Characteristics of genetic resistance to Maedi-Visna in sheep breeds raised in Russia

Inherited Disorders and Disease-Resistance Genomics in Kazakhstan Ruminants: Evidence, Limits and Breeding Priorities

Kazakhstan ruminant genomics is expanding through targeted diagnostic testing, SNP-array studies, whole-genome sequencing, runs of homozygosity, candidate-gene analyses, transcriptomic studies and pathogen molecular diagnostics. However, these evidence types differ substantially in their relevance for breeding decisions. This structured narrative review evaluates molecular evidence for inherited disorders, deleterious alleles, disease-resistance loci, reproductive genes and genomic-health indicators in Kazakhstan cattle, sheep and goats. We define actionable evidence as evidence that can directly inform breeding management because it involves a validated pathogenic variant, risk variant or fertility haplotype detected or excluded in breeding-relevant animals or germplasm. Under this definition, cattle currently provide the strongest immediately actionable evidence, mainly because targeted studies have screened validated defects and fertility-related loci in artificial-insemination bulls, imported germplasm or breed-relevant populations. Evidence includes Kazakhstan-associated screening for BLAD (Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency), DUMPS (Deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase), hypotrichosis, OH1-associated achromatopsia, fertility haplotypes and several beef- or dairy-breed recessive defects. In sheep, evidence is broader but less directly actionable, consisting mainly of prion protein gene preparedness, MHC (Major histocompatibility complex)-related immune hypotheses, reproductive candidate loci, runs of homozygosity, genome wide associated data and pathogen-exposure context. In goats, current evidence is mostly population-genomic and adaptation-oriented, while hereditary-disease surveillance and phenotype-linked resistance studies remain sparse. We propose an author-defined staged genomic-health framework that separates validated carrier-screening evidence from candidate genomic signals and international evidence requiring local validation. Priority actions include carrier-aware management of high-impact cattle germplasm, representative prion protein gene and runs of homozygosity baselines in small ruminants, phenotype-first surveillance, biobanking and national genotype–phenotype databases.

Study of Genetic Resistance to Scrapie in Sheep of the Gene Pool Herd of the Southern Meat Breed and in Their First Generation (F1) Crossbreeds with Katumskaya Breed by the Prion Protein Gene (PRNP)

Deciphering genetic diversity and selection footprints in Rathi cattle through ddRAD-based genome-wide analysis

Molecular Characterization of Publicly Available NDV F Gene Sequences From Bangladesh (2010–2024)

Newcastle disease, caused by avian orthoavulavirus serotype 1, is a highly contagious and economically devastating viral infection affecting both wild and domestic birds. The disease is characterized by severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms, often leading to high mortality and substantial production losses, particularly in commercial poultry. In Bangladesh, multiple virulent and avirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genotypes and subgenotypes continue to circulate despite ongoing vaccination programs. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the genetic landscape of prevalent NDV strains in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2024 using full‐length coding sequences of the fusion (F) gene. Specifically, we focused on genotypes, subgenotypes, host species, and annual distribution patterns in the country. We further investigated phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary divergence, and amino acid substitutions in the full‐length F protein. Comparative analyses of amino acid variability and sequence similarity between currently used vaccine strains and prevalent Bangladeshi field isolates were also scrutinized. We have unraveled considerable genetic divergence, and highlighted mismatches in genotypic coverage. These findings underscore the urgent need to reevaluate existing NDV vaccines strain to ensure improved protection against circulating NDVs in Bangladesh.

Whole-Genome Resequencing-Based Selection-Signal and Association Analyses Prioritize Candidate Genes and Haplotypes for PRRS Resistance-Related Traits in Pigs

Simple Summary Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is a serious infectious disease that causes reproductive problems, breathing illness, and major economic losses in pig production. Vaccines and farm management help control the disease, but they do not always provide enough protection because the virus changes easily. This study aimed to find inherited genetic features that may help identify pigs with better natural resistance to this disease. Pigs were first screened after vaccination and then after exposure to the virus, and animals with clearly different disease-response patterns were selected for detailed genetic analysis. By comparing genetic differences between resistant and susceptible pigs and combining these results with public data showing how genes behave during infection, this study identified several candidate genes and genetic regions related to disease response. A region on chromosome 8, especially around genes named NFXL1 and NIPAL1, was highlighted, and a specific genetic pattern in this region was more common in resistant pigs. These findings provide useful clues for future testing and may support breeding programs aimed at improving disease resistance in pigs.

Genetic Evolution and Molecular Characterization of PRRSV GP5 in Germany

Simple Summary Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses in the German swine industry. Yet data on its main structural protein, GP5, have not been systematically analyzed in Germany. GP5 is a glycosylated envelope protein, which plays an important role in immune evasion. In the present study, the evolutionary and structural characteristics of the GP5 gene were analyzed to predict potential evolutionary patterns of PRRSV. The analysis provides molecular insights into prevention strategies and vaccine development. Additional studies on whole genome analysis and spatial structure analysis are needed to deepen the understanding of German PRRSV evolution and the structure of GP5, which can facilitate vaccine development and lay the foundation for prevention strategies.