Anthelmintic Properties of Essential Oils to Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep-In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Herbal products such as essential oils may play a promising role in the treatment of infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro potential of 11 essential oils (EOs) and one binary combination of isolated EO compounds, as well as the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of two EO formulations. Four GIN genera were identified in the coproculture examination: Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia and Chabertia. The in vitro egg hatch test (EHT) was performed at six different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195 and 0.049 mg/mL) for each EO, whereas in the in vivo faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), each EO sample was diluted in sunflower oil and orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg to the different group of animals. In the EHT, the EOs of Origanum vulgare, Foeniculum vulgare, Satureja montana, Satureja hortensis and two types of Thymus vulgaris were the most effective. The dominant compounds of these EOs were carvacrol, thymol, anethol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene, indicating their importance for the anthelmintic activity. In the FECRT, both T. vulgaris EO type 1 and linalool:estragole combination show an anthelmintic potential with a mean effect on FECR of approximately 25%. The results suggest the possible role of tested EOs as anthelmintic agents in sheep farms, although further in vivo tests are needed.

CONTROL AND VIABILITY OF BEE NOSEMOSES

Nosemosis is a bee disease practically present in all countries of the world. Control of the presence of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae is of great importance. The consequences for bees will depend on the degree of infection of the bees colony.Weakening of bee colonies, reduction of production possibilities, contamination with bee feces of hives, death of bees and / or their complete disappearance are some of the signs of the disease. The bees life physiology, which largely depends on the season, and regular control of the pathogenspresence can determine the perspective of the disease. The consequences of reducing the number of bee colonies are not only reflected in a smaller amount of bee products (honey, royal jelly, pollen, wax), but their lack is directly reflected in agricultural production by reducing pollination. Domestic and international trade in bee products plays an important role in the transmission of Nosema sp. and others infectious and parasitic diseases of bees. Therefore, the control of the presence and viability of Nosema sp. in some bee products is important. Our analysis showed that the control of the presence of the cause of nosemosis in our conditions is small in relation to the number of beekeepers, bee colonies and hives. On the other hand, reducing the viability of Nosema sp. in different temperature conditions provides an opportunity for safe trade.

CLINICAL ISOLATES OF E.coli IN PIGS – ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND PERSPECTIVES TO OPTIMIZE ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION

Modern livestock production inevitably involves the use of antimicrobial drugs. Adequate application thereof depends on the application of appropriate biosafety measures as well as timely and accurate diagnostics of the diseases. Administration of antimicrobial drugs without previous identification of “zootechnical errors” or relevant laboratory analysis may lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Surveillance and monitoring of AMR is conducted according to prescribed procedures and includes sampling at slaughter line. Quite often, such procedures are missed out during production cycle, which results in an inadequate use of antibiotics and consequent development of antimicrobial resistance and resistance gene transfer. In this research, we monitored the presence of specific bacterial species from the family Enterobacteriaceae and their sensitivity to particular antibiotics in diverse animal categories at pig farms over the breeding period. The aim of the study was to establish the following: development of antimicrobial resistance by isolated bacteria, occurrence of the resistance towards several diverse groups of antibiotics, and possible alternatives to antibiotics in cases when therapy is required. The research confirmed the development of AMR during pig production process, which is often manifested as multiple resistance (group of penicillin and synthetic penicillin drugs, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines).

ASSESSMENT OF ANTIMICROBIALS USAGE IN COMMERCIAL FARROW-TO-FINISH PIG HOLDINGS IN VOJVODINA REGION (SERBIA)

