Phylogenetic analysis of the trypanosomatid parasite Lotmaria passim in honey bees (Apis mellifera) in Poland.

Introduction: Lotmaria passim (L. passim) is a single-celled flagellate which colonises the bee gastrointestinal tract and is highly prevalent in honey bees. This parasite is associated with colony losses. Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies were sampled from five apiaries in the north-eastern part of Poland for the phylogenetic analysis of L. passim. Material and Methods: Each apiary consisted of approximately 60 bee colonies, of which 20 were randomly selected. Samples of 60 differently aged worker bees were collected from each colony and pooled. A total of 100 bee colonies from five apiaries were examined. Protozoa of the Trypanosomatidae family were identified by PCR. L. passim was detected in 47 (47%) of the samples. The 18S ribosomal (r) RNA amplicons of L. passim were sequenced by a commercial service. Their sequences were analysed with BLASTN and noted to be compatible with the GenBank sequences of this region of the organism's genome. A sequence analysis was performed using the BioEdit Sequence Alignment Editor and Clustal W software. Results: The amplicon sequences of L. passim were 100% homologous with the sequences deposited in GenBank under accession numbers KM066243.1., KJ684964.1 and KM980181.1. Conclusion: This is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of L. passim in Polish honey bees. The analysis demonstrated high levels of genetic similarity between isolates of L. passim colonising apiaries in the north-eastern region of Poland.

A Preliminary Study on "Personalised Treatment" against Varroa destructor Infestations in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies.

The requirement for the protection of bee colonies against Varroa destructor invasions has been noted by many breeders and is included as an aspect of the development of beekeeping. This research aimed to check the effect of the development of a colony exposed to laying eggs (brood surface) by queen bees with similar chemical potential (sisters) on the effect of a preparation combating V. destructor depending on the number of mites found in a given colony. We chose this as a standard model of conduct that treats each bee colony as one organism subjected to individual parasite control. For this purpose, we created a bee colony with a mother-of-one breeding line and fertilised drones from one colony. Infection with V. destructor occurred naturally and uncontrollably. Without interfering with the colony's development, the frame insulator helped each colony's brood (mothers' reproductive potential) and the initial and final individuals from the mites themselves. The study was carried out in four species (two control species and two species with up to 20 and over 21 mites, respectively). Treatments with amitraz to combat damage were divided into four treatment subgroups: two treatments every four days or four treatments every two days. We observed the number of individuals that were protected in all subgroups in the average brood area. The reproductive potential of the sisters' mothers did not change after the treatments with amitraz, which indicated that amitraz did not affect the delegation of egg laying. The invasion rate was also tracked relative to the control group, which allowed us to conclude that a two-time treatment with amitraz reduced the frequency of mites and a four-time treatment checked the effectiveness. Tailoring the control of V. destructor in bee colonies may be an effective measure in the fight against this parasite.

Phylogenetic analysis of Starmerella apis in honey bees (Apis mellifera).

Honey bees are among the most effective pollinators that promote plant reproduction. Bees are highly active in the pollen collection season, which can lead to the transmission of selected pathogens between colonies. The clade Starmerella comprises yeasts that are isolated mainly from bees and their environment. When visiting plants, bees can come into contact with Starmerella spp. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic position of S. apis in bee colonies. Bee colonies were collected from nine apiaries in three regions. Ten colonies were sampled randomly from each apiary, and pooled samples were collected from the central part of the hive in each colony. A total of 90 (100%) bee colonies from nine apiaries were examined. Starmerella apis was detected in 31 (34.44%) samples, but related species were not identified. The 18S rRNA amplicon sequences of S. apis were compatible with the GenBank sequences of Starmerella spp. from India, Japan, Syria, Thailand, and the USA. The amplicon sequences of S. apis were also 99.06% homologous with the sequences deposited in GenBank under accession numbers JX515988 and NG067631.This is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of S. apis in Polish honey bees.

Genetic Characterization of the Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in Poland and a Comparison with European and Asian Isolates.

