Animal Trypanosomiasis in Kazakhstan: Epidemiological Burden and One Health Considerations

Animal trypanosomiasis, primarily caused by Trypanosoma evansi (surra) and related species, represents a neglected but economically significant disease of livestock in Central Asia. In Ka-zakhstan, infections in camels, horses, and cattle contribute to productivity losses and undermine rural livelihoods. Although Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) has not been reported in the country, climate change and increased livestock mobility raise concerns about future risks of exotic introductions. This review synthesises current knowledge on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of animal trypanosomiasis in Kazakhstan within a regional and global context. Particular attention is given to diagnostic approaches: while conventional parasitological and serological methods remain in use, molecular tools are underdeveloped and inconsistently applied in vet-erinary settings. We highlight gaps in surveillance, the lack of species-specific diagnostic proto-cols, and the need to distinguish clearly between techniques for human versus animal trypano-somes. Framed within a One Health perspective, we argue that addressing animal trypanosomiasis is critical not only for protecting livestock productivity but also for strengthening regional pre-paredness against potential zoonotic threats.