The pig production is considered to be amongst the animal husbandry sectors with the highest antimicrobial usage. In Serbia, antimicrobials have wide application at pig farms as therapeutic but also as a prophylactic treatment. The aim of the research study was assessment of the antimicrobial usage in different stages of pig production in commercial farrow to-finish pig holdings located in Vojvodina Province (Serbia). In the research a total eleven pig holdings located in the Vojvodina Province were included. All investigated herds were single site farrow-to-finish production systems with minimum of 300 sows in the site. The data on prophylactic and therapeutic measures on the investigated farms were obtained from official farm treatment records provided by the veterinarians and/or farmers. The antimicrobials usage on the pig farms was recorded by product, administration route and animal production category. Analysis of recorded data revealed that different types of antimicrobials from almost all groups are applied. Breeding pigs (sows, boars) received less treatment compared to growing categories. Regarding different antimicrobials, a frequent use of cephalosporins and polymyxins  applied to growing piglets was detected. The group treatments were mostly preventive and antimicrobial usage often lack prior a precise diagnosis. The high amounts of macrolides and pleuromutilins (tiamulin), quite often in combination with tetracycline’s in fattening stage were notified. In conclusion, the significant level of prophylactic antimicrobial treatments in farrow-to-finish pig farms in Serbia is evident. The present study was initiated as a first step for comparing antimicrobial usage on herd level using available data.  

In vitro ovicidal activity of two chemotypes of the yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) essential oil against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes

Abstract The economic losses caused by gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants are increasing today due to the development of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, researchers from different parts of the world are searching for new, alternative strategies to control these parasites. As a valuable natural resource, medicinal plants and their products have emerged as a viable option. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro ovicidal activity of two chemotypes of the yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) essential oil against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. For this purpose, nematode eggs were collected from naturally infected sheep of two farms located in Southern Italy to perform the egg hatch test. In both farms, the coproculture examination identified the presence of four genera of sheep GINs: Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia and Chabertia. Main components of the yarrow essential oil identified by GC-MS analysis were 1,8-cineole (41.69%), camphor (8.37%) and trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (4.90) for the type 1 and β-pinene (28.53%), β-caryophyllene (18.71%) and 1,8-cineole (11.69%) for the type 2. In vitro ovicidal activity was evaluated at six different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195 and 0.049 mg/mL), whereby the inhibitory effect of the essential oil (Achillea millefolium L.) on egg hatchability varied from 46.5-99.5% (type 1) and 69.6-97.25% (type 2) and all concentrations tested showed a significantly higher efficacy compared to the negative control (p<0.0001). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect on egg hatching was similar (p>0.05) to the positive control (98.0%) at concentrations of 50 mg/mL (99.5%), 12.5 mg/mL (98.0%) and 3.125 (95.25%) of the type 1, and at concentrations of 50 mg/mL (97.25%) and 12.5 mg/mL (90.0%) of the type 2. The obtained results suggested that the A. millefolium essential oil has high anthelmintic potential, especially azulene-free chemotype rich in 1,8-cineole and camphor, which requires confirmation in further in vivo studies.

Molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from Vojvodina, Serbia

Cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and other carnivores is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, while Dirofilaria repens usually causes a subcutaneous infection. The importance of red foxes and golden jackals in the epidemiology of dirofilariosis remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from the endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia, in order to determine and update data on their prevalence and provide insight into the epidemiological importance of wild canids. A total of 59 blood samples from stray dogs, 94 from red foxes and 32 from golden jackals were collected and screened by real-time PCR targeting a 115-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S gene of filarioids and by conventional PCR assay targeting a 484-524-bp fragment of 5.8S-ITS2-28S locus of filarioids. The cross-sectional molecular survey detected the filarioid mitochondrial 12S gene fragment in stray dogs (27.1 %), red foxes (8.5 %) and golden jackals (6.3 %) in the same endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia. Only D. immitis was detected in stray dogs, while both D. immitis and D. repens were detected in populations of red foxes and golden jackals. These results outline a possible interaction of D. immitis infection between the dog population and the wild canid populations, while D. repens was found to circulate mostly in golden jackals and red foxes populations.

