Management of roe deer population (Capreolus capreolus L. ) in Serbia / Gestão da população de cabrito-montês (Capreolus capreolus L. ) na Sérvia

The research was conducted during the 2018/19 hunting year at three hunting grounds: "Barajevska reka" - "Takovo" and "Jadar". The average density of Roe deer in hunting grounds varied from 48.67 to 74 individuals per 1,000 ha of hunting-productive area. However, when observing the number of individuals per 1,000 ha of total hunting area, the density varies from 16.07 individuals to 34.72 individuals. The determined gender ratio at the hunting ground "Jadar" was (M: F = 1: 0.93). At the hunting ground "Takovo", the gender ratio was (M: F = 1: 1.22), while at the hunting ground "Barajevska reka" the ratio was (M: F = 1: 1.59). The average fertility of Roe deer was 1.67 embryos per individual, or 1.75 embryos per pregnant female. Depending on the study area, the real growth varied from 0.54 to 0.73 fawns per female. Loss in Roe deer are caused mostly by biotic factors. The determined average age of shot individuals varied depending on the hunting ground from 3.53 to 5.24 years. The current state of Roe deer populations in Serbia varies between analyzed hunting grounds, but the overall situation is quite unsatisfactory, especially in terms of density, gender ratio and age structure of culled individuals.

A pesquisa foi realizada durante o ano de caça de 2018/19 nos três locais de caça: "Barajevska reka" - "Takovo" e "Jadar". A densidade média de cabrito-montês em áreas de caça variou de 48,67 a 74 indivíduos por 1.000 ha de área produtiva de caça. Entretanto, ao observar o número de indivíduos por 1.000 ha de área total de caça, a densidade varia de 16,07 indivíduos a 34,72 indivíduos. A razão de gênero determinada no terreno de caça "Jadar" foi (M: F = 1: 0,93). No terreno de caça "Takovo", a proporção de gêneros era (M: F = 1: 1,22), enquanto no terreno de caça "Barajevska reka" (M: F = 1: 1,59). A fertilidade média do cervo Roe era de 1,67 embriões por indivíduo, ou 1,75 embriões por fêmea grávida. Dependendo da área de estudo, o crescimento real variou de 0,54 a 0,73 fulvos por fêmea. As perdas em cabrito-montês são causadas principalmente por fatores bióticos. A idade média determinada dos indivíduos abatidos variou de 3,53 a 5,24 anos, dependendo do terreno de caça. O estado atual das populações de cabrito-montês na Sérvia varia entre os locais de caça analisados, mas a situação geral é bastante insatisfatória, especialmente em termos de densidade, proporção de gênero e estrutura etária dos indivíduos abatidos.

Genotype profiles of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolated from pigs in Vojvodina, Serbia

Background: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A. pleuropneumoniae) is one of the most important bacterial respiratory pathogens. It is the only etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia (PPP) or it appears as a secondary bacterial infection in the swine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). In Serbia, apart from the identification of serotype 2, no tests have been performed to establish the presence of other A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes in the pig population. The aim of this study was to perform genotyping of A. pleuropneumoniae isolates originating from pig farms in Serbia by apx genes and using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). Materials, Methods & Results: Isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae examined in this study were obtained from lungs with macroscopically visible alterations characteristic of a A. pleuropneumoniae. A total of 46 isolates were examined. They were extracted from the lung tissue samples of pig carcasses from 9 farms across different parts of Serbia. Genotyping of isolates was performed in the previously described manner. Briefly, 5 pairs of oligonucleotide primers were used for amplification of 4 different apx genes which encode synthesis of exotoxins (ApxI , ApxII , ApxIII i ApxIV) characteristic for all A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes and biovars. Amplification of appropriate genome parts was performed with a reaction chain polymerase (PCR) in multiplex (m) format using appropriate diagnostic kits to extract DNA from bacteria and perform mPCR reaction. The results of genotyping of 46 isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae indicate the existence of a large number of different serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae on the studied farms or that different serotypes of this microorganism circulate in the pig population in Serbia. In addition to the detection of dominant serotype 2, which was established on 7 farms, of which in 4 farms it was the only detected serotype, in the examined pig population the presence of serotypes 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 was also found. Furthermore, the presence of 2 different serotypes of A. Pleuropneumoniae was also detected on 3 farms; on the first farm serotypes 2 and 3, on the second farm serotypes 2 and 6, and on the third farm serotypes 2 and 7. Discussion: Although the research was done with a relatively small number of isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae, comparing the obtained results with the results on the presence and prevalence of appropriate serotypes from other countries, we concluded that there is significant diversity of this pathogen in the pig population in farms of Serbia. Detection of different serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae in the pig population and the presence of several different serotypes on 1 farm was established for the very first time in Serbia. All isolates from our study can be characterized as highly virulent, considering that the clinical symptoms, pathological findings and the results of bacteriological examination indicated A. pleuropneumoniae to be the cause of animal death. Like in the neighbouring countries, the strongly pathogenic serotype 9 and the less pathogenic serotype 2 are the most frequently identified causative agents of porcine pleuropneumonia in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. The necessity to establish the presence of all A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes in the pig population, and in particular to determine the presence of different serotypes on individual farms, is crucial for several reasons: making a definitive e diagnosis; development of prophylactic strategies for medicines; implementation of immunoprophylactic vaccination.

