Abstract
This study focuses on the investigation of the distribution patterns of enterotoxemia in sheep farming in the West Kazakhstan region and examines the biological properties of epizootic strains of Clostridium perfringens, the causative agent of the disease. Infectious enterotoxemia is one of the most economically significant diseases in sheep husbandry due to its high mortality rate and acute clinical course.Samples were collected from sheep, environmental objects, and production facilities across the region, and C. perfringensstrains were isolated. Their morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics were analyzed. The pathogenic effects and virulence levels of different toxin-producing serotypes were evaluated using experimental animal models.Epizootiological analysis revealed the dynamics of the disease,seasonal variations, and age-related susceptibility among sheep populations. Furthermore, the biological properties of Clostridium perfringensepizootic strains isolated from sheep and lambs that died of infectious enterotoxemia were examined. A total of 25 isolates were obtained, and their morphological, biochemical, and toxigenic features were determined. The results demonstrated that the toxicity of type A strains was 75%, type C strains 80%, and type D strains 100%.These findings clarify the significant role of Clostridium perfringens in the pathogenesis of infectious enterotoxemia in sheep in the West Kazakhstan region and provide a scientific basis for improving diagnostic methods, developing preventive strategies, and enhancing veterinary-sanitary measures