Seroprevalence and spreading of Brucella ovis in South Bačka and Srem District

Ovine brucellosis can cause epididymitis and reduce fertility in rams and therefore is an important disease in sheep and rams from economic point of view. Sometimes it causes abortions and increased perinatal mortality in sheep as well, but it primarily affects male animals. Brucella ovis was first identified in northern region of Serbia, in 2008-2009 during a research study. Specific antibodies against Brucella ovis were detected in the sheep that originated from Becej and Titel municipalities in the South Bačka district. The prevalence was low, only 0.89%. For the purpose of this study, a total number of 6,407 serum samples from rams and sheep were used. All of the samples were from the northern part of Serbia, belonging to South Bačka and Srem districts. Serological test was performed in order to determine the presence of specific antibodies against Brucella ovis in rams and sheep, by ELISA test (indirect ELISA - iELISA). The prevalence varied from 0% - 19.3% during the years. If we look into the municipalities of South Bačka and Srem district, we can see that the numbers of positive samples are different, and the number of analyzed samples varies. The overall seroprevalence from 2014-2018 in South Bačka and Srem district is 6.15%, but it varies significantly among different municipalities from 0 to 26%. The majority of analyzed sample were from rams and all of the positive findings are in rams. Only a small number of sheep (female) has been examined so far, so the prevalence among females is still unknown.

Determination of Endoparasites by Faecal Examination in the Wild Boar Population in Vojvodina (Serbia)

The aim of our study was to determine whether and to what extent certain species of helminths and protozoa are present in the wild boar population living in hunting grounds in Vojvodina. For this purpose, 52 faecal samples of hunted wild boars (aged 6 months to 2 years) were examined. Examination of the faeces was performed using classical coproscopic laboratory methods. The following parasite species were identified: Metastrongylus spp. Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Physocephalus sexalatus, Strongyloides ransomi, Oesophagostomum sp. / Globocephalus sp., Hyostrongylus rubidus, Gnathostoma hispidum, Eimeria deblecki and Eimeria suis. The obtained results from this study indicated that wild boars are a potential reservoir of a variety of endoparasites, thus endangering the surrounding ecosystem.

DERMANYSSUS GALLINAE - OVERVIEW: LIFE CYCLE, MORPHOLOGY, PREVALENCE AND CONTROL MEASURES IN POULTRY FARMS

Dermanyssus gallinae or the poultry red mite is currently the most im-portant ectoparasite aff ecting egg-laying hens in several countries causing reduced poultry welfare, mortality and even allergic reactions in poultry farms workers. Its short life cycle, which in optimal conditions can be com-pleted within 7 days, and ability to survive in extreme circumstances with-out a blood meal up to 13 months, and the ability to infest new fl ock, makes it even more diffi cult to eradicate. Dermanyssus gallinae prevalence rates in diff erent European countries, including Serbia, can reach up to 80-90%. Also, the poultry red mite is responsible in vector transmission of several bacterial and viral avian diseases, including Salmonella spp, Chlamydia spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Pasteurella multocida, Newcas-tle disease and Fowl poxvirus. Besides that, the poultry red mite can also transfer antimicrobial resistance genes by carrying pathogenic bacterial fl ora. Control of Dermanyssus gallinae can be divided into conventional and alternative methods. Conventional methods are mostly focused on pre-venting infestations and/or killing Dermanyssus gallinae, while alternative methods include the use of essential oils, vaccines, light, odors, predatory mites, fungi, nematodes and bacterial endosymbionts, and temperature in order to eliminate the poultry red mite. Nevertheless, this small ectopara-site still makes millions worth damage to global poultry industry.

NEONATAL DIARRHEA IN PIGS CAUSED BY Clostridium perfringens

The outbreaks of enteritic infections in piglets caused by Clostridium perfringens belongs to the disease group with marked age incidence i.e. it normally occurs in suckling piglets aged to 7 days, usually on 2nd or 3rd day. At necropsy, the predominant pathomorphological lesions are most frequently observed in small intestine, especially in jejunum. However, in some cases the pathomorfological lesions may macroscopically be absent. For that reason, diagnostic criteria should consider: the disease history data (mortality pattern), clinical signs of the disease (bloody diarrhea in suckling piglts), patomorhological lesions and bacteriologic fi ndings. The material for research included samples from 5 swine farms, where health problems (diarrhea, increased mortality) in suckling piglets of different age were detected. In total 69 piglet carcases were submitted to necropsy. In typical cases the presence of bloody content in small intestine, snaky appereance of aff ected intestinal loops, the presence of emphysema in the intestinal wall were observed. Applying bacteriology testing (anaerobic cultivation) in the most examined cases Clostridium perfringens was detected in tissue samples.

