Aim. The Black Sea region is one of the centers of diversity of bats in the Palearctic. In this regard, the main aim of the work was determined ‐ to study the species composition of the bat fauna of the Black Sea region and the distribution of bat species there. The aim becomes especially relevant if we consider that significant changes have occurred in the composition of the region’s fauna in recent years and that the distribution of chiropterans in the Black Sea region as a whole has never been the object of special research.

   Discussion. The article contains point maps of the distribution of each of the 35 species of bats living in the subtropics of the Black Sea region and adjacent territories. In addition, the maps are provided with comments on the range of each species on the Black Sea coast.

   Conclusion. The data presented can be used both for fundamental research and for solving practical problems, primarily in the organization and implementation of environmental measures.

   Aim. To identify a complex of factors in the successful adaptation of the sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata Say for the development of methods for regulating its numbers of and effective biological control measures against this dangerous pest.

   Material and Methods. The research was carried out by studying scientific publications, analysing the dynamics of climate change in the Lazarevsky district of Sochi for 15 years and studying the reporting data of the Lazarevskaya Experimental Plant Protection Station, Branch of the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection for the period 2008 to 2022.

   Results. 5 key factors of successful adaptation of Corythucha ciliata to new invasion regions have been identified: the factors of food and climatic adaptation, the factor of interaction with natural enemies, the factor of resistance to entomopathogenic organisms and the factor of adaptation to anthropogenic load. The main conditions and possible vectors of further invasion of sycamore lace in new regions have been determined.

   Conclusion. The development of effective methods of biological control of the invasive pest Corythucha ciliata Say should be based taking into account the totality of qualitative characteristics of the pest's living conditions. The sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata Say effectively builds new trophic connections, without prejudice to its population, adapts not only to new climatic conditions, but also to their changes. Natural entomophages and entomopathogens do not significantly affect the development of the Corythucha ciliata population. The pest has adapted to survival in conditions of high anthropogenic load and successfully uses it to invade new regions.

   Aim. The aim of the work is to research the fauna of invertebrates in the Erebuni State Reserve.

   Material and Methods. As research material served invertebrates gathered in the Erebuni State Reserve. The work was carried out at the Scientific Centre for Zoology and Hydroecology, National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Armenia in the period 2019–2023. The material was from our own collections, as well as from collections of insects and mollusks of the Institute of Zoology. The identification and collection of insects and mollusks were done using standard methods.

   Results. An overview of some groups of invertebrates in the Erebuni State Reserve is here provided for the first time. As a result of the research, 35 species of Diptera, 15 species of Coleoptera, 44 species of Lepidoptera,
10 species of aphids and 12 species of mollusks were identified. Some species are listed in the “Red Book” of Armenia and are under the protection of the state, and there are rare species and species found in the Republic of Armenia only in the reserve. 15 species of insects identified by us develop on 4 plant species included in the “Red Book” of Armenia.

   Conclusion. The Erebuni State Reserve is represented by a rather diverse and valuable fauna of invertebrates studied by us, including a number of rare and protected species. Species of invertebrates associated in their development with valuable wild, economically important and protected plants have been identified in the reserve. Identification of species diversity and trophic relationships of some groups of insects that develop on rare and protected plants of the reserve is relevant for natural areas under state protection, of which the Erebuni State Reserve is one.

   Aim. The results of the inventory of species composition of epiphytic lichens and aphyllophoroid fungi on two 1 ha sample plots in lowland floodplain forests are presented. Such integrated studies of these groups of organisms are poorly known. Fungi, including lichenized fungi, are essential components of forest ecosystems. Data on their diversity and substrate distribution can provide important information on the condition and biological value of the forests studied.

   Material and Methods. The main method of the fieldwork was the "1‐ha method". For the alpha‐diversity study, two 1‐ha sample plots were established in well‐preserved forest areas: the first one in a site of mixed broad‐leaved forest with lianas, and the second one in communities dominated by Carpinus betulus and Quercus robur. The specimens were collected from all variety of woody substrate within plots in spring and autumn 2023.