Estimation of heritability and genetic correlations between milk yield and linear type traits in primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows

Estimation of genetic variability and genetic correlations between production traits (milk yield, fat yield, fat content, protein yield, and protein content) and selected type traits (angularity, fore udder height, rear udder height, front teat placement, teat length, and udder depth) was done using data sets of 10,860 first-calving Holstein-Friesian cows raised in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Genetic variance and covariance were obtained using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method, VCE v6 software, and the multi-trait mixed model. To enable more precise estimates of values for genetic variances and covariance, a relationship matrix was formed for the individual model (animal model), encompassing 21363 animals. The highest heritability values were obtained for milk yield (0.182), fat yield (0.134), and protein yield (0.170). The lowest heritability estimates were for teat length, front teat placement, rear udder height, and udder depth, all being under 0.110. Genetic correlations between production traits and linear type traits were between −0.131 (fat content and front teat length) and 0.307 (protein yield and fore udder attachment). The largest number of traits shows a positive genetic correlation with the traits of milk yield, which thus indicates possibility of genetic improvements of milk yield in cattle without jeopardizing the type traits or vice versa.

The influence of hypothermia prevention by application of skin moisture absorbent on the value of body temperature, body weight and blood parameters in piglets / A influência da prevenção da hipotermia pela aplicação de absorvente de umidade da pele no valor da temperatura corporal, peso corporal e parâmetros sanguíneos em leitões

Reducing the mortality rate is of a great economic importance for pig farming. Therefore, it is necessary to define the conditions in the farrowing unit based on the performance of the piglets, and specific hematological and biochemical parameters. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the importance of using skin moisture absorbent and its influence in preventing hypothermia, which causes great economic losses in pig production. The experiment was set up on a commercial farm in Serbia and included 92 pigs divided into the experimental and control group. Body temperature values, body weight and blood parameters were monitored. The obtained values indicate that there is a significantly positive correlation of body temperature change and body weight values, and body temperature showed a significantly higher increase in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results obtained from hematological and biochemical parameters provide a clearer picture of the metabolic processes in piglets in the farrowing unit and can be used to further improve pig production and as a complement to genetic enhancement.(AU)

A redução da taxa de mortalidade é de grande importância econômica para a suinocultura. Portanto, é necessário definir as condições na unidade de parto com base no desempenho dos leitões, para serem parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos específicos. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho é examinar a importância do uso de absorvente de umidade na pele e sua influência na prevenção da hipotermia, que causa grandes perdas econômicas na produção de suínos. A experiência foi montada em uma fazenda comercial na Sérvia, e incluiu 92 porcos divididos no grupo experimental e de controle. Os valores de temperatura corporal, pesos corporais e parâmetros sanguíneos foram monitorados. Os valores obtidos indicam que existe uma correlação significativamente positiva entre os valores da temperatura corporal e dos pesos corporais, e a temperatura corporal mostrou um aumento significativamente maior no grupo experimental em comparação com o grupo de controle. Os resultados obtidos a partir de parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos fornecem uma imagem mais clara dos processos metabólicos em leitões na unidade de parto e podem ser usados para melhorar ainda mais a produção de suínos e como um complemento ao melhoramento genético.(AU)

Influence of lactation number and parity on milk yield of Saanen goat's breed / [Influência do número de lactação e paridade na produção de leite da raça de cabras Saanen]

