Parasitic Fauna of Lepus europaeus and Lepus timidus in Kazakhstan: Parasitological Profile and Molecular Identification

Hares (Lepus europaeus and Lepus timidus) play important ecological and economic roles in Kazakhstan; however, data on their parasitic fauna are scarce. This study aimed to assess the diversity, prevalence, and genetic characteristics of endoparasites in wild hare populations from central and northern Kazakhstan. From November 2022 to February 2025, 107 hares (L. europaeus, n = 46; L. timidus, n = 61) were collected in the Akmola and Karaganda regions. Parasitological and coprological analyses were conducted. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses were performed using partial sequences of the mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 genes and a partial 28S rDNA region to assess the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of selected parasite genera. Seven parasite taxa were identified: Mosgovoyia pectinata (6.5% in L. europaeus, 11.5% in L. timidus), Cysticercus pisiformis (4.3% in Le, 3.3% in Lt), Coenurus serialis (3.3%, only in Lt), Passalurus ambiguus (6.5% in Le, 4.9% in Lt), Nematodirus leporis (36.6% in Le, 13.4% in Lt), Eimeria spp. (9.1% in Le, 3.8% in Lt), and Trichuris leporis (1.9%, only in Lt). Genetic methods confirmed species identity and revealed phylogenetic relationships. This is the first genetically confirmed survey of endoparasites in hares in Kazakhstan. The results contribute valuable data to regional parasitology and support the need for continued wildlife health monitoring.