Parasitic Fauna of and in Kazakhstan: Parasitological Profile and Molecular Identification.

Hares ( and ) play important ecological and economic roles in Kazakhstan; however, data on their parasitic fauna are scarce. This study aimed to assess the diversity, prevalence, and genetic characteristics of endoparasites in wild hare populations from central and northern Kazakhstan. From November 2022 to February 2025, 107 hares (, n = 46; , n = 61) were collected in the Akmola and Karaganda regions. Parasitological and coprological analyses were conducted. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses were performed using partial sequences of the mitochondrial and genes and a partial 28S rDNA region to assess the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of selected parasite genera. Seven parasite taxa were identified: (6.5% in , 11.5% in ), (4.3% in , 3.3% in ), (3.3%, only in ), (6.5% in , 4.9% in ), (36.6% in , 13.4% in ), spp. (9.1% in , 3.8% in ), and (1.9%, only in ). Genetic methods confirmed species identity and revealed phylogenetic relationships. This is the first genetically confirmed survey of endoparasites in hares in Kazakhstan. The results contribute valuable data to regional parasitology and support the need for continued wildlife health monitoring.