Samples collected for PCR from recipient animals tested positive in 5 out of 6 cases, while the virus was isolated from 4 of 6 animals. The clinical signs exhibited by recipient animals were mostly moderate in nature with only one severe case. To our knowledge, this is the first time that transmission of LSDV by three Stomoxys species has been demonstrated, and their role as mechanical vectors of LSDV is indicated.

This study investigates the virulence properties and pathogenetic characteristics of the Kazakhstani strain of LSDV (LSDV KZ-Kostanay-2018) in indigenous cattle under controlled conditions. Twelve non-breed cattle were inoculated intradermally and monitored for clinical, pathological, and immunological responses. Clinical signs, including fever, skin nodules, and lymphadenopathy, emerged as early as day 5 post-infection (pi), with peak severity observed between days 11 and 14. Rapid seroconversion was observed, with 100% of animals showing virus-neutralizing antibodies by day 13. Pathological findings revealed extensive necrosis, thrombosis, and edema, with pronounced damage in the spleen, lungs, and lymph nodes. Histological analyses identified widespread destructive changes in the dermis and systemic tissues, consistent with highly aggressive disease progression. Viral genome and replication were confirmed in blood, skin nodules, and lymph nodes, with peak viral loads between days 11 and 14 pi. These results align with findings in Russian cattle infected with the Saratov/2017 strain but demonstrate more rapid symptom onset and severe pathology, suggesting strain-specific virulence. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of LSDV pathogenesis and underscore the importance of regional adaptations in disease management.

This article describes the results of a preclinical safety and immunogenicity study of QazCovid-in®, the first COVID-19 vaccine developed in Kazakhstan, on BALB/c mice, rats, ferrets, Syrian hamsters and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). The study’s safety data suggests that this immunobiological preparation can be technically considered a Class 5 nontoxic vaccine. The series of injections that were made did not produce any adverse effect or any change in the general condition of the model animals’ health, while macroscopy and histology studies identified no changes in the internal organs of the BALB/c mice and rats. This study has demonstrated that a double immunization enhances the growth of antibody titers as assessed by the microneutralization assay (MNA) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a pre-clinical immunogenicity test on animal models. The best GMT results were assessed in MNA and ELISA 7 days after re-vaccination; however, we noted that GMT antibody results in ELISA were lower than in MNA. A comparative GMT assessment after the first immunization and the re-immunization identified significant differences between model animal groups and a growth of GMT antibodies in all of them; also, differences between the gender groups were statistically significant. Moreover, the most marked MNA immune response to the QazCovid-in® vaccine was seen in the Syrian hamsters, while their SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody activity as assessed with ELISA was the lowest.

The research conducted in this preclinical study assesses QazCovid-live, a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine created in Kazakhstan, by conducting preclinical evaluations of safety, immunogenicity, and allergenicity in various animal models, including mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. The vaccine, developed by attenuating SARS-CoV-2 via numerous Vero cell passages, had no significant adverse effects in acute and subacute toxicity assessments, even at elevated dosages. Allergenicity testing indicated the absence of both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Immunogenicity evaluations revealed strong virus-neutralizing antibody responses, especially following intranasal and intratracheal delivery. Studies on reversibility and transmission further validated the vaccine’s stability and non-pathogenicity. The data indicate that QazCovid-live is safe, immunogenic, and prepared for clinical trials, presenting a potential strategy for COVID-19 prevention.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging disease in cattle in Kazakhstan and the means of transmission remains uncertain. In the current study, acquisition of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) by Stomoxys species following intrathoracic inoculation was demonstrated under laboratory conditions. Flies were injected with a virulent LSDV strain into the thorax region to bypass the midgut barrier. The fate of pathogen in the hemolymph of the flies was further examined using PCR and Virus isolation tests. LSDV was isolated from all three Stomoxys species immediately and up to 24h post intrathoracic inoculation while virus DNA was detectable up to 7d post intrathoracic inoculation.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an extremely contagious viral disease that significantly affects the health of small ruminants and the economies of livestock, particularly in areas adjacent to endemic regions. This study focused on assessing the vulnerability of different domestic and wild animal species in Kazakhstan, which includes local sheep and goats, African Cameroon goats, saigas, calves, and ground squirrels, to infection by the PPR virus (PPRV). Experimental infections used a virulent strain of PPRV (Nigeria 76/1), with animals being monitored over a period of 21–28 days to evaluate clinical signs, pathological lesions, and viral dissemination. The manifestation of disease differed across species, breed, and age. In Cameroon, goats and saigas displayed severe illness with a mortality rate of 100% and elevated virus levels in key organs, whereas local sheep and goats presented age-related subacute, abortive, and latent manifestations. Calves exhibited mild, subclinical infections, while ground squirrels showed no susceptibility. Viral shedding was observed in the secretions of infected animals, with transmission occurring through airborne and alimentary pathways. No virus carriage was detected in the animals that had recovered. The investigation emphasizes the notable variations in PPRV pathogenesis and transmission risk among different species, highlighting the necessity for focused surveillance and control strategies to avert incursions in PPR-free areas like Kazakhstan.