(1) Background: The blood-feeding mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) continues to attract wide interest from researchers and bird breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of D. gallinae populations in five commercial laying hen farms in Poland and to determine their similarity with isolates from other countries. The study involved an analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). A total of 38 isolates obtained from Polish farms and 338 sequences deposited in GenBank were analyzed. (2) Results: Haplotype No. 46 was dominant (90%) in Polish isolates and was homologous with the isolates from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, and South Korea. These results are indicative of high genetic homogeneity and common ancestry of the poultry red mite and point to a common source of infestation in the examined farms. (3) Conclusions: The genetic diversity of D. gallinae should be further studied to promote a better understanding of how this parasite is disseminated within and between countries.

Detection of Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae in Selected Bumblebee Species.

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are an essential element of the ecosystem and the global economy. They are valued pollinators in many countries around the word. Unfortunately, there has been a decline in the bumblebee population, which is attributed to, among others, pathogens and reduced access to food due to the loss of natural nesting sites. Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae, protozoan pathogens of the family Trypanosomatidae, commonly infect bumblebees, including in Poland. In this study, a Polish population of bumblebees was screened for L. passim and C. mellificae. The experiment was performed on 13 adult bumblebees belonging to 4 species: B. lapidarius, B. lucorum, B. pascuorum, and B. terrestris. Protozoa of the family Trypanosomatidae were identified by PCR. Only L. passim was identified in one B. pascuorum individual. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of concurrent pathogens on the decline of bumblebee populations.

An in vitro evaluation of the sensitivity and responses of Dermanyssus gallinae to selected acaricides.

Dermanyssus gallinae is an obligatory ectoparasite of birds which feeds on blood and significantly compromise the well-being of commercially raised laying hens. In this study, the mortality rates and responses of D. gallinae to 2 acaricides with a physical mode of action (Dergall and Mite Max) and 2 acaricides with a chemical mode of action (Milben Ex and Bio PK) were evaluated in tree dilutions (S1-3) and compared at 8-time intervals after application. The evaluation involved a novel method that simulates real-world conditions in a commercial poultry farm. Tested products have shown high efficacy (84.3-100%) against D. gallinae in the producer recommended solution (S1). Acaricides with a physical mechanism of action were as effective as chemical agents in eradicating poultry red mites. The compared preparations differed only in the onset of action which was longer in acaricides with a physical mode of action (1-6 h for chemical 24 h for physical in S1). An increase in the concentration of the active ingredient did not significantly speed up the onset of action of the evaluated preparations. However, the efficacy of Dergall and Bio PK decreased when the applied dose was halved, to 12% and 0% respectively. A decrease in the dose Mite Max led to a somewhat smaller, but not statistically significant decrease in mite mortality rates (74%). The proposed method for evaluating acaricide efficacy can be helpful in selecting the most effective preparations and the optimal concentration of the working solution to be applied in commercial layer farms, thus reducing the costs associated with the eradication of D. gallinae. The developed method enables a reliable evaluation of acaricides with both a physical and chemical mode of action, and it supports observations of the parasites' responses to the applied treatment.

ENDOPARASITES IN WESTERN CAPERCAILLIES (TETRAO UROGALLUS) AND BLACK GROUSE (TETRAO TETRIX) KEPT IN VARIOUS TYPES OF AVIARIES.

Gallinaceous birds, including Western Capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) and Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix), are kept in aviaries and reintroduced to natural habitats as a part of ongoing measures to protect these endangered species. Although parasitic loads can immensely affect reintroduction success of these species, little is known about how the infestation level varies in birds reared with different methods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in fecal samples collected from Galliformes kept in various types of aviaries and transported to reintroduction sites. Most parasitic infections in the examined birds were caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, including Eimeria lyruri and Eimeria procera in Western Capercaillies, and E. lyruri, Eimeria nadsoni, and Eimeria tetricis in Black Grouse, which also hosted nematodes of the Capillaria spp. and Ascaridia galli. The prevalence of parasites varied across different types of aviaries. In permanent aviaries, Eimeria spp. was detected in 36% and 35% of the fecal samples collected from Western Capercaillies and Black Grouse, whereas Capillaria spp. were identified in 41% and 69% of the samples, respectively. The prevalence of the identified parasites increased in permanent aviaries on the second sampling date. In contrast, birds kept in seminatural free-flight aviaries in line with the "born to be free" rearing method had a lower prevalence of these parasites. Galliformes housed in seminatural aviaries may be better prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

Effective Microorganisms (EM) Improve Internal Organ Morphology, Intestinal Morphometry and Serum Biochemical Activity in Japanese Quails under Clostridium perfringens Challenge.

