Sheeppox (SPP) is a transboundary infectious disease that affects sheep and goats, leading to significant losses in countries with extensive small ruminant breeding programs. While sporadic SPP outbreaks have been observed in the Russian Northern Caucasus and the Far East, the number of SPP outbreaks in the Russian Central and Far East regions has increased recently. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data on SPP virus (SPPV) in the Northern latitudes. In this study, we conducted epidemiological and genetic analyses of SPP outbreaks in Russia from 2013 to 2021 using whole-genome sequences of five selected isolates. The epidemiological data revealed an elevated risk of SPP outbreaks during the summer months, although outbreaks were not limited to this period. A phylogenetic analysis of the whole-genome sequences of selected SPPVs obtained directly from clinical samples revealed a unique cluster of SPPV isolates circulating in Central Russia, which was related to previous isolates from the European part of Russia. In contrast, SPPVs obtained from the Russian Far East showed genetic similarity to isolates detected in Southeast Asia. The whole-genome sequences demonstrated that the reported outbreaks were not related to the NISKHI vaccine strain, which was used to combat lumpy skin disease and SPP in Russia. Based on the study findings and GenBank data, we propose a novel cluster designation system for SPPV genomic sequences.

Rabies is a fatal disease of mammals that poses a high zoonotic risk to humans as well. The distribution of rabies is mainly driven by host animal migration and human-mediated dispersion. To contribute to the global understanding of the rabies virus (RABV) molecular epidemiology, 94 RABV field isolates collected from animals in 13 European Russian regions were phylogenetically characterized using the nearly full-size N gene nucleotide sequences. According to phylogenetic inferences, all isolates belonged to one of the two established phylogenetic groups, either group C (n = 54) or group D (n = 40), which are part of the clade Cosmopolitan of RABVs. Some representatives of group C collected from regions located far apart from each other had a remarkably high level of nucleotide identity. The possibility of the contribution of local bat species to the distribution of RABVs was discussed. Interestingly, over the years, the fraction of group D isolates has been constantly decreasing compared with that of group C isolates. The phylogenetic insights generated herein might have an important contribution to the control and surveillance of animal rabies epidemiology in the region.

Rabies is a zooanthroponotic disease, causing significant economic damage, resulting from losses due to livestock deaths, costs of preventive measures and diagnostic tests. The disease is transmitted through biting or licking of damaged skin or mucosa. The disease is absolutely fatal and practically all warm-blooded animals are susceptible to it. The paper presents the analysis of statistical data on rabies morbidity and mortality among humans and animals; the assessment of epidemic situation in the Russian Federation, including the target population vaccination coverage and effectiveness evaluation of measures, taken in Russia to prevent rabies spread. The major causes of human mortality are considered. The recommendations on decreasing the disease spread risks are given. It was established that about 60 thousand human deaths and 45 thousand animal deaths from rabies have been reported in the Russian Federation within the past 10 years (from 2010 to 2019). Moreover cases of licking/scratching/biting of humans (397,248 cases in 2019, out of them 10,232 by wild animals) are reported every year. The sources of human infection within the mentioned period were dogs (39%), foxes (18%), cats (14%), raccoon dogs (14%), wolves (4%), polar foxes (4%), ferrets (4%), unknown sources (3%). The analysis of data from veterinary reports showed that the most rabies-infected regions are the Central and Volga Federal Districts. Using the mathematical modeling of the epidemic process the results of preventive measures, taken by the Veterinary Service in case of rabies in the region, were evaluated.

African swine fever (ASF) has been a persistent threat to Eurasian pig populations since its emergence in 2007. The disease has become endemic in numerous countries, including Poland, Germany, Romania, Hungary, Italy, the Philippines, and several others. Epidemiological data reveals that over 99% of outbreaks are attributed to a highly virulent hemadsorbing virus belonging to genotype II. Traditional genotyping methods, primarily relying on the B646L gene, have faced significant limitations in providing a comprehensive understanding of virus dissemination patterns. Previous attempts to identify a universal marker for tracking virus spread through analysis of the CVR locus of the B602L gene and the I73R/I329L locus failed to produce a coherent picture of the virus’s geographical distribution across Eurasia. To address these challenges, a comprehensive study was conducted involving the analysis of 250 ASFV isolates/strains from 25 countries across Europe and Asia between 2007 and 2024. This research led to the development of a novel sub-genotyping algorithm for ASFV genotype II. The study identified four topotypes: «CAU1», «EU1», «EU2», and «ASIA1». Within these topotypes, 31 genetic lineages were detected, each characterized by specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Based on the comparison of two methods of sub-genotyping Eurasian ASFVs—the classification by Gallardo C. et al. (2023) based on genetic variations of 6 loci, and the proposed classification into topotypes and genetic lineages using whole-genomes—it was established that the multigenic approach has insufficient resolution. At the same time, significant differences were observed at the level of whole-genomes. The creation of a new spatiotemporal classification has significant applications in international surveillance of ASF outbreaks, local disease monitoring, and investigation of new infection cases.

Feline panleukopenia, a disease globally known since the beginning of the last century and originally attributed to canine distemper, has expanded its range of hosts since its discovery as a result of successful infections (both natural and experimental) in mustelids, raccoons and even primates. Evolutionarily, the disease pathogen gave rise to anew infectious agent– canine parvovirus, which, despite its DNA structure, demonstrates a relatively high mutation rate and the emergence of new variants. The disease is in most cases fatal to newborn kittens and causes severe manifestations in adult cats, severely affecting the vital systems of the body. The prognosis is often (up to50%) unfavorable, while the animal’s age plays a key role. Current preventive measures can ensure protection, however, vaccines are used in the absence of adequate testing on cats and dogs (for ethical reasons) and have a number of limitations in use. The persistence of the infectious agent in the environment and the growing number of stray animals allow the infectious agent to circulate unhindered in these populations, threatening the health of domestic cats and endangered felines in nature reserves and zoos. Easing of legislation for leading research centers, regulation of the number of stray animals, adequate prevention measures for target groups in animal shelters, nurseries and zoos can contribute to a significant reduction in the circulation insusceptible populations of pathogens not only of this disease, but also of the majority of other dangerous infections, such as rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, canine distemper and others.

The Russian Federation was officially recognized free from peste des petitts ruminants (PPR). As far as the disease infects both domestic and wild small ruminants, it is important to identify the level of the threat associated with the wild fauna diversity in the neighboring countries, where PPR outbreaks were reported. For that reason, habitats of various disease susceptible animal species were examined. Habitats of the wild susceptible animals were mapped for further examination of the interactions between different animal species using zoological research data; PPR outbreaks in wild animals were also designated in the map thus allowing for the detection of the potential routes of the infection spread in the population and introduction to the country. Analysis of the PPR epidemic situation in the country demonstrated that the disease cases were reported in wild mountain animals (ibices and moufflons) and migratory steppe animals (gazelles and saigas). Risk of this highly contagious viral disease spread in wild small ruminants in Mongolia was reported (probability 0.77). Expert survey was carried out for the determination of possible trends and factors of the infection introduction with the wild susceptible animals, through which small ruminant epizootologists assessed the risk probability. During the survey it was determined that PPR was expected to be introduced from Mongolia (probability 0.81), and of major significance were seasonal migrations of wild animal populations. The resulted semi-quantitative parameters of the potential risk can be recommended for the arrangement and implementation of measures aimed at prevention of PPR introduction and spread in the intact domestic and wild small ruminant populations inhabiting the territory of the Russian Federation.