   Results. We have revealed 89 species of lichens and 60 species of aphyllophoroid fungi. The lichen families Arthoniaceae, Lecanoraceae, Physciaceae, Ramalinaceae and Roccellaceae contain 47.2 % of all species. High proportion of lichens with Trentepohlia photobiont (29.2 %), significant number of Arthoniomycetes (Arthoniaceae, Lecanographaceae, Roccellaceae) and crustose lichens (75.3 %) have been noted. Among the aphyllophoroid fungi identified in the sample plots, 11 species are new to Dagestan, including three species (Antrodia leucaena, Coronicium gemmiferum, Steccherinum litschaueri) recorded for the Caucasus for the first time. Fourteen species are new to the Samursky National Park.

   Conclusion. The study of alpha diversity and substrate preferences of xylobionts revealed the richest and most specific phorophytes, as well as some ecological features of the surveyed plots. Most of the species were found on the bark and wood of Carpinus betulus, Populus alba and Quercus robur. The majority of species reported for the first time for the region have been recorded on these tree species. We expand the number of known species on Populus alba, on which only few species were previously known. High proportion of lichens with the Trentepohlia photobiont and the predominance of crustose species were revealed. In terms of basidiomata morphology, corticioid fungi dominated over polypores and clavarioids in general. The leading ecological and trophic group of aphyllophoroid fungi are saprotrophs. Revealed features indicate a significant contribution of the wood of the main forest‐forming tree species to the preservation of the species richness of myco ‐and lichen biota.

   Aim. Data collection and analysis of the composition and productivity of vegetation and assessment of carbon sequestration by vegetation and soil in meadow steppe at a fallow site in the Bashkir Cis‐Urals, Russia.

   Material and Methods. The work is based on a survey of vegetation and soils of meadow steppe located in fallow areas, where post‐agrogenic restoration succession has been going on for more than 20 years.

   Results. The plant cover of the area studied is close to natural rich‐forb meadow steppes but differs in lower indicators of species richness and saturation, as well as the presence of weedy segetal species. The total plant biomass on the plot studied was estimated at 11.35 t/ha (including live aboveground biomass 2.98 t/ha, mortmass 3.11 t/ha, root weight 5.25 t/ha). The average stock of carbon in the plant biomass is 427.6 g/m², and the total carbon stock in plant matter within the site is 36.88 tons. The soil cover of the area studied is Chernozem Calcic. The average levels of carbon stocks in short‐thickness soil at the 0–90 cm layer is 308 t/ha, while in medium‐thick soil it is 378 t/ha.

   Conclusions. A feature of the communities surveyed is a poor floristic composition, low productivity and low proportion of roots (47 % of the total plant biomass), which is caused by incomplete recovering of steppe vegetation and low thickness of the humus horizon. The soils of the site are close to virgin steppe lands in terms of carbon content and reserves.

   Aim. Comparative study and analysis of the variability of characters of the shoots and fruit of Fagus orientalis Lipsky from subalpine populations of the Western and Eastern Caucasus.

   Material and Methods. For the analysis randomly collected annual shoots with fruit from 47 Fagus orientalis trees from 6 populations of the Western and Eastern Caucasus were used. Measurement data from 12 traits were used to identify variability. The total repetition of measurements for each trait for 6 populations was 1318.

   Results. A comparative study of the variability of traits in the shoot and fruit of Fagus orientalis from 6 populations of the Eastern and Western Caucasus showed a predominance of size traits in individuals from the Eastern Caucasus. The trait “length of annual shoot” had the highest level of variability – 70.6 %. Low and medium levels were detected in fruit traits, leaf blade length and width, and plus length. The results of Student's t‐tests showed the greatest significance of differences in the “length of annual bud” trait – 28.98. Correlation analysis revealed positive, reliable relationships for most pairs of characteristics. The closest of them are noted in all fruit characters and in the character of length and width of the leaf blade.

   Conclusions. The predominance of size values of traits in individuals from populations of the Eastern Caucasus is associated with climatic conditions – the growing season in the Western Caucasus being shorter by almost a month. The low level of variability of fetal traits confirms their high genetic determination. The “apical bud length” trait can be used as an indicator, reflecting the degree of influence of environmental factors on populations. The closest correlations are manifested by the characteristics of the fruit and a pair of characteristics ‐ the length and width of the leaf blade.

   Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis and assessment of the taxon specificity of the morphological and anatomical features of the leaves of endemic species of the genus Allium in Dagestan.

