Serological and molecular surveillance of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis in Kazakhstan
Karabassova A. Kirpichenko V. Nissanova R. Turkeev M. Akylbay A. Akshalova P. Bashenova E. Tulepov B. Mamanova S. Kaimoldina S. Zhapbar A. Ikramkulova F. Kassen A. Zharmukhametova A. Abay Z. Yussupov M. Zakarya K. Rsaliyev A. Abduraimov Y. Zhetpisbay Z. Sairambekova G. Nurpeisova A. Kassenov M.
2026Frontiers Media SA
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
2026#12
Introduction: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), caused by bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), remains endemic in Kazakhstan. Despite the absence of vaccination, comprehensive multi-year data on the virus circulation have been limited. Methods: A three-year surveillance between 2023 and 2025 was conducted in unvaccinated cattle from all 17 administrative regions a total of 8,590 serum samples and 4,795 nasal swabs. Serological monitoring was performed using two validated ELISA systems (IDEXX IBR gE Ab Test and ID Screen® IBR Indirect ELISA). Molecular detection employed real-time PCR on nasal swabs, and virus-isolation attempts were carried out on Vero cell monolayers. National reference serum panels were developed and externally validated at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Germany). Results: Serological testing revealed consistently high antibody prevalence—69.13% (2023), 80.64% (2024), and 82.79% (2025)—with marked regional variation. PCR positivity was 11.2% (280/2,500) in 2024 but only 0.43% (10/2,295) in 2025, indicating subclinical circulation and intermittent viral shedding. All virus-isolation attempts were negative, consistent with low viral loads and latent infection. The validated serum panels achieved > 95% concordance with international reference sera and were successfully implemented for national QA/QC. Conclusion: These findings confirm persistent BoHV-1 endemicity in Kazakhstan and highlight the diagnostic and epidemiological framework necessary for harmonized surveillance, DIVA-compatible vaccination (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals), and progressive alignment with WOAH eradication programs. Copyright
BoHV-1 , ELISA , infectious bovine rhinotracheitis , Kazakhstan , PCR , reference serum panels , surveillance
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Kazakh Scientific Research Veterinary Institute, LLP (KazSRVI), Almaty, Kazakhstan
National Holding Qazbiopharm, JSC, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Computer Science, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakh Scientific Research Veterinary Institute
National Holding Qazbiopharm
Department of Computer Science
National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections
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