Next-generation sequencing of five new avian paramyxoviruses 8 isolates from Kazakhstan indicates a low genetic evolution rate over four decades.

Five avian paramyxoviruses of serotype 8 (APMV-8) were isolated during a study monitoring wild birds in Kazakhstan in 2013 and each was further characterized. The viruses were isolated from three White-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), one Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), and one Little stint (Calidris minuta). Before our study, only two complete APMV-8 sequences had been reported worldwide since their discovery in the USA and Japan in the 1970s. We report the complete genome sequences of the newly detected viruses and analyze the genetic evolution of the APMV-8 viruses over four decades.

Monitoring of influenza A viruses in wild bird populations in Kazakhstan in 2002-2009.

A comprehensive influenza virus monitoring study of wild birds was carried out at important flyway resting places and wintering sites in Kazakhstan over eight years. More than 3200 birds belonging to 155 species were sampled. Nearly three-fourths of the birds belonged to the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. In total, 118 hemagglutinating agents were isolated, and 95 of them were identified as influenza A viruses. The influenza viruses comprised eight different subtypes with a high prevalence of H13 and H3 viruses and also included low-pathogenic H5 viruses. The vast majority of the H13 viruses were isolated from members of the family Laridae, whereas the H3 viruses mostly originated from members of the family Anatidae, both in concordance with other monitoring studies. All virus isolates were recovered from cloacal swabs or fecal samples only. The influenza viruses were identified mainly in wetlands north of the Caspian Sea. These findings should be integrated in the design of further wild-bird-monitoring activities.

Genome Sequence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A/Chicken/North Kazakhstan/184/2020 (H5N8).

The influenza virus strain A/chicken/North Kazakhstan/184/2020 (H5N8) was isolated in North Kazakhstan during a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in 2020. This study aimed to obtain the complete genome sequence of the isolate.

[Molecular-genetic characterization of Avian avulavirus 20 strains isolated from wild birds.]

INTRODUCTION: Previously unknown paramyxovirus strains were isolated from wild birds in 2013-2014 in Kazakhstan and subsequently identified as representatives of the novel Avian avulavirus 20 species. The aims and tasks were molecular genetic characterization of novel avulaviruses and investigation of their phylogenetic relationships. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Embryonated chicken eggs were inoculated with cloacal and tracheal swabs from wild birds with subsequent virus isolation. The complete nucleotide sequences of viral genomes were obtained by massive parallel sequencing with subsequent bioinformatics processing. RESULTS: By initial infection of chicken embryos with samples from 179 wild birds belonging to the Anatidae, Laridae, Scolopacidae and Charadriidae families, 19 hemagglutinating agents were isolated, and five of them were identified as representatives of new viral species. The study of their sequenced genomes revealed their similarity in size, but there was a significant genetic variability within the species. 2,640 nucleotide substitutions were identified and 273 of them were nonsynonymous, influencing the protein structure of viruses. It was shown that isolates Avian avulavirus 20/black-headed gull/Balkhash/5844/2013 and Avian avulavirus 20 /great black-headed gull/Atyrau/5541/2013 were 86% and 95% respectively identical to the previously described reference strain, indicating a significant evolutionary divergence within species. DISCUSSION: The authors suggest the existence of two independent lineages - the Caspian, represented by the reference strain Aktau/5976 and Atyrau/5541, as well as the second, geographically significantly distant Balkhash lineage. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the role of the birds of the Laridae family as the main reservoir of Avian avulavirus 20 in the avifauna that plays a key role in maintaining viruses of the genus Avulavirus in the biosphere and is a potential natural source for the emergence of new viral variants. Continuous surveillance of them in the wild is one of the most important tasks in ensuring the safety of the poultry industry.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Avian Paramyxovirus (APMV-13) Isolated from a Wild Bird in Kazakhstan.

A novel avian paramyxovirus was identified during annual viral surveillance of wild bird populations in Kazakhstan in 2013. The virus was isolated from a white fronted goose (Anser albifrons) in northern Kazakhstan. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the isolate, which we suggest should constitute a novel serotype.

The changing epidemiology of echinococcosis in Kazakhstan due to transformation of farming practices.

In recent years there has been a substantial increase in cystic echinococcosis in Kazakhstan. There are several factors that have contributed to this change in the epidemiology of the disease. The primary reason was the degradation of traditional nomadic system of livestock breeding and closing of large collective farms. Small private farms have started to keep stock year round in closer proximity to permanent human habitation. Furthermore, routine anthelmintic prophylaxis of dogs has been abandoned and there is inadequate control over the use and disposal of animal carcasses. Large mechanized slaughterhouses are no longer operational. Now more people (7-8 times) and more dogs (8-10 times) participate in the husbandry of 1000 sheep, than during Soviet administration. Because of the close association of dogs with man there is the potential for a substantial increase in eggs and of Echinococcus in immediate environment of inhabited houses. Soil samples taken from 61% of yards of village homes contained taeniid eggs and from 35% of yards from around farmsteads. During an examination of 1464 village dogs the average rate of infection with Echinococcus granulosus was 5.8%, whilst the prevalence in 607 shepherd dogs was 23.2%. At present, these dogs represent a major source of infection for people with this dangerous parasite. Examination of hospital records suggested that children and people in occupations associated with animal husbandry were at most risk of infection.