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of lactation number and parity on milk yield of Saanen goat's breed. It has been concluded that milk yield was higher for goats that had given birth to twins and three kids than for goats that had given birth to a single kid (P<0.05). The longevity has a great positive impact on production, given that goats in the fifth lactation produced more milk than goats in first or second lactation (P<0.05), while goats in the sixth lactation still produced more milk than goats in first lactation (P<0.05). During the period from 2014- 2019, the research was conducted on a farm of multiparous Saanen goats in Vojvodina (northern part of Serbia). In the observed period, the farm had between 350 and 400 goats per milking, and the research included a total of 1,628 concluded lactations, within which the first lactations were the most 484, then the second 381. According to the number of lactations, goats were grouped into classes from one to seven and from one to three for parity. By comparing each individual lactation, it was determined that in first lactation goats produced significantly lower milk than goats in the rest lactations(P<0.05), except the seventh. Research has shown that lactation number has a significant influence on milk yield (P=0.00). Increasing the fertility of goats significantly affects the production capacity of dairy goats, since does with a larger number of kids in the litter had a significantly higher milk production (P<0.05). Due to the larger number of kids in the litter, milk production also increases. Likewise, it is assumed that the increase in milk yield of goats with two and three kids is a consequence of a larger placenta, i.e. stronger lactogenic activity during pregnancy.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a influência do número de lactações e da paridade na produção de leite da raça de cabras Saanen. Concluiu-se que a produção de leite era maior para caprinos que haviam dado à luz gêmeos e três cordeiros do que para caprinos que haviam dado à luz um único cordeiro (P<0,05). A longevidade tem um grande impacto positivo na produção, dado que as cabras na quinta lactação produziram mais leite do que as cabras na primeira ou segunda lactação (P<0,05), enquanto as cabras na sexta lactação ainda produziram mais leite do que as cabras na primeira lactação (P<0,05). Durante o período de 2014- 2019, a pesquisa foi realizada numa fazenda de cabras Saanen multipares em Voivodina (parte norte da Sérvia). No período observado, a fazenda tinha entre 350 e 400 cabras por ordenha, e a pesquisa incluiu um total de 1.628 lactações concluídas, dentro das quais as primeiras lactações foram as mais 484, depois as segundas 381. De acordo com o número de lactações, as cabras foram agrupadas em classes de um a sete e de um a três para paridade. Comparando cada lactação individual, determinou-se que na primeira lactação as cabras produziram leite significativamente menor do que as cabras nas demais lactações (P<0,05), exceto a sétima. Pesquisas mostraram que o número de lactações tem uma influência significativa na produção de leite (P=0,00). O aumento da fertilidade das cabras afeta significativamente a capacidade de produção de caprinos leiteiros, já que com um número maior de cabritos na ninhada a produção de leite foi significativamente maior (P<0,05). Devido ao maior número de cabritos na ninhada, a produção de leite também aumenta. Da mesma forma, assume-se que o aumento na produção de leite de cabras com dois e três cabritos é uma consequência de uma placenta maior, ou seja, de uma atividade lactogênica mais forte durante a gestação.(AU)

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from shelters in Vojvodina, Serbia

Background: Dirofilaria immitis is vector borne parasite of carnivores, with zoonotic potential, endemic in many parts of the world, including Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from shelters, especially compared to their lifestyle. Dogs living in shelters in Serbia may be at high risk of acquiring vector borne pathogens, mainly because most of them live outside in pens and backyards, in contact with vectors. Also, dogs in shelters are not always regularly treated against ectoparasites, thus, representing an easy feeding source for the vectors. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from 5 shelters in South Bačka and Central Banat districts, in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Northern part of Serbia. Also, the objective was to compare the relation of infection with Dirofiaria immitis with age, sex, type of keeping the animals and preventive treatment in dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: Between May 2017 and October 2019, blood samples were collected from 336 randomly selected dogs from 5 shelters in 2 districts, South Bačka and Central Banat districts, in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Northern part of Serbia. The epidemiological survey has been conducted with all of the dogs involved in this research. The survey was designed to collect data about sex, age, lifestyles, food type, treatment against mosquitoes with insecticides and filarioid worms with macrocyclic lactones, regular testing for Dirofilaria infections. The presence of circulating microfilariae was examined using a modified Knott’s test. For the presence of circulating adult female Dirofilaria immitis antigen, serum samples were tested by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which reacts to antigen of female Dirofilaria. In total, 336 dogs were examined for the presence of Dirofilaria...