   Material and Methods. The research materials were samples of endemic species of the genus Allium from the natural populations of mountainous Dagestan: A. daghestanicum; A. gunibicum; A. charadzeae; A. mirzojevii and A. samurense. For the analysis of morphometric features, 10 generative individuals were collected in the full flowering phase. Processing of the collected material was carried out at the Laboratory of Introduction and Genetic Resources of the Mountain Botanical Garden, Dagestan Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences. Fixation of the material and preparation of temporary micropreparations were carried out according to the generally accepted methods of anatomical studies. Anatomical studies were carried out on leaves of medium formation from the middle part of the leaf. Morphometric parameters of tissues and cells were measured using a Levenhuk D870T optical microscope with an eyepiece micrometer. Micropreparations were photographed using a Lomo‐AT 054 optical microscope and a DCM 510 SCOP video eyepiece.

   Results. A grouping of species according to leaf size was carried out: large‐leaved (A. daghestanicum, A. gunibicum, A charadze section Dagestanica. Tscholok. Friesen) and small‐leaved (A. mirzojevii, A. samurense section Oreiprason F. Herm.), according to the shape of the leaf cross section: grooved with smooth edges (A. daghestanicum), grooved with ribbed edges (A. gunibicum and A charadze) and rounded ribbed (A. mirzojevii and A. samurense), according to the number and size of vascular bundles. Descriptions of the anatomical structure of the leaves and an assessment of the species specificity of the studied traits of five species of Allium were carried out.

   Conclusions. It was determined that some features of the morphology and anatomy of the leaves of five endemic species of the genus Allium are species‐specific or due to environmental conditions of growth in the arid conditions of Inner Mountain Dagestan.

   Aim. To summarise and analyse scientific data on Cucumber mosaic virus strains (CMV – Cucumber mosaic virus) (Martellivirales: Bromoviridae, Cucumovirus) isolated from ornamental plants in the Far East of the Russian Federation.

   Discussion. The paper describes the genome structure and tripartite organization of CMV virions. Strains of this virus isolated from ornamental cultures in the south of the Russian Far East are described: Garden balsam, Common snapdragon, Dahlias, Hybrid gladiolus, Hybrid delphinium, Cambria, Indian canna, Cattleya, Tiger lily, Garden petunia, Primula obconica, Moth orchids, Fatshedera from Lize Freres, Weeping fig, Common hollyhock, Purple coneflower. The physicochemical properties (i. e. point of thermal inactivation, period of preservation of infectivity at a temperature of 20 °C, maximum dilution of juice causing disease of healthy plants) and the symptoms of these strains on a wide range of species and varieties of indicator plants are systematised according to the Russian Collection of East Asian Viruses, functioning at the Laboratory of Virology of the Federal Scientific Center for East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences.

   Conclusions. The limiting factor in the development of floriculture is infectious diseases, among which viral infections (including CMV) are of the greatest importance, demonstrating a high strain diversity in the south of the Russian Far East. Thus, the study of the biological, physico‐chemical, immunochemical and molecular biological properties of CMV is an urgent task, as it opens up the possibility of studying isolates of this virus and classifying its strains taking into account individual characteristics and kinship relationships.

   Aim. To study the potential of bacteria strains P. chlororaphis BZR 245‐F and Pseudomonas sp. BZR 523‐2 to inhibit the growth of Fusarium ear blight pathogens through the example of the fungus F. graminearum and to reduce the accumulation of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) in vitro.

   Materials and Methods. Antifungal metabolites of Pseudomonas bacteria were analysed by thin layer chromatography and bioautography. An experiment on the effect of liquid culture and supernatant of bacteria on the growth and toxin production of the fungus F. graminearum in vitro was carried out on wheat grain. Analysis of grain for mycotoxins was carried out by HPLC‐HRMS.

   Results. The ability of strains P. chlororaphis BZR 245‐F and Pseudomonas sp. BZR 523‐2 to produce antifungal metabolites was found, while inhibiting the growth of the fungus F. graminearum 60318 in vitro. The content of DON decreases both under the action of the liquid culture and supernatant of P. chlororaphis BZR 245‐F bacteria by 60 % and 70 %, respectively, and the liquid culture and supernatant of Pseudomonas sp. BZR 523‐2 bacteria by 75 % and 90 %, respectively. The accumulation of ZEN is also significantly suppressed under the influence of liquid cultures and supernatants of bacterial strains. The amount of ZEN decreases under the influence of liquid culture and supernatant of P. chlororaphis BZR 245‐F bacteria by 80 % and 95 %, respectively. Liquid culture and supernatant of Pseudomonas sp. BZR 523‐2 bacteria inhibited the accumulation of ZEN by 60 % and 84 %, respectively.

