First evidence of bluetongue virus in Kazakhstan

We report the results of the first serological survey for bluetongue virus in Kazakhstan. We analysed blood samples collected from 958 livestock and 513 wild saiga antelopes over a large area of the country, and found 23.2% seroprevalence in livestock and 0% in saigas. Seroprevalence in livestock did not vary by species, but increased significantly with age. There was no evidence for variation in seroprevalence at the regional level, but there was significant clustering at the farm level. Bluetongue has never before been reported in Kazakhstan, yet our results suggest that it may be endemic. We found seropositive animals at the furthest known northern limits of the bluetongue virus in this region of the world. Recorded vectors are not known to be present in Kazakhstan, so a novel vector is likely to be operating. The lack of evidence for bluetongue virus in saigas is unexpected and suggests a need for further investigation.