Influence of transcervical infusion of seminal plasma on the farrowing rate and litter size in artificially inseminated sows / [Influência da infusão transcervical de plasma seminal na taxa de partos e tamanho da ninhada em porcos inseminados artificialmente]

Recent studies have focused on the use of seminal plasma to increase sow fertility after classical intracervical artificial insemination (AI). The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of seminal plasma infusion, prior to the application of conventional AI dose, on the fertility rate in sows. A total of 114 sows were treated with intrauterine infusion of 30ml seminal plasma (SP), while 114 control sows were infused by physiological solution (PS), immediately before the application of conventional AI dose. The experiment was conducted at one commercial pig farm in Serbia, which is comprised of 1,500 sows in the breeding herd. Intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma produced significantly (P<0.05) higher farrowing rate (93.8%) and significantly (P<0.01) more live-born piglets per litter (12.27), compared with the control sows (83.33% farrowing rate and 10.48 piglets). The present results show that intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma can be a useful tool for increasing the fertility rate in artificially inseminated sows, under the conditions of practical intensive pig production.(AU)

Estudos recentes concentraram no uso de plasma seminal para aumentar a fertilidade de porcos após inseminação artificial intracervical clássica (AI). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influência da infusão de plasma seminal, antes da aplicação da dose de AI convencional, na taxa de fertilidade de porcas. 114 porcas foram tratadas com infusão intrauterina de 30ml plasma seminal, e 114 porcas de controle receberam infusão de solução fisiológica (PS) imediatamente antes da aplicação da dose convencional de AI. O experimento foi realizado em uma fazenda de porcos comercial na Serbia, que é composta de 1.500 porcas no rebanho de reprodução. A infusão intrauterina de plasma seminal produziu uma taxa de fertilidade (93,8%) significativamente maior (P<0.05), e significativamente mais (P<0.01) leitões nascidos vivos por ninhada (12,27) comparado com as porcas de controle (83,33% taxa de fertilidade e 10,48 leitões). Os resultados mostram que infusão intrauterina com plasma seminal pode ser uma ferramenta útil para aumentar a taxa de fertilidade em porcas inseminadas artificialmente, sob as condições de prática de produção intensiva de porcos.(AU)

Contamination of cow milk by heavy metals in Serbia

Background: Dairy cows are exposed to numerous environmental hazards, such as heavy metals. Milk and dairy productscould be harmful to humans when maximum tolerable amounts of heavy metals are exceeded. Analysis of heavy metals inmilk is important because milk is a source of essential nutrients and is an indicator of environmental contamination. Someheavy metals are essential to maintain proper metabolic activity in living organisms, but at exceeded levels they could betoxic to living organisms. The main objective of the present study was to determine the residue levels of ten heavy metals(As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in cow milk in Serbia.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted at three farms at Vojvodina district, Serbia. Cows fromall three farms were on pasture during spring and summer time. Randomly 50 cows from each farm were taken for thisexperiment. The cows have similar body condition score they were in their third or fourth lactation and gave approximatelythe same amount of milk in the previous lactation. Total 150 milk samples were collected from cows during the morningmilking, in the period between April to May in 2016. All 150 milk samples were transported to laboratory as soon as possible and analyzed for the heavy metals. Heavy metals were analyzed by Inductance coupled plasma - optical emissionspectrometry. Data are presented as mean values ± sd. Statistical analysis was done by one way repeated measures analysisof variance (ANOVA). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The highest average concentration in cow milk wasdetermined for Iron (283.9 mg/kg), then for Zinc (60.21 mg/kg) and Copper (4.404 mg/kg), while the lowest concentrationwas for Cobalt and Lead (less than 0.005 mg/kg).Discussion: Bioaccumulation is one of the biggest problems with heavy metals. Heavy metals residues in milk can be verydangerous for the calves and humans as well...