SUGGESSTED MODEL FOR MONITORING AND CONTROL OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENS IN WILD BOAR'S MEAT

Wild animal meat harvesting and processing is signifi cantly different from classical livestock meat production and represents a challenge by itself.Implementation of concept “from forest to fork” encompasses influence of hunting ground ecology, type of hunting, fi eld evisceration of hunted game, meat inspection aft er shooting or transport etc. The objective of this paper was to propose a model for monitoring and control of food born pathogens in wild boar´s meat. Hazard analysis emphasized the importance of several pathogens: Mycobacterium spp., Salmonella spp., Trichinella spp., and a fi ve-step control program were proposed. The program includes management of microbial contamination of wild boar meat, control measures for live animals, control measures during hunting and aft er shooting, guidelines for offi cial meat inspection with specific details for control of identifi ed hazardous pathogens and control measures for wild boar carcasses processing. Th e research on presence of food born pathogens in wild boar meat is still scarce, while the Trichinella spp. live cycle is well described and there are relevant data about epidemiology and natural reservoirs of the parasite in this part of Europe, little is known about tuberculosis and salmonellosis prevalence in wild boar population. Thus, implementation of control program, with strictly defi ned control measures cannot be overemphasized, and should include veterinary offi cials as well as hunters and others involved in game meat chain.

PREVENTION OF CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER SPREADING IN CROSS-BORDER REGION THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS OF SANITARY STANDARDS AND EDUCATION OF FARMERS

This paper describes the implementation of the project “Prevention of CSF spreading in the cross-border region through improvements of sanitary standards and education of farmers - STOP CSF” implemented and funded under the IPA Cross-Border Programme Croatia-Serbia 2007-2013. The project had been implemented in Serbia by Scientifi c Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad” from Novi Sad and the project partners in the Republic of Croatia were Osjek-Baranja County and the Regional Developmental Agency of Slavonia and Baranja Ltd from Osijek. Th e project was implemented in the period 17 January 2011 - 17 July 2012 (18 months). All planned project activities have been fully implemented. A promotional leaflet was designed, edited and printed in 10000 copies (5000 copies in Serbian and 5000 copies in the Croatian language). On the territory in Serbia where the project was carried out (Southern Backa and Srem district) all of the copies of leaflets printed in Serbian language were distributed. Th e Manual “The prevention of classic swine fever (CSF) in rural farms” of authors, Sava Lazić, Tamaš Petrović, Jasna-Prodanov Radulović and Radoslav Došen, was also edited and printed in 4000 copies (2000 on Serbian and 2000 on the Croatian language). On the territory in Serbia where the project was carried out all the copies of the manual printed in Serbian language were distributed. On the topic of CSF, 10 workshops have been held, visited by 237 participants in Serbia and 4 joint workshops have been held (two in Serbia and two in Croatia) for farmers both from Serbia and Croatia with the total of 84 farmers attended (43 from Croatia and 41 from Serbia). Therefore the workshops in Serbia were attended by 278 participants. For better education and training for implementation of biosecurity measures in the prevention of CSF, in the period from the 21st to the 26th of November 2011 there was organized a study tour to Vehta (Bremen) in Germany. On the study tour, there were 15 farmers and 4 members of the Project team from Serbia, and 15 farmers with 3 members of the Project team and an interpreter from Croatia. In the area of project implementation in Serbia, on family farms, there were 18 disinfectant barriers built. A cost-benefi t analysis was made that scientifi cally and professionally determined that the invested funds are multi functional and instrumental in the prevention of CSF. Th e fi lm „Preventing the CSF in rural households“ (30 min. long) and a TV spot (60 seconds long) were made. Th ey have been broadcasted on over 10 local TV stations. The peak point of project activities was the International Conference: “Preventing the spread of CSF in the border region of Croatia-Serbia (STOP-CSF)” which was held on the 7th and 8th of June 2012 in Novi Sad. At the conference 25 scientifi c and professional papers were presented by the speakers from Germany (EU Reference Laboratory for CSF), by high scored professionals from the neighbouring countries (Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the countries where the project was implemented (Croatia and Serbia). The first day of the Conference there were 152 participants, and 158 on the second day, mainly veterinarians. Th e general impression was that the Conference was successful, the lectures and discussions provided explanations on many issues from epizootiological surveillance, prevention and diagnostics of Classical Swine Fever (CSF).

COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENT METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF INFECTION IN RABBITS CHALLENGED WITH L. interrogans SEROTYPE hardjo

Keeping up-to-date with modern diagnostic techniques for leptospirosis as well as continuous improvement of laboratory diagnostic methods resulted in abundant knowledge on the nature and consequences of this infection and its importance in both human and veterinary medicine. In that respect, development and introduction of novel diagnostic tests and procedures have become the paramount issue in the diagnostics of leptospirosis and related infectious diseases. Thus, the goal of this research was to investigate the application of diverse laboratory methods and to evaluate their validity in the diagnostics of leptospirosis. Eleven rabbits were artificially infected with live cultures of L. interrogans serovar hardjo by the method of skin scarification. Blood and blood serum samples of challenged animals were collected every other day throughout the 3-week period (i.e. until day 21), and then once weekly during following five weeks. Blood sera were tested for the presence of L. interrogans serovar hardjo specific antibodies applying the methods of microscopic agglutination (MA) test and ELISA. Blood samples were examined using the method of cultivation in liquid medium by Johnson supplemented with 200μg/1ml 5- fluorouracil (5-FU). Presence/absence of L.interrogans serovar hardjo was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. In this reaction, a pair of primers separated from the basic structure of the Leptospira interrogans rrs (16S) gene. In MA test, the presence of specific antibodies against L. hardjo in rabbits was confirmed in 67 (36.61%) of 183 investigated sera. Initial positive specific antibody finding was recorded on day 9 post challenge, and it persisted until day 17. In ELISA test, positive and suspect findings were confirmed in 67 and 18 samples, respectively. Initial ELISA-positive finding was observed on day 15, showing increasing tendency throughout the monitoring period and reaching its maximum value on day 42. Method of blood sample cultivation resulted in isolation of L. interrogans serovar hardjo in 33 (18.03%) on day 3 at the earliest, whilst highest isolation rate was observed on day 17 post challenge. Applying polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, genome or genome sequences of L. interrogans serovar hardjo were detected in 67 (56.30%) out of 119 blood serum samples. PCR method revealed positive finding as early as on day 1 post challenge, whereas the highest rate of positive findings was recorded on day 19. Comparison of the results obtained by methods of cultivation and PCR during the period from experimental day 1 to 21, i.e. period prior to administration of chemotherapeutic agents, demonstrated high level of linear correlation of r = 0.8105 at the 0.01 significance level. After dihydrostreptomycin therapy administered from day 21 post infection, L. interrogans serovar hardjo could not be isolated using the method of blood sample cultivation. Contrary to that, PCR method revealed the presence of L. interrogans serovar hardjo genome in 23 samples.

Effect of fasting on lipid metabolism and oxidative stability in fattening chicken fed a diet supplemented with organic selenium

Abstract. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of organic selenium dietary supplementation on serum and tissue lipid composition after fattening period and after 48 h fasting in fattening chicken. The study was performed in the Ross hybrid line chicken divided into two groups: control group fed standard diet and Sel Plex group fed standard diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm organic selenium. Blood, liver, intestine and adipose tissue samples were taken upon fattening completion and after 48 h fasting. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triacylglycerol and lipoprotein concentrations were determined in serum, whereas total and free cholesterol, triacylglycerol, lipid peroxide and selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) were determined in tissue samples. During fattening period, the correlation of organic selenium with lipid metabolism manifested as decreased concentrations of serum triacylglycerols and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P<0.05), liver triacylglycerols (P<0.05), adipose tissue cholesterol (P<0.05) and small intestine cholesterol (P<0.05), and reduced lipid peroxidation (P<0.05). Upon chicken exposure to 48 h fasting, organic selenium supplementation resulted in increased free cholesterol concentration in adipose tissue (P<0.05), GSH-Px activity in the liver (P<0.05), and selenium (P<0.05) accumulation in the liver.

