Molecular Epidemiology of Helminths at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface in Kazakhstan: Evidence from Sheep and Saiga

Helminth infections remain a major constraint to livestock productivity, particularly in regions where domestic animals and wildlife share grazing habitats. This study investigated the molecular diversity and transmission dynamics of helminth communities in sheep (Ovis aries) and saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) in West Kazakhstan. A total of 35 animals (20 sheep and 15 saiga) were examined, and helminths were identified using polymerase chain reaction targeting the ITS1 region of ribosomal DNA for nematodes and the mitochondrial cox1 gene for cestodes. Of the 20 analyzed samples, 80% were successfully identified at the molecular level. Detected species included Haemonchus contortus, Trichuris ovis, Chabertia ovina, Moniezia expansa, and Avitellina centripunctata. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chabertia ovina isolates from both hosts clustered within a single monophyletic clade, indicating high genetic similarity and supporting potential cross-species transmission. Mitochondrial markers provided higher resolution for cestode differentiation, whereas ITS1 was effective for nematode identification. The predominance of Chabertia ovina in saiga suggests ecological adaptation and efficient transmission within wild populations. These findings highlight the epidemiological significance of shared grazing ecosystems and underscore the need for integrated parasite control strategies that consider both livestock and wildlife reservoirs.