Contamination of cow milk by heavy metals in Serbia

Background: Dairy cows are exposed to numerous environmental hazards, such as heavy metals. Milk and dairy productscould be harmful to humans when maximum tolerable amounts of heavy metals are exceeded. Analysis of heavy metals inmilk is important because milk is a source of essential nutrients and is an indicator of environmental contamination. Someheavy metals are essential to maintain proper metabolic activity in living organisms, but at exceeded levels they could betoxic to living organisms. The main objective of the present study was to determine the residue levels of ten heavy metals(As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in cow milk in Serbia.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted at three farms at Vojvodina district, Serbia. Cows fromall three farms were on pasture during spring and summer time. Randomly 50 cows from each farm were taken for thisexperiment. The cows have similar body condition score they were in their third or fourth lactation and gave approximatelythe same amount of milk in the previous lactation. Total 150 milk samples were collected from cows during the morningmilking, in the period between April to May in 2016. All 150 milk samples were transported to laboratory as soon as possible and analyzed for the heavy metals. Heavy metals were analyzed by Inductance coupled plasma - optical emissionspectrometry. Data are presented as mean values ± sd. Statistical analysis was done by one way repeated measures analysisof variance (ANOVA). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The highest average concentration in cow milk wasdetermined for Iron (283.9 mg/kg), then for Zinc (60.21 mg/kg) and Copper (4.404 mg/kg), while the lowest concentrationwas for Cobalt and Lead (less than 0.005 mg/kg).Discussion: Bioaccumulation is one of the biggest problems with heavy metals. Heavy metals residues in milk can be verydangerous for the calves and humans as well...(AU)

Determination of niclosamide and its metabolites in liver and muscles of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings

Background: Niclosamide is a medication used to treat tapeworm infestation in animals and humans. It is also lampricide and molluscicide, and can be used in in agriculture as a pesticide. In the treatment of parasitic diseases in fish, niclosamide can be used as bath or mixed with the feed. Its most important use in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is for the treatment of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, which is a very common parasite in this fish species. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of niclosamide (NIC) and its metabolite 2-chloro 4-nitro aniline (CNA) and 5-chloro salycilic acid (CSA) in the liver and muscles of common carp fingerlings.Materials, Methods & Results: The fish for the experiment were obtained from Kapetanski Rit fish pond, and were acclimated to test conditions at 20.5 ± 1°C. Common carps with an average mass of 60 ± 10 g were treated with niclosamide in concentration of 2 g/kg of feed during five consecutive days. The experiment was performed in two treatments: one control and niclosamide, in three replications. Each group contained of 30 fish, in 120 L polyethylene tanks. At the end of the treatment, the levels of niclosamide residues were determined using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis during over 13 days. The mean values of niclosamide and CNA concentrations in the muscles ranged from 27.7 µg/kg starting from the first day to < 0.5 µg/kg on the 11th day and 14.2 µg/kg from the first day to < 1 µg/kg on the 9th day. The CSA metabolite in muscles were < 1 µg/kg during throughout the entire study. The niclosamide concentration in the liver were found to be 51.5 (30.2-61.8) µg/kg the first day and decreased proportionally to < 0.5 µg/kg on the13th day. CNA level in the liver of treated Common Carps amounted to 170.1 (157-181) µg/kg on the first day and continuously declined until the 13th day when recorded values were < 1 µg/kg.[...]

Determination of niclosamide and its metabolites in liver and muscles of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings

Background: Niclosamide is a medication used to treat tapeworm infestation in animals and humans. It is also lampricide and molluscicide, and can be used in in agriculture as a pesticide. In the treatment of parasitic diseases in fish, niclosamide can be used as bath or mixed with the feed. Its most important use in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is for the treatment of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, which is a very common parasite in this fish species. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of niclosamide (NIC) and its metabolite 2-chloro 4-nitro aniline (CNA) and 5-chloro salycilic acid (CSA) in the liver and muscles of common carp fingerlings.Materials, Methods & Results: The fish for the experiment were obtained from Kapetanski Rit fish pond, and were acclimated to test conditions at 20.5 ± 1°C. Common carps with an average mass of 60 ± 10 g were treated with niclosamide in concentration of 2 g/kg of feed during five consecutive days. The experiment was performed in two treatments: one control and niclosamide, in three replications. Each group contained of 30 fish, in 120 L polyethylene tanks. At the end of the treatment, the levels of niclosamide residues were determined using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis during over 13 days. The mean values of niclosamide and CNA concentrations in the muscles ranged from 27.7 µg/kg starting from the first day to < 0.5 µg/kg on the 11th day and 14.2 µg/kg from the first day to < 1 µg/kg on the 9th day. The CSA metabolite in muscles were < 1 µg/kg during throughout the entire study. The niclosamide concentration in the liver were found to be 51.5 (30.2-61.8) µg/kg the first day and decreased proportionally to < 0.5 µg/kg on the13th day. CNA level in the liver of treated Common Carps amounted to 170.1 (157-181) µg/kg on the first day and continuously declined until the 13th day when recorded values were < 1 µg/kg.[...](AU)

