with numerous anthrax burial sites contributes to the maintenance of epidemiological 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 infection outbreaks. The purpose of this research was to study the degree of influence of various anthropogenic factors on the epidemiology of anthrax in Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods. The analysis object was information about anthrax outbreaks in Ka-zakhstan 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 period. In chronological terms, 5 historical periods were distinguished, and the analysis of the available 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 socioeconomic change in the country and the introduction of antiepizootic measures against this infection. Conclusion. The analysis shows a pronounced uneven temporal and spatial distribution of anthrax foci and significant differences in the dynamics of the epizootic process in Kazakhstan. At the moment, new information is being formed on the factors influencing the ecology and epidemiology of the disease, which are associated with various forms of organization and management of the economy, urbanization of the population, changes in their social conditions and the influence of other anthropogenic factors.

Background and Aim: In some countries, the application of digital technologies in dairy cattle breeding is still under development. This study aimed to investigate the use of digital technologies in dairy cattle breeding to improve the reproductive function of cows and heifers in three northern regions of Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: This study explores the application of Austrian smaXtec bolus sensors, which enable the daily monitoring of the reproductive functions of cows and heifers in livestock. To control indicators of reproductive function in Simmental and Holstein-Friesian cattle breeds, a series of experiments were conducted before and after the introduction of boluses in the rumen. Results: It was established that the application of smaXtec boluses increases milk yield in 305 days, the percentage of conception in the first insemination and in cows with up to three inseminations, the duration of dry secretion, and the percentage of calve output per 100 heads. Moreover, the use of smaXtec boluses reduced the insemination index, duration of the calving-to-conception interval (open days), reproductive rate, and percentage of abortions and culls due to gynecological problems. Conclusion: The use of smaXtec boluses allows farmers and veterinarians to determine indicators, such as the period of sexual heat in livestock and diseases, in a timely manner and to increase the efficiency of feeding and controlling drinking cycles. Moreover, the application of smaXtec boluses minimizes labor costs associated with collecting data on indicators of reproductive function in cows and heifers and increases accuracy. Keywords: bolus, cows, digital technology, reproductive function, smaXtec.

Background and Aim. Epidemiologically significant objects are objects related to veterinary activities, requiring strict control and supervision, since violation of sanitary and hygienic requirements imposed on them, deterioration of the epidemiological situation at these objects can contribute to the emergence and spread of diseases, which in turn will lead to large negative economic, environmental and social consequences. This research aims to develop conventional designations of objects that have epidemiological significance in the country for their subsequent use in cartographic analysis, forecasting, and risk assessment of the spread of infectious diseases.Materials and Methods. Conventional forms were developed for almost all objects that may have any epidemiological significance. These facilities were relatively categorized into 4 areas: veterinary, agricultural, municipal, and other epidemically significant facilities. Conventional forms of designation of epidemically significant objects were developed using the CorelDraw program. Results. In total, symbols have been developed for 48 epidemiologically significant objects, including 14 veterinary, 17 agricultural, 7 municipal, and 10 other objects. The shape of all symbols was defined as a quadrangle with equal sides, while each group of symbols has its color for the border of the figure. The design and drawing of each symbol were developed in such a way that both specialists and ordinary users could visually understand what this sign meant.Conclusion. The developed symbols will allow more effective use of information and communication technologies for forecasting and assessing the risk of spreading the most relevant contagious diseases in our country. This will subsequently allow more effective preventive and anti-epizootic measures.

Objects for Targeted Surveillance (OTS) are infrastructure entities that can be considered as focal points and conduits for transmitting infectious animal diseases, necessitating ongoing epidemiological surveillance. These entities encompass slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, animal markets, burial sites, veterinary laboratories, etc. Currently, in Kazakhstan, a funded research project is underway to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) database of OTSs and investigate their role in the emergence and dissemination of infectious livestock diseases. This initial investigation examined the correlation between brucellosis outbreaks in cattle and small ruminant farms in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan and the presence of OTSs categorized as “slaughterhouses,” “cattle markets,” and “meat processing plants. The study area (namely Qyzylorda, Turkestan, Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetysu, Abay and East Kazakhstan oblasts), characterized by the highest livestock density in the country, covers 335 slaughterhouses (with varying levels of biosecurity), 45 livestock markets and 15 meat processing plants. Between 2020 and 2023, 338 cases of brucellosis were reported from livestock farms in this region. The findings of the regression model reveal a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive association between the incidence of brucellosis cases and the number of OTSs in the region. Conversely, meat processing plants and livestock markets did not exhibit a significant influence on the prevalence of brucellosis cases. These results corroborate the hypothesis of an elevated risk of brucellosis transmission in regions with slaughterhouses, likely attributable to increased animal movements within and across regions, interactions with vehicles and contact with slaughterhouse staff. These outcomes mark a pivotal advancement in the national agricultural development agenda. The research will be extended to encompass the entire country, compiling a comprehensive OTS database.

During the period 2013-2023, 917 cases of rabies among animals were registered in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Out of these, the number of cases in farm animals amounted to 515, in wild animals to 50 and in pets to 352. Data on rabies cases were obtained from the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of Kazakhstan, as well as during expeditionary trips. This research was carried out to demonstrate the use of modern information and communication technologies, geospatial analysis technologies in particular, to identify and visualize spatio-temporal patterns of rabies emergence among different animal species in Kazakhstan. We also aimed to predict an expected number of cases next year based on time series analysis. Applying the ‘space-time cube’ technique to a time series representingcases from the three categories of animals at the district-level demonstrated a decreasing trend of incidence in most of the country over the study period. We estimated the expected number of rabies cases for 2024 using a random forest model based on the space-time cube in Arc-GIS. This type of model imposes only a few assumptions on the data and is useful when dealing with time series including complicated trends. The forecast showed that in most districts of Kazakhstan, a total of no more than one case of rabies should beexpected, with the exception of certain areas in the North and the East of the country, where the number of cases could reach three. The results of this research may be useful to the veterinary service in mapping the current epidemiological situation and in planning targeted vaccination campaigns among different categories of animals.