Q fever outbreak in the village of Noćaj, Srem county, Vojvodina province, Serbia, January to February 2012

From 27 January to 10 February 2012, a total of 43 cases of Q fever were notified in the village of No?aj, Srem county, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. Q fever was laboratory confirmed in 37 notified cases. Alhough, the outbreak is considered over, the outbreak investigation is still ongoing in order to identify aetiologic factors relevant for this outbreak.

CYTOLOGY SWABS USED FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOMETRITIS IN THE MARE

Diagnostics of the uterus and fertility control include clinical, bacteriological, cytological and histopathological examinations. Bacteriological studies should be accompanied by cytological and pathological tests, because the presence of inflammatory processes is the most important for diagnosis and prognosis. Although, there is no standard method for the interpretation of cytological examination results for endomentrium, the examination of cytologic swabs from the surface of the uterine mucosal surface is a simple and noninvasive method used as a supplementary examination in mares. In our country this method is recommended in veterinary practice, primarily for the diagnosis of endometritis. Key words: mare, uterus, smear, cytology.

APPLICATION OF DOUBLE PROTECTED SWABS IN DIAGNOSTICS OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS THE MARE’S UTERUS

Numerous studies have shown that a mare can develop a uterine infection that causes signifi cant economic losses in horse breeding. Assessment of the reproductive system in breeding animals in our country has been rarely carried out, however this is a common or compulsory practice in countries that have developed horse breeding. Th is paper describes the importance and diff erent techniques for the use of double protected swabs in the diagnostics of bacterial infection of the mare uterus in order to improve their fertility.

THE SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS E VIRUS INFECTION IN WILD BOARS IN SERBIA

Hepatitis E (HEV) belongs to one of fi ve so far described types of viral hepatitis caused by human agents (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E). The disease is characterized by clinical and epidemiological signs of acute hepatitis and is transmitted primarily by fecal-oral route via contaminated food and water. The infection is mainly detected in the developing countries of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, especially in countries with poor sanitary conditions of life. HEV infection in pigs was fi rst recorded in 1990. Numerous studies that followed proved that HEV can skip species barrier and can be transmitted from pigs to humans. HEV has been demonstrated as a new zoonotic agent. Hepatitis E virus has infected people in Japan who consumed insuffi ciently cooked meat of deer, pig liver and meat of wild boar. In humans four genotypes have been determined: I, II, III and IV, while so far tested swine isolates belong to genotypes III and IV. It is also important to note that the swine HEV isolates from one geographical region are genetically closer to human isolates from the same area than to the other isolates from pigs in the world. Th e aim of this paper is to show whether and how much HEV infection is present in the population of wild boars in Serbia, which represent a reservoir of this disease caused by a signifi cant zoonotic agent. Preliminary serological tests included the examination of 92 blood serum samples of wild boars. In 32 animals, or 34.78%, the presence of specifi c antibodies against HEV genotype was detected. Th e blood samples were collected during 2009, 2010 and 2011 from 15 hunting sites in Serbia. Laboratory testing was performed by non-commercial ELISA (in-house ELISA), where the used antigen was recombinant capsid protein-HEV genotype 3 ΔORF 2, which was obtained by laboratory cloning procedure. The test results showed that the hepatitis E virus is present in wild boars in Vojvodina, that are a potential source of this infection, as well as for many other infections of diferrent etiology.

DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF AUJESZKY’S DISEASE IN PIGS

Aujeszky’s disease (Morbus Aujeszky, MA) is an infectious viral disease caused by swine alpha-herpes virus 1. The disease may be found in diff erent animal species, both domestic and wild, except in primates and humans. Pigs are a natural reservoir of the virus. Th ey are the only species that can survive the infection, but with a possibility of subclinical and latent infection. The main way of spreading the infection is through introduction of subclinically infected pigs into a herd. On the other hand, if the case of stress (transport, capture, dust) reactivation of latent infection and  excretion of the virulent virus occurs. Th e aim of this study was to present the methods used in diagnosis and diff erential diagnosis. Th e material for examination originated from two pig farms with increased mortality of suckling piglets. The epizootic and clinical examination were used as well as pathomorpohological examination, standard laboratory methods for determining the presence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, virus isolation in cell culture, serum neutralization test for determining the titer of specifi c antibodies against MA and microbiological testing of feed samples. Th e cases of MA on the pig farm where immunoprophylaxis against MA was not carried out, and the breeding animals were purchased from pig farms with unknown health status, causes great direct losses, like for example mortality of piglets, abortion, as well as indirect losses, like growth retardation and high cost of disease control.