Analysis of risk factors and clinical manifestations associated with Clostridium difficile disease in Serbian hospitalized patients

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of infectious diarrhoea in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors important for the development of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile-associated disease and clinical manifestations of Clostridium difficile-associated disease. The clinical trial group included 37 hospitalized patients who were selected according to the inclusion criteria. A control group of 74 hospitalized patients was individually matched with cases based on hospital, age (within 4 years), sex and month of admission.Clostridium difficile-associated disease most commonly manifested as diarrhoea (56.76%) and colitis (32%), while in 8.11% of patients, it was diagnosed as pseudomembranous colitis, and in one patient, it was diagnosed as fulminant colitis. Statistically significant associations (p 0.05) were found with the presence of chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and haemodialysis. In this study, it was confirmed that all the groups of antibiotics, except for tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, were statistically significant risk factors for Clostridium difficile-associated disease (p 0.05). However, it was difficult to determine the individual role of antibiotics in the development of Clostridium difficile-associated disease.[...](AU)

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in occupationally exposed persons in the Belgrade area, Serbia

Lyme disease (LD) is a natural focal zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is mainly transmitted through infected Ixodes ricinus tick bites. The presence and abundance of ticks in various habitats, the infectivity rate, as well as prolonged human exposure to ticks are factors that may affect the infection risk as well as the incidence of LD. In recent years, 20% to 25% of ticks infected with different borrelial species, as well as about 5,300 citizens with LD, have been registered in the Belgrade area. Many of the patients reported tick bites in citys grassy areas. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi in high-risk groups (forestry workers and soldiers) in the Belgrade area, and to compare the results with healthy blood donors. A two-step algorithm consisting of ELISA and Western blot tests was used in the study. Immunoreactivity profiles were also compared between the groups. The results obtained showed the seroprevalence to be 11.76% in the group of forestry workers, 17.14% in the group of soldiers infected by tick bites and 8.57% in the population of healthy blood donors. The highest IgM reactivity was detected against the OspC protein, while IgG antibodies showed high reactivity against VlsE, p19, p41, OspC, OspA and p17. Further investigations in this field are necessary in humans and animals in order to improve protective and preventive measures against LD..(AU)

Importance of breeding pigs in the spread of Salmonella on farms

Background: Pigs infected with Salmonella represent a high risk for contamination and cross-contamination of carcasses with Salmonella from feces, tonsils and mesenteric lymph nodes, which occurs on the slaughter line. The environment itself represents a potential source of infection, as it is Salmonella infection of other individuals in the herd (sows, boars, piglets, fattener pigs). One of the leading sources of infection is contaminated feed for pigs, or its ingredients. If an infection occurs at any stage and category of production, those individual animals can become a potential source of infection for all others on farm. Materials, Methods & Results: This study examines the importance of breeding categories of pigs in the spread of salmonellosis in piglets and fattener pigs on seven farrow-to-finish farms in Serbia. From each farm, 30 sows, 121 boars and 90 piglets were tested from the weaning to the time of dispatch to the slaughterhouse. Pigs were examined for the presence of Salmonella-specific antibodies in blood sera and the presence of Salmonella in feces. Pigs feed on the farms were also examined for the presence of Salmonella. The identification of serotypes was conducted according to the Kauffmann-White scheme. For antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance testing, isolates were tested by disc diffusion against a panel of 11 antimicrobials. The numbers...(AU)

Importance of breeding pigs in the spread of Salmonella on farms

Background: Pigs infected with Salmonella represent a high risk for contamination and cross-contamination of carcasses with Salmonella from feces, tonsils and mesenteric lymph nodes, which occurs on the slaughter line. The environment itself represents a potential source of infection, as it is Salmonella infection of other individuals in the herd (sows, boars, piglets, fattener pigs). One of the leading sources of infection is contaminated feed for pigs, or its ingredients. If an infection occurs at any stage and category of production, those individual animals can become a potential source of infection for all others on farm. Materials, Methods & Results: This study examines the importance of breeding categories of pigs in the spread of salmonellosis in piglets and fattener pigs on seven farrow-to-finish farms in Serbia. From each farm, 30 sows, 121 boars and 90 piglets were tested from the weaning to the time of dispatch to the slaughterhouse. Pigs were examined for the presence of Salmonella-specific antibodies in blood sera and the presence of Salmonella in feces. Pigs feed on the farms were also examined for the presence of Salmonella. The identification of serotypes was conducted according to the Kauffmann-White scheme. For antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance testing, isolates were tested by disc diffusion against a panel of 11 antimicrobials. The numbers...

Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia / Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Baka District (farms 1 and 2), North Baka District (farm 3) and Branievo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20C until assayed. The sera samples

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Baka District (farms 1 and 2), North Baka District (farm 3) and Branievo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20C until assayed. The sera samples

Seroepidemiological research of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia / Seroepidemiological research of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia

Background: Monocytic ehrlichiosis is an important disease in canine pathology and is present worldwide and has a potentially lethal outcome. This infection as a new infective disease of dogs and people and it has not been sufficiently researched, especially from the aspect of clinical picture, pathogenesis, diagnostics and differential diagnostics. The aims of this seroepidemiological research of the E. canis infection with dogs are to determine the values of G class antibodies prevalence to E. canis antigens, also to determine a agreement of positive serological findings between two immunodiagnostic tests (iELISA and IFAT), and to make an overview of the epidemiological characteristics of this canine infection. Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred dogs were involved in the seroepidemiological research of the E. canis infection. These dogs were from the City of Novi Sad area and its outskirts, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The epidemiological survey of the closed type has been used in the research. The survey has been conducted with all of the dogs involved in this research. Apart from identifying veterinary practices and the patients (breed, sex, age), the survey was designed to collect data about the tick bites (first bite or a repeated one); the number of the removed ticks; the dogs lifestyles and information on whether the dogs had been abroad. An o

Background: Monocytic ehrlichiosis is an important disease in canine pathology and is present worldwide and has a potentially lethal outcome. This infection as a new infective disease of dogs and people and it has not been sufficiently researched, especially from the aspect of clinical picture, pathogenesis, diagnostics and differential diagnostics. The aims of this seroepidemiological research of the E. canis infection with dogs are to determine the values of G class antibodies prevalence to E. canis antigens, also to determine a agreement of positive serological findings between two immunodiagnostic tests (iELISA and IFAT), and to make an overview of the epidemiological characteristics of this canine infection. Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred dogs were involved in the seroepidemiological research of the E. canis infection. These dogs were from the City of Novi Sad area and its outskirts, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The epidemiological survey of the closed type has been used in the research. The survey has been conducted with all of the dogs involved in this research. Apart from identifying veterinary practices and the patients (breed, sex, age), the survey was designed to collect data about the tick bites (first bite or a repeated one); the number of the removed ticks; the dogs lifestyles and information on whether the dogs had been abroad. An o

Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Backa District (farms 1 and 2), North Backa District (farm 3) and Branicevo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20°C until assayed. The sera samples were tested by the Western Blot test with recombinant protein MSG1 (p40). Production of recombinant protein MSG1 (p40), dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were performed as previously described by Hoelzle. Specific IgG antibodies to MSG1 of M. suis were identified in 20 of the 46 samples tested, giving a total seroprevalence of 43.47%. The M. suis-specific antibody response was detected in pigs from all tested farms, within farm seroprevalences of 54.54% on farm 1; 27.27% on farm 2; 36.36% on farm 3 and 53.84% on farm 4. Discussion: Reports on the prevalence of swine infected with Mycoplasma suis in other countries are rare, but have been communicated for USA, Brazil, Japan, Portugal, China and Germany. Previously published values of the prevalence of the pigs infected with haemoplasmas in Serbia, determined through a microscopic examination of the peripheral blood smear according to Giemsa was 39% and with Acridine orange was 47%. These prevalences are similar to the overall prevalence found in this study (43.47%). In this present study, the prevalence of M. suis in the farm pigs studied in Serbia (43.47%) was higher than the serological evidence of the infection reported in pigs in the USA, Brazil and Japan, but lower than the prevalence in sows in Portugal and China. In this present study, the prevalence of M. suis on the studied pig farms in Serbia (43.47%) was more similar to results obtained in Germany, where M. suis infections were detected in 79 out of 196 pig farms (40.3%) by employing a quantitative real-time LightCycler PCR. Also, M. suis was detected in 36 out of 359 wild German boars (10.03%) with similar methodology. Our seroprevalence of anti-M. suis IgG in farmed pigs is probably higher than that in wild boar because of the conditions of intensive breeding on pig farms, but perhaps this may also be partly due to the different geographic locality, and/or to different analytical methods. This overall determined seroprevalence of 43.47% from a small sample within a relatively small area suggests a signifi cantly higher presence of infection on pig farms in Serbia, and hence, significantly more economic losses in pig production than could be expected based on the worldwide reports of M. suis prevalence.

