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Home / Equine Research Bank / Microorganisms / Serological Investigations on West Nile Virus in Horses in K...
Microorganisms2025; 13(11); 2541; doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13112541

Serological Investigations on West Nile Virus in Horses in Kazakhstan.

Abstract: This study presents the first investigation of West Nile virus (WNV) seroprevalence among farmed horses in Kazakhstan. In 2024, a total of 368 serum samples were collected from horses across 106 settlements in 10 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies to WNV were detected in 32 horses (8.7%; 95% CI: 6.2-12.0%) from six regions. Among the seropositive animals, 26 (81.25%) were females and 6 (18.75%) were males, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years. No statistically significant association between sex and the presence of antibodies to WNV was found in any of the six regions. Significant differences between age groups were observed in Aktobe (χ = 12.16; = 0.002) and Turkestan (χ = 4.20; = 0.040). In the remaining regions (Almaty, Zhetisu, West Kazakhstan, and Atyrau), no significant age-related differences were recorded ( > 0.05). These findings confirm the circulation of WNV among horse populations in Kazakhstan and highlight the practical value and effectiveness of using horses as sentinel indicators for WNV surveillance.
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Publication Date: 2025-11-06 PubMed ID: 41304226PubMed Central: PMC12654397DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13112541Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study investigated the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies in horses across Kazakhstan to determine the extent of WNV exposure in these animals.
  • Results confirmed that WNV is circulating among horse populations in multiple regions, highlighting horses as useful indicators for WNV monitoring.

Introduction and Context

  • West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that affects birds, humans, and various mammals, including horses.
  • Horses are considered important sentinel species because their infection indicates viral circulation in the environment.
  • Prior to this study, there was no published data on WNV seroprevalence in horses in Kazakhstan, making this the first such investigation in the country.

Study Design and Methods

  • Timeframe: The study was conducted in the year 2024.
  • Sample Collection: 368 serum samples were collected from horses located in 106 different settlements across 10 regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
  • Testing Method: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies specific to WNV in the serum samples.

Key Findings

  • Seroprevalence Results: Antibodies to WNV were detected in 32 of the tested horses, corresponding to an overall seroprevalence of 8.7% (95% Confidence Interval: 6.2% to 12.0%).
  • Geographical Distribution: Positive cases were found in six regions – Aktobe, Turkestan, Almaty, Zhetisu, West Kazakhstan, and Atyrau.
  • Sex Distribution:
    • Of the 32 positive horses, 26 (81.25%) were females and 6 (18.75%) were males.
    • No statistically significant link was found between the sex of the horses and the presence of WNV antibodies in any of the six regions.
  • Age Distribution:
    • Positive horses ranged in age from 1 to 19 years.
    • Statistically significant differences in seroprevalence between different age groups were observed in:
      • Aktobe region (Chi-squared χ = 12.16; p = 0.002)
      • Turkestan region (Chi-squared χ = 4.20; p = 0.040)
    • No significant age-related differences were noted in Almaty, Zhetisu, West Kazakhstan, and Atyrau (p-values > 0.05).

Interpretation and Implications

  • The detection of WNV antibodies in multiple regions confirms active circulation of WNV among horses in Kazakhstan.
  • The lack of association between sex and seropositivity suggests that male and female horses are equally exposed to WNV vectors.
  • Age-related differences in some regions may indicate variations in exposure risks or immune responses linked to age.
  • Horses can be effectively used as sentinel animals to monitor the presence and spread of WNV in Kazakhstan, aiding in surveillance and control efforts.

Conclusion

  • This first serological survey provides important baseline data on WNV exposure in horses across Kazakhstan.
  • It supports the value of sero-surveillance in equine populations to inform public health and veterinary strategies for WNV risk management.
  • Further regional studies with larger sample sizes and ecological assessments of vector populations could enhance understanding of WNV transmission dynamics in the country.

Cite This Article

APA
(2025). Serological Investigations on West Nile Virus in Horses in Kazakhstan. Microorganisms, 13(11), 2541. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112541

Publication

Microorganisms
ISSN: 2076-2607
NlmUniqueID: 101625893
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 11
PII: 2541

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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