Pasteurellosis in farm animals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological properties of Pasteurella multocida strains circulating among farm and wild animals in Kazakhstan, particularly saigas, to optimise the diagnostics and prevention of pasteurellosis. The study employed bacteriological, microscopic, and biochemical methods to analyse 20 samples of biomaterial collected from saigas and farm animals: 10 samples from specimens from Torgai village (Dzangeldy district, Kostanay region, Kazakhstan) and 10 samples from specimens from Kaztalov district (West Kazakhstan region, Kazakhstan). The study found that all isolates (100%, n=60) belonged to Pasteurella multocida biovar ovis: greyish-white colonies 1-2 mm in diameter were formed on meat-peptone agar without haemolysis, gram-negative bipolar rods were detected in smears, and fermentation of glucose, sucrose, mannose, and trehalose was accompanied by the formation of acid without gas (in 100% of cases). Bioassays on 10 white mice (weight 16-20 g) showed 100% mortality within 48 hours after injection of 0.2 ml of culture, with haemorrhages in the heart, liver necrosis, and exudate in the abdominal cavity. Statistical analysis (Fisher’s test) revealed no significant differences between the 2015 and 2023 isolates (p>0.05), confirming the circulation of a stable clone. The findings reflect the key role of saigas as a reservoir of infection and the need for integrated measures: aerosol vaccination during migrations, introduction of polymerase chain reaction diagnostics, and antibiotic resistance monitoring. The data obtained are the basis for the development of regional antiepizootic strategies aimed at reducing risks to agriculture and conservation of wildlife populations in Kazakhstan