Seroepidemiological research of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in the autonomous province of Vojvodina, Serbia

Background: Monocytic ehrlichiosis is an important disease in canine pathology and is present worldwide and has a potentially lethal outcome. This infection as a 'new' infective disease of dogs and people and it has not been sufficiently researched, especially from the aspect of clinical picture, pathogenesis, diagnostics and differential diagnostics. The aims of this seroepidemiological research of the E. canis infection with dogs are to determine the values of G class antibodies prevalence to E. canis antigens, also to determine a agreement of positive serological findings between two immunodiagnostic tests (iELISA and IFAT), and to make an overview of the epidemiological characteristics of this canine infection. Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred dogs were involved in the seroepidemiological research of the E. canis infection. These dogs were from the City of Novi Sad area and its outskirts, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The epidemiological survey of the closed type has been used in the research. The survey has been conducted with all of the dogs involved in this research. Apart from identifying veterinary practices and the patients (breed, sex, age), the survey was designed to collect data about the tick bites (first bite or a repeated one); the number of the removed ticks; the dogs' lifestyles and information on whether the dogs had been abroad. An overall of 62 ticks were collected from the bodies of these dogs. By applying the screening iELISA test, the seroprevalence of class G specific antibodies was determined with dogs to E. canis antigens in 25%, while 75% of dogs were negative to the presence of specific antibodies of IgG class to E. canis. Out of 25 seropositive dogs, with antibodies to E. canis discovered through iELISA test, 12 (48%) dogs were in contact with ticks for the first time, while the repeated contact with ticks was experienced by 9 (36%) dogs. For 4 (16%) dogs, the owners negated that their dog had been bitten by a tick. Upon the application of a confirming IFAT, a seroprevalence was determined of specific class G antibodies with dogs to E. canis antigens in 16%, while 84% were negative to the presence of specific antibodies of IgG class antibodies to E. canis. Out of 16 seropositive dogs, in which antibodies were discovered with IFAT to E. canis, 9 (56%) dogs had been in contact with ticks for the fi rst time, while 4 dogs (25%) had repeated contacts with ticks. For 3 dogs (19%), the owners negated that ticks had bitten their dogs. Through a statistical processing of the results gained from the applied immunodiagnostic tests, a moderate agreement (Kappa value of 0.48) was determined. In the group of dogs that had been bitten by a tick, three types were determined: Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes ricinus. Overall 35 ticks of Dermacentor marginatus ticks were replaced from the dogs' bodies just as were 15 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and 12 Ixodes ricinus ticks. Discussion: The determined values of the seroprevalence in our country (iELISA - 25% and IFAT - 16%) are in harmony with the acquired values in other countries with warm climate. The values of seroprevalence determined in this research point to the fact that this disease must be taken into consideration in everyday health protection of dogs, especially after a registered tick bite within a differential diagnostics procedure.

Application of semi-selective mediums in routine diagnostic testing of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola on common bean seeds

Halo blight, caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola (Psp), is considered to be an important bacterial disease on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Serbia. Use of pathogen-free seeds is one of the most effective control measures against this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate a detection method for Psp on untreated common bean seeds (23 genotypes) from commercial crops grown within Serbia. Detection of this pathogen was made by plating onto the modified sucrose peptone (MSP) and Milk Tween (MT) semi-selective mediums from soaked whole common bean seed. Colonies growing on the MSP medium were light yellow, convex and shiny, whereas on the MT medium, they were creamy white, flat and circular. The pathogenicity of the obtained strains was confirmed by the inoculation of germinated bean seed. The isolates recovered from the seed assay were further confirmed to be Psp by using both Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR) detection methodologies. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) method selected for this work was found to be effective in detecting the presence of Psp in common bean seed. The bacterium Psp was detected in only two of the 23 seed samples analyzed by this method, which shows that the bacterium is not widespread in Serbia.