   Conclusion. The results obtained through the study of the effect of liquid cultures and supernatants of P. chlororaphis BZR 245‐F and Pseudomonas sp. BZR 523‐2 strains on the growth and toxin production of the fungus F. graminearum 60318 in vitro allow us to consider these strains as potential producers of effective biofungicides against toxin‐producing fungi. Further studies of these bacterial strains in vitro and in vivo on plants are needed.

   Aim. Assessment of the incidence of leukemia virus in cattle using PCR diagnostics in herds of the Republic of Dagestan and study of the molecular genetic characteristics of circulating viruses.

   Materials and Methods. 150 cattle blood samples were examined. PCR diagnostics of samples for the presence of bovine leukosis virus (BLV) were carried out using the RealBest‐Vet DNA BLV test system and a laboratory set of primers. Some of the samples were sequenced using the Sanger method and their phylogenetic analysis was performed.

   Results. Out of 150 samples, 24 samples were positive for the presence of BLV. In the Untsukulskiy district, no BLV DNA was detected in any of the 16 samples. In the Karabudakhkentskiy district out of 40 – in 2 (5 %), in Buynakskiy district – in 1 out of 30 (3.3 %) and in Babayurtovskiy district–in 21 out of 60 samples BLV was detected (35 %). For 13 BLV‐positive samples, fragments of the env gene measuring 1000 bp were obtained and deciphered. According to phylogenetic analysis, 7 samples of BLV belong to the 7^th, and 6 – to the 4^th genotype of BLV. The BLV genotype 4 isolated in the Babayurtovskiy district clusters with viruses from Kazakhstan, while viruses of genotype 4 from other farms cluster with Russian BLV. The studied samples of genotype 4 did not form common clusters. For the BLV genotype 7 isolated in farms of the Babayurtovskiy district, on the contrary, a combination of sequences into one cluster of genetically similar viruses was observed.

   Conclusion. Significant differences in the incidence of leukemia virus in livestock on farms in Dagestan were revealed. No patterns were found in the registration of cattle cases with a specific breed of cattle or with the age of the animal. It has been shown that viruses of both genotypes 7 and 4 circulate in the Republic. For BLV 4, it is assumed that there are different ways of its introduction into farms but no associated chains of virus spread have been found. For BLV genotype 7, transmission of BLV has been registered, which indicates the need to strengthen leukemia prevention measures on farms.

   Aim. To research the molecular epidemiological features of the territorial spread of HIV infection and the influence of recombination variability on the formation of the HIV‐1 population in the Primorsky Krai, Russia.

   Materials and Methods. A comprehensive analysis of the molecular genetic characteristics of HIV‐1 and clinical‐epidemiological data of 127 HIV‐infected residents of Primorsky Krai was performed. The nucleotide sequences of the pol gene region encoding protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase of HIV‐1 were obtained by the sequencing of amplified fragments of the virus. Genotyping, phylogenetic, and mutational analyses were performed using specialised software resources.

   Results. In the samples studied of HIV‐1 isolated in the Primorsky Krai, the dominance of HIV‐1 subtype A6 was detected as 40.9 %. The prevalence of subtype B viruses is high compared to other Russian regions – 29.9 %. The HIV‐1 subtype C was found in 6.3 % of the samples studied; circulating recombinant forms CRF63_02A6 – 6.3 %, CRF02_AG – 0.8 %. Unique viruses resulting from the recombination of HIV subtypes A6 and B, A6 and C, C and B were found in 15.7 % of cases (URF_A6C, URF_CB, URF_BA6). Of the 18 HIV‐1 URFs described, 14 were variants of URF_A6C (11 %). Analysis of the near full‐length genome (NFLG) of URF_A6C made it possible to find and describe a new HIV genovariant spreading in Primorye ‐ CRF157_A6C.

