Authors: Zeng Weixin, Kairat Zhumanov, Awulibieer Madina, Abylay Sansyzbay, Serik Khizat, Yang Meihua, Wang Yuanzhi, Hazihan Wurelihazi
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Tick-Borne Pathogens in Kazakhstan: Expanding Our Understanding of Central Asian Disease Distribution Tick-borne pathogens pose significant threats to equine and livestock health worldwide, yet their prevalence across Kazakhstan has remained poorly documented. Between 2022 and 2024, researchers collected over 10,400 ticks from naturally infested cattle, sheep, and horses across six regions of eastern, southern, and western Kazakhstan, with 272 specimens selected for molecular species identification and genotyping of piroplasms, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia. The study revealed a concerning diversity of pathogenic agents, including two Babesia species (notably *Babesia caballi* genotype B, newly confirmed in Kazakhstan), four Theileria species—including *Theileria equi* genotype A and *Theileria orientalis* genotype 1 (Chitose)—alongside *Anaplasma phagocytophilum* and three Ehrlichia species, several detected in the country for the first time. For equine practitioners, these findings underscore the need for heightened awareness of multi-pathogen tick exposure risk in this region, particularly regarding *T. equi* and *B. caballi*, which cause significant morbidity and mortality in horses; diagnostic protocols and disease surveillance strategies should reflect the documented presence of these specific genotypes. The expanded geographical knowledge of pathogen distribution across Central Asia strengthens the case for comprehensive tick control programmes and serological screening in areas where cross-border livestock movement may facilitate pathogen spread into previously unaffected territories.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Horses in Kazakhstan are at risk from multiple tick-borne pathogens including B. caballi and T. equi; implement tick control and surveillance protocols appropriate for Central Asian regions.
- •First documentation of A. phagocytophilum and novel Ehrlichia species in Kazakhstan suggests emerging disease risk; veterinarians should consider these pathogens in differential diagnoses for febrile equine cases.
- •Geographically-specific pathogen profiles across Kazakhstan oblasts indicate regional variation in disease risk; tailor biosecurity and treatment strategies to local tick-borne pathogen prevalence.
Key Findings
- •Ten tick-borne pathogen species were identified from 10,461 ticks collected across Kazakhstan, including two Babesia, four Theileria, two Anaplasma, and three Ehrlichia species.
- •Genotype B of B. caballi, genotype 1 (Chitose) of T. orientalis, and genotype A of T. equi were confirmed in Kazakhstan for the first time.
- •A. phagocytophilum and three phylogeny-independent Ehrlichia species were detected in Kazakhstan for the first time.
- •Tick-borne pathogens were distributed across six oblasts in eastern, southern, and western Kazakhstan affecting cattle, sheep, and horses.