MYCOLOGICAL FLORA OF DOG’S SKIN - A PROBLEM OF CITY ECOLOGY

On the surface and inside the body of pets there is a large number of different microorganisms. Some of them are pathogens of humans, and infect both humans and animals, while the others present only an indirect threat for humans. Skin is a large organ that plays an important role. It is in a direct contact with the environment and presents a mean of transmission for the microorganisms that may be transferred to human beings living in the cities. The objective of this paper was to carry out mycological examination of hair from dogs with clinical symptoms of skin diseases. The aim was to determine saprophytic fungi on dog skin and determine how they influence humans. In a one-year period the presence of fungi was analyzed in 72 samples from dogs with skin changes and 32 samples from dogs without lesions. The samples were inoculated on Saburo dextrose agar and incubated at 25oC for 10-21 days. The grown colonies were characterized based on their shape and color, and under a light microcope conidia, macroconidium and conidiophore were identified. On the dogs with lesions, the presence of fungi ranged from 26.38% to 66.66%, but in the group of dogs without lesions fungi were present in 22% to 65.62%. The isolated fungi were identified as: Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp., Mucor sp. i Fusarium sp.

PNEUMONIA VERMINOSA OF WILD BOARS

In our country a certain number of wild boars is controlled and reared on enclosed hunting ground, while a number of free-ranging population is mainly unknown. The control of health status of wild boar population is quite demanding and it is not easy to achieve. Also, often is not possible entirely to perform a complete diagnostic examination in wild boars in each evaluated case. The aim of this research was to evaluate the clinical signs and pathomorphological changes in the suspicious cases on the occurrence of the verminous pneumonia in wild boars. The material for this research included three hunting grounds in Vojvodina, where clinical signs of health disorders and dead of young categories of wild hoags were recorded. The following research methods were applied: epidemiological, clinical and pathological examination of dead wild boars, hystological examination of the lung tissue samples and parasitologial examination. In all examined cases, macropathogical examination revealed changes dominantly in the respiratory tract. By pathohystological and parasitological examination the presence of lung worms in the trachea, bronchi and in posteroventral parts of the diaphragmatic lung lobes were detected (Pneumonia verminosa). In conslusion, the achieved results strongly suggest that Metastrongylus sp. represent economically important helmintosis of wild boars in our climatic conditions. Discovered parasitic infestations in the evaluated wild boars are economically significant because of retardation in the growth and weigh gain, and may be the cause of dead or discarding the meat in the case of cachexia, hydremia.

EPIZOOTIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN SOUTH BAČKA REGION

Bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a chronicle, infective disease associated with formation of specific inflammatory granulomas. Infection usually remains subclinical for a long period, but even when the clinical are present, they are not pathognomic. Bovine tuberculosis can spread to humans through inhalation of infectious droplets and by ingestion of raw milk, and on the rare occasion through consumption of meat products. Since the disease remains a great economic concern for cattle production operations and due to its zoonotic nature, most of the countries initiated a program for the control and eradication of tuberculosis in domestic animals. In South Baåka region (SBD) three tuberculous foci were detected on the territory of Žabalj, Novi Sad and Titel municipality. The first 11 reactors were detected in the year 2004 during the diagnostic examination that was conducted according to the Program of Measures for infectious disease survaillance. The number of animals with a positive reaction to the intradermal tuberculin test was 113, 54 and 142, in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The diagnosis was further confirmed by gama-interferon test, gross pathology and histopathological examination, and definitively confirmed by M. bovis isolation from the lymph node and lung lesions. The number of estimated tuberculin reactors was 320, located in six settlements and 37 husbandries. The percent of infected animals in some herds ranged from 11.10 to 59.18%. The objective of this investigation was to determine the routes of infection and to identify risk factors that contributed to the tuberculosis breakdown in the tuberculous hot spots. An epizootiological evaluation revealed that the high herd prevalence and high animal incidence of bovine TBC in South Baåka region was associated with the following factors: lack of TBC diagnosis in pastured animals in swampy areas for a long period, grazing areas are often flooded resulting in bad quality fodder and cattle malnutrition, presence of other domestic animals on the pastures, co-mingling of animals from different herds is frequent, common water through, presence of different wild animal species on pasture (as a potential reservoir of the disease), uncontrolled movement and illegal trade of infected animals, natural breeding as well as overpopulation in the sheds during winter housing.