   Conclusion. The analysis of HIV‐1 circulating in the Primorsky Krai confirmed that a specific molecular epidemic situation is developing in the region, which is characterized by active transmission of viruses not only of subtype A6, but also of subtypes B and C, which is not observed in other regions of Russia. For the first time in the Far East, a high frequency of HIV‐1 new unique recombinant forms occurrence has been described, some variants of which are beginning to spread among residents of the Primorsky Krai. An increase in the genetic heterogeneity of the viral population due to recombination variability of HIV is a negative prognostic factor for the territorial epidemic progress of HIV infection in the Far East.

   Aim. To conduct a geographical analysis of the network of specially protected natural areas in the Russian‐Kazakhstan transboundary region and identify promising areas of international cooperation in the field of protection and conservation of natural geosystems.

   Material and Methods. The study was built on the basis of statistical processing of state statistics of Russia and Kazakhstan and on geoinformation analysis of open data on population and materials obtained from official geoinformation portals containing information on specially protected natural areas of both countries.

   Results. The authors have established and mapped border protected natural areas of federal/republican significance in the Russian‐Kazakhstan region. By means of GIS technologies, "zones of influence" of key nature protection areas were determined by constructing centroids of protected areas and Thyssen/Varzar polygons. Population levels of the territories within the obtained zones was calculated. Promising transboundary specially protected territories have been identified. Mechanisms for drawing attention to the problems of nature protection are proposed.

   Conclusions. The results of the analysis of the parameters of the population of the territory near the most significant protected areas in the border zone of Russia and Kazakhstan are of practical importance in the integration of specially protected natural areas into the socio‐economic development of the regions using the experience and traditions of the local population and taking into account their interests.

   Aim. To analyse samples of fallow soils in the north‐west of the Republic of Bashkortostan in order to identify the main characteristics and properties of the soil cover.

   Material and Methods. Field studies were carried out in November 2021 and August 2022. A key site was chosen, an abandoned agricultural land in the territory of the Nizhnekaryshevsky village council of the Baltachevsky district. During the work, 45 soil samples were taken from the PY horizon (depth 10–20 cm). A morphological description of the soil was also carried out for the key area studied. During laboratory studies, the following properties were investigated: actual acidity, potential acidity, organic matter content, basal soil respiration.

   Results. The results obtained showed the spatial heterogeneity of the distribution of soil cover properties (actual and potential acidity, basal respiration, carbon and humus content) in the study area. Such heterogeneity is formed under the influence of a complex of physical and geographical factors.

   Conclusion. In the future, our research will also be devoted to the study of fallow lands on grey forest soils. Emphasis should be placed on studying the relationship between soil cover properties and plant communities and geological and geomorphological conditions. The study of various physical and geographical factors affecting the soil cover will make it possible to describe in more detail the entire mechanism and evolution of soils of abandoned agricultural lands.

   Aim. To study resistance to leaf, yellow and stem rusts of winter and spring wheat and winter triticale samples from the collection of the N. I. Vavilov All‐Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) and breeding centres of southern Russia in different phases of ontogenesis and to identify new sources with group resistance.

   Material and Methods. The resistance of 158 wheat and triticale samples from the VIR collection and southern breeding centres to populations of leaf, stem and yellow rusts in different plant growth stages was analysed. In the juvenile phase the samples studied were inoculated with populations of rust fungi in climate chambers of the Federal Research Centre of Biological Plant Protection and the type of plant reaction to lesions was noted. In field conditions the samples were evaluated according to the CIMMYT scale on an artificial infectious background.

   Results. In the adult plant stage under field conditions 79 wheat and triticale samples with group resistance to leaf, yellow and stem rusts were identified, and in the juvenile stage 26 samples. 22 samples showed resistance to three rusts in both phases of ontogenesis. Of these, 5 samples belong to the VIR collection, 3 winter triticale varieties (Dozor, Knyaz, Svat) and the Kavalerka wheat variety selection of the P.P. Lukyanenko National Grain Centre, 9 lines from the Donskoy Agrarian Research Centre and the Federal Rostov Agrarian Research Centre, and 4 winter triticale varieties (Ataman Platov, Zimogor, Kapral, Legion) of selections of the Federal Rostov Agrarian Research Centre.

