The presence of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections is a constraint of importance yet under-investigated in the current population restoration of the highly endangered saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica), a migratory species undergoing several ecological and conservation pressures. The review compiles and critically evaluates the current knowledge on diversity, epidemiology, transmission patterns, pathophysiological effects, diagnostic methods, and conservation implications of GIN infections of Saiga tatarica on their geographical distribution. In Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Russia evidence shows that saiga harbor a rich community of helminths with cold-adapted genera, including Marshallagia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus with the majority of 38 identified species present in domestic livestock, a strong interface between wildlife and livestock and potential cross-transmission. The epidemiology of the parasites relies heavily on the migration of the saiga, timely calving groups, and ecological factors that promote larval survival even in severe climate conditions of the steppe. Although infections may be subclinical, chronic parasitism can result in immunosuppression, fecundity reduction, and growth retardation, which might increase vulnerability to other disease outbreaks, including pasteurellosis. Diagnostic methodologies like McMaster and Fulleborn do provide useful information but cannot track these nomadic species for which molecular tools like metabarcoding and q-PCR are efficient. Therefore, a comprehensive conservation strategy is required, encompassing anthelmintic treatment in shared grazing areas, saiga health monitoring, and safeguarding migration routes to minimize environmental pollution. This review underscores that managing these parasites is crucial for the saiga’s health and are indicators of its ecosystem health.

To Cite This Article: Kozhayeva A, Kushaliyev K, Satybaev B, Zainettinova D, Turganbaeva G, Mendybayeva E, Niyatova A, Gabdullin D and Bayantassova S, 2026. Gastrointestinal nematodes of the saiga antelope: a review of diversity, epidemiology, pathophysiology and conservation significance. Pak Vet J, 46(2): 272-281. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2026.021