INFLUENCE OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES ON DECREASED RATE OF WEIGHT GAIN IN PIGS

Respiratory diseases of swine cause great economic losses due to death of animals, compulsory slaughtering, reduced daily weight gain, higher consumption of feed per kilo comparing to gain, prolonged fattening time, higher percentage of low weight pigs in the slaughterhouse and increased costs of medical treatment. The aim of this paper was to evaluate how the diseases of respiratory tract influence on the appearance of reduced growth rate in pigs. The material for research were 73 piglets in which decreased weight gain was noticed and 224 fattening pigs that were delivered to a slaughter house on regular basis. The body mass of the piglets that showed decreased weight gain and of the fattening pigs was measured upon the arrival to the abattoir. At the slaughterhouse pathomorphological examination of respiratory tract and heart was carried out. Examining the organs of chest cavity in 65.75% of the slaughtered low weight pigs changes on lungs were discovered. The pathological process most often comprised at the same time apical, cardial and diaphragmatic lobes (42.46%). In 52% cases we discovered pleuropneumonia and pericarditis. In 14 cases (9.18%) abscesses in lung tissues were discovered. Examining chest cavity it was detected that in 54.88% fattening pigs there were changes on lungs. In 53 (21.54%) fattening pigs the changes influenced lesser than 10% on lung parenchyma, but in 26 (10.57%) fattening pigs changes on lung parenchyma occurred in more of 50%. On the bases of these results it can be concluded that the diseases of respiratory system in the fattening pigs raised on industrial farms are the dominant cause of death, but also the reason for forced slaughtering, and they considerably influence productional results and the efficiency of swine production.

PREVALENCE OF HERPESVIRUS 1 IN SMALL HERDS IN SOUTHERN BAČKA AND SREM DISTRICT

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 infection (IBR/IPV virus) presents the most spread infection in nowadays cattle breeding. Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) may be an agent of serious health disorders causing great economic losses. Since the largest number of cattle in Southern Baåka and Srem district are raised in small herds (what may considerably influence effective implementation of program for control and eradication of BHV-1 infection) it was necessary to investigate the prevalence of BHV-1 infection in the cattle population in this area, what was the aim of this work. Detection and estimation of the presence and prevalence of BHV-1 was done by detection of specific antibodies against BHV-1 in sera samples of cattle raised individually or in small herds (up to 20 animals) collected during the State Program of Disease Control in 2005 and 2006. The sampling was randomly carried out taking care that the samples from all the settlements and municipalities in Southern Bačka and Srem were present. A total of 16,610 samples was collected. Animals seropositive for BHV-1 were detected in all municipalities, but not in all settlements. The highest percent of seropositive animals was found in Beočin municipality(27.27%), Titel municipality (27.16%), Žabalj (22.45%) and Stara Pazova municipality (22.15%). The lowest prevalence was in Bački Petrovac (8.16%) and Temerin municipalities (9.68%). In other municipalities the prevalence ranged between 10% and 20%. From the obtained results it can be concluded that BHV-1 infection was not present in 10 settlements in Southern Bačka and 14 settlements in Srem district. In other settlements (151) the percentage of seropositive animals ranged from 1 to 50%. However, if we analyze the obtained results in the area, it may be concluded that the prevalence is almost the same: in Srem district there were 18.42% and in Southern Bačka 18.79% seropositive animals. Low prevalence was detected in the majority of settlements. The data that in 24 settlements in both districts there were no seropositive animals His an encouraging information. This points on a possibility of easier and faster implementation of control measures and eradication of BHV-1 infection. The results obtained in serology examination provide us an insight in immunology status of small herds in Southern Bačka and Srem districts, what is a starting point in designing and implementing necessary measures with the aim to prevent cases of this disease, as well as its spreading and eradication.