   Conclusion. The samples of wheat and winter triticale with group resistance which have been identified are promising for use in breeding for immunity to rust diseases.

   Aim. To assess the contribution of human enteroviruses to the overall structure of acute respiratory viral infections in children in Novosibirsk during the epidemic season 2022–2023.

   Material and Methods. 1132 samples collected from children aged 0–15 years with symptoms of ARVI were analyzed by real–time PCR for the presence of genetic material of respiratory viruses, including enteroviruses.

   Results. 65.2 % of the examined children were positive for at least one virus, including enteroviruses. Respiratory syncytial virus was most often found in children during this period, which accounted for 17.2 % of the total number of samples studied. Influenza virus was detected in 14.2 % of the examined children. Enteroviruses were detected in 9.2 % of cases and rhinovirus was detected in 10.8 % of the examined children.

   Conclusions. Respiratory enteroviruses, along with rhinovirus, occupy a significant place in the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections in children. The study of the epidemiology of enteroviruses is necessary to understand the clinical manifestations and outcomes of enterovirus infection, and to assess the burden of diseases caused by enteroviruses, which is important for optimizing prevention and therapy strategies.

   Aim. The problems of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of nature management and environmental safety are considered. Possible directions for the development of cooperation both at the interstate and interregional levels of border territories are presented. Purpose is to analyse the current state of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of environmental management and environmental safety.

   Material and Methods. The main results were obtained using a systematic approach through field geographical research, comparative historical and comparative typological analysis, etc. Materials regarding water resources, reservoirs and statistical indicators of the dynamics and structure of water use were used.

   Results. The main problems in the field of nature management and environmental safety of the two countries were identified. The prospects of interstate cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan at the interstate and regional levels on transboundary environmental problems and sustainable use of land and water resources, protection of wildlife are identified and substantiated. Based on a retrospective analysis of the experience of interaction between the two countries and possible prospects for cooperation, concepts and directions for the development of strategic partnership in field of cross‐border nature management and environmental safety of transboundary water bodies, and the conservation of migratory species of wildlife are proposed.

   Conclusions. The modern post–virgin space is confidently transforming into an agro‐export one – an analogue of the virgin one at a new technological and climatic stage with an export orientation in the face of new challenges. The further development of this space should be based on the optimisation of agriculture and water use, taking into account the preservation of natural diversity.

   Aim. To identify the specific features of the accumulation of heavy metals in Trаpa nаtans and Nymphoides peltata in the Volga delta.

   Materials and Methods. Plant sampling was carried out in the Astrakhan State Nature Biosphere Reserve. Determination of the concentration of chemical elements was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

   Results. As a result of the research it was noted that the plant species studied had some similarities in the accumulation of chemical elements. In both types of plants iron was predominantly accumulated, manganese content being in second place in terms of metal concentration. Chromium and cadmium were found to be in the lowest concentrations. Nymphoides peltata is an iron accumulator compared to Trapa natans. The leaves of Trapa natans are manganese concentrators, while the stems are copper concentrators.

   Conclusions. Based on the specific features identified in the accumulation of chemical elements in plants, a proposal is put forward regarding the possibility of using the leaves and stems of Nymphoides peltata as a test object for monitoring iron and chromium concentrations in water and the leaves of Trapa natans for monitoring copper concentrations in water.

   Aim. Analysis of the influence of species, sex, and age of genus Anas and Aythya individuals on their sensitivity to low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV) in the south of Western Siberia.

   Material and Methods. Infestation of ducks with the influenza virus was determined by cloacal swabs obtained from 5014 individuals of ducks belonging to the genus Anas and Aythya during the autumn migration period in the south of Western Siberia. Isolation of influenza A virus isolates was carried out according to standard WHO methods. The distribution of infected individuals was estimated with ꭓ². Relative risk (RR) was used to estimate the risk of infection for each individual species.

   Results. Among the examined ducks, the distribution between species differed between infected and uninfected individuals. The common teal was under greater risk of being infected with the avian influenza virus. In this species, the sex of the individual influenced the probability of infestation both in young individuals and the whole age spectrum.

   Conclusions. Individual characteristics of wild dabbling and diving ducks (species, sex, age) affect their infestation with low‐pathogenic avian influenza virus during the autumn migration period in the south of Western Siberia.