The effect of effective microorganisms (EM) on internal organ morphology, intestinal morphometry, and serum biochemical activity in Japanese quails under Clostridium perfringens challenge was determined. After 30 days of EM addition, one group of quails was orally inoculated with Clostridium perfringens. The second group did not receive EM and was inoculated with C. perfringens. In the gut, EM supplementation reduced the number of lesions, enhanced gut health, and protected the mucosa from pathogenic bacteria. EM showed an anti-inflammatory effect and fewer necrotic lesions in villi. In the internal organs, EM showed a protective effect against a typical lesion of C. perfringens infection. Necrosis and degeneration of the hepatocytes, necrosis of bile ducts, and bile duct proliferation were more severe in the infected group without EM. Morphometric evaluation showed significantly higher villi in the jejunum after EM addition. A greater crypt depth was observed in the C. perfringens group. Biochemical analysis of the blood indicated lower cholesterol on the 12th day of the experiment and between-group differences in total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and albumin levels in the EM group. Further studies are needed to improve EM activity against pathologic bacteria as a potential alternative to antibiotics and to develop future natural production systems.

Changes in the Percentages of B- and T-Lymphocytes and Antibody Titres in Laying Hens Infested with Dermanyssus gallinae-A Preliminary Study.

(1) Background: Dermanyssus gallinae, a hematophagous ectoparasite, adversely affects the health status of laying hens, leading to reduced egg production and significant economic losses in commercial farms. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of D. gallinae on the development of post-vaccination immune responses in layer hens. (2) Methods: A total of 80 blood samples were collected at four time-points (B1-B4) from 10 Hy-Line Brown hens, randomly selected from a commercial layer farm. The flock was naturally infested with D. gallinae and treated twice with Biobeck PA 910 (AI silicon dioxide). The samples were collected before and after each treatment. The percentages of IgM+ B cells, CD3+/CD4+ T cells and CD3+/CD8a+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry; the titres of antibodies against avian encephalomyelitis, infectious bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, reticuloendotheliosis virus and avian reovirus were determined by the immunoenzymatic method. (3) Results: The percentage of Th cells and post-vaccination anti-IBV and anti-NDV antibodies decreased significantly at the second infestation peak when the number of parasites was twice higher than at the first infestation peak. Non-significant negative correlations were found between the number of mites and the percentage of B cells (R = -0.845, p > 0.05) and between the number of mites and the percentage of Th cells (R = -0.522, p > 0.05), and a significant positive correlation was noted between the number of mites and the percentage of Tc cells (R = -0.982, p < 0.05). There were non-significant correlations between the number of mites and antibody titres. (4) Conclusion: The present findings suggested that D. gallinae might inhibit immune responses since the percentages of B cells and Th cells were negatively correlated with the number of mites. The percentage of Tc cells was positively correlated with the number of mites, which indicated that D. gallinae could stimulate cellular immune responses in infested laying hens. However, further research is needed to determine whether D. gallinae suppresses the production of vaccine-induced antibodies.

Changes in the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in honey bees (Apis mellifera) under the influence of various pathogens.

Honey bees play an invaluable role in the ecosystem as plant pollinators. The dramatic decline in honey bee population has prompted a search for its underlying causes and effective remedy methods. Insects produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which play an important role in the induced humoral immune response. The presence of apidaecin, abaecin, hymenoptaecin and defensin has been confirmed in honey bees. The expression of genes encoding these proteins is activated via two signalling pathways: toll pathway for apidaecins and defensins, and Imd pathway for abaecin and hymenoptaecin. Bee pathogens and parasites affect the expression of AMP genes, thus stimulating or inhibiting immune responses. The main causative agents of the global decline in bee populations include Varroa destructor, deformed wing virus (DWV), neonicotinoids, and microsporidian parasites of the genus Nosema. Researchers are divided over the influence of these pathogens and insecticides on the expression of AMP genes in insects. There is evidence to suggest that the age of honey bee plays an important role, and that peptides should be identified solely in the context of specific age groups. There is also a general scarcity of research into the long-term effects of immunosuppressive factors. The influence of various pathogens on the immune system of bees should be investigated to better understand their mutual relationships and to develop effective bee protection methods.

Internal parasites infecting dogs in rural areas

Dogs which spend their lives in rural areas are primarily "sentinels" of animal herds. The dogs' close contact with humans and other animals obligates their caregivers to systematic deworming. The goal is to eliminate potential contamination with parasites which is mostly caused by direct contact or food and water contaminated with dogs' excretions. The aim of this study was to assess internal parasitic invasions on dogs from rural areas which spend most of their lives on farms. In total, 69 samples of fresh stools were collected for the analysis, including 26 from females and 43 from males. Coprological analysis of stool samples was accompanied with a survey where pet owners gave information on the number of visits to the veterinarian in suspicion of their dogs being infected with the parasites, the number of deworming treatments in the previous year and the dogs' behavior towards strangers. Also, the age, sex and body weight of dogs were recorded. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using Statistica 12.5 with a medical set by Statsoft. In total, 29 (46,03%) out of 69 fecal samples contained developmental forms of parasites. Research has shown that animals most vulnerable to invasion were in the 6­10 years old age group, mostly males. In addition, the invasion of Toxocara canis roundworms occurred most frequently, as it was found in 12 (41.37%) animals (6 females and 6 males). The analysis of the questionnaires showed that the dog owners' knowledge of the risk of infection and parasites is unsatisfactory. This corresponded with a small number of deworming treatments. It is significant that nearly half of the owners never dewormed their dogs.

A parasitological evaluation of edible insects and their role in the transmission of parasitic diseases to humans and animals.

From 1 January 2018 came into force Regulation (EU) 2015/2238 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015, introducing the concept of "novel foods", including insects and their parts. One of the most commonly used species of insects are: mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), house crickets (Acheta domesticus), cockroaches (Blattodea) and migratory locusts (Locusta migrans). In this context, the unfathomable issue is the role of edible insects in transmitting parasitic diseases that can cause significant losses in their breeding and may pose a threat to humans and animals. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the developmental forms of parasites colonizing edible insects in household farms and pet stores in Central Europe and to determine the potential risk of parasitic infections for humans and animals. The experimental material comprised samples of live insects (imagines) from 300 household farms and pet stores, including 75 mealworm farms, 75 house cricket farms, 75 Madagascar hissing cockroach farms and 75 migrating locust farms. Parasites were detected in 244 (81.33%) out of 300 (100%) examined insect farms. In 206 (68.67%) of the cases, the identified parasites were pathogenic for insects only; in 106 (35.33%) cases, parasites were potentially parasitic for animals; and in 91 (30.33%) cases, parasites were potentially pathogenic for humans. Edible insects are an underestimated reservoir of human and animal parasites. Our research indicates the important role of these insects in the epidemiology of parasites pathogenic to vertebrates. Conducted parasitological examination suggests that edible insects may be the most important parasite vector for domestic insectivorous animals. According to our studies the future research should focus on the need for constant monitoring of studied insect farms for pathogens, thus increasing food and feed safety.

The influence of Dermanyssus gallinae and different lighting regimens on selected blood proteins, corticosterone levels and egg production in layer hens.

Egg production in battery cage systems in commercial poultry farms promotes uncontrolled growth of poultry ectoparasite Dermanyssus gallinae. Intermittent lighting regimens provided a promising alternative for controlling D. gallinae invasions. The study analysed the influence of D. gallinae invasions on selected blood protein fractions (albumin, α-, ß-, γ-globulin), corticosterone levels and egg production in Hy-Line Brown layer hens exposed to two lighting regimens: A (16 L:8D) and B (intermittent (4 L:2D); L-light, D-dark). Blood samples were collected from a total of 48 hens (divided into uninfested - UF, and infested - IF groups for each lighting regimen). The concentrations of protein fractions were analysed by electrophoresis on Cormay Gel Protein 100, and corticosterone levels were determined in a radioimmunoassay. The results of the study revealed concentrations of ß-globulin and corticosterone levels were significantly higher in IF than UF groups in both lighting regimens. However, both parameters were higher in hens exposed to lighting regimen B than lightening regimen A. Gamma-globulin concentrations were significantly lower in IF than UF groups in both lighting regimens. Egg production was significantly lower in all groups than commercial standard. D. gallinae and intermittent lightening regimen had interaction effect on the corticosterone level in hens. Strong decreasing (negative) linear relationship between corticosterone levels and egg production (r = -0.911) was reported.

The resistance of Eimeria spp. to toltrazuril in black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) kept in an aviary.

The black grouse is a critically endangered species in Europe. Aviary breeding and re-introduction programs have contributed to the reinstatement of black grouse populations. Parasitic diseases can influence the species' behavior, choice of habitats, and survival rates. Protozoa of the genus Eimeria are the most prevalent parasites in black grouse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of toltrazuril (TOL) against Eimeria spp. in black grouse kept in an aviary. Eimeria spp. oocysts (mean OPG for all birds = 7,047.84; SD = 5,625.05) were detected in feces samples in a routine parasitological examination. Parasitic infections were treated with toltrazuril Baycox 2.5% (Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany) at 1 ml/1 l H2O administered per os with drinking water twice a day for 2 d, 12 h/24 h. High oocysts counts persisted upon the second parasitic examination. Therefore, the birds were divided into 3 groups in 3 existing aviaries. Toltrazuril was administered according to the same protocol, and its uptake with drinking water was monitored. A parasitological examination conducted 5 d later revealed the presence of parasites, and the TOL dose was increased to 3 ml/1 l H2O. When oocysts were detected in a successive exam, the TOL dose was further increased to 5 ml/1 l H2O. The increase in TOL dose did not eliminate parasites, therefore, the treatment was discontinued. The fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) revealed that 1 ml of TOL reduced fecal oocysts counts (OPG) by 0.02%, the second application of the same TOL dose reduced OPG by 0%, 3 ml of TOL reduced OPG by 0%, and 5 ml of TOL reduced OPG by 65.7%. The applied doses of TOL did not induce significant differences in the fecal oocysts counts of any of the identified species of coccidia. The results indicate that the coccidia species infecting black grouse have natural resistance to TOL.

Treatment of cryptosporidiosis in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana).

There are no standard guidelines for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in reptiles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two cryptosporidiosis therapies in captive green iguanas. Eight green iguanas aged 2-6 years, including 6 (1 ♂ and 5 ♀) animals with chronic diarrhea, received treatment for cryptosporidiosis. The presence of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts was determined in 8 iguanas (100%), Isospora sp. oocysts were detected in 3 animals (37.5%), and Oxyuridae eggs were observed in 5 iguanas (62.5%). The animals were divided into two therapeutic groups (A and B). Group A iguanas were administered halofuginone (Halocur, 0,50 mg/ml Intervet Productions S.A., France) at a dose of 110 mg/kg body weight (BW) every 7 days for 5 weeks. Group B animals were administered sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Norodine Vet Oral Paste sulfadiazine 288,3 mg/g, trimethoprim 58 mg/g, ScanVet Animal Health A/S, Denmark) at 75 mg/kg BW per os every 5 days for 5 weeks and spiramycin and metronidazole (Stomorgyl, spiramycin 1500000 IU, metronidazole 250 mg, Merial, France) at 200 mg/kg BW every 5 days for 5 weeks. Both groups received hyperimmune bovine colostrum and subcutaneous fluids. Before treatment, the average number of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts in 1 g of feces was determined at 1.71 * 105 (±313,262.44) in group A and 1.56 * 105 (±262,908.53) in group B; the average number of Isospora sp. oocysts was determined at 3.53 * 103 (±1747.38), and the average number of Oxyuridae eggs was determined at 810 (±496.74). Blood tests were performed once before treatment. The results of blood morphology and biochemistry tests before treatment revealed leukocytosis with a significant increase in heterophile and monocyte counts in all animals. Dehydration, elevated hematocrit values and low levels of Na+, Ca2+, PO4- and Cl- ions were observed in 6 iguanas. Two iguanas died during treatment. The gross necropsy revealed acute inflammation of gastric and duodenal mucosa, mucosal ecchymoses in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatomegaly and liver congestion, cholecystitis, enlarged kidneys and renal edema and congestion, cystitis, and an absence of fat bodies. Parasites were not detected in any developmental form after 40 days of therapy and during an monthly 18-month follow-up period. Effective treatment of cryptosporidiosis in reptiles minimizes the adverse consequences of disease, improves the animals' well-being and decreases euthanasia rates.

Preliminary studies on the occurrence of honeybee pathogens in the national bumblebee population

