Bovine hypodermosis is highly prevalent in Kazakhstan: Results of a first serological study

Background and Aim: Recent information on the occurrence of bovine hypodermosis in Kazakhstan is limited to the results of a few clinical studies in the northern and eastern regions. A first serological study aimed to obtain more data on its geographical distribution and to estimate the prevalence in this country. Material and Methods: Serum samples collected from 891 dairy cows on 30 dairy farms in eight Kazakh provinces during the winter season 2015/2016 were examined for antibodies to Hypoderma spp. first-stage larval antigen using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IDEXX Bovine Hypodermosis Serum Antibody Test). Results: Overall, 73.6% (95% confidence interval: 70.6%-76.5%) of the cows sampled were seropositive for Hypoderma, and antibody-positive cows were found in 28 of 30 farms and in seven of eight provinces. Conclusion: The results suggest a high prevalence of bovine hypodermosis in Kazakhstan, for which the socioeconomic changes in agriculture and village life following the country's independence are considered to be responsible.

Automated summary

This study conducted a serological study to investigate the occurrence of bovine hypodermosis in Kazakhstan. The results showed a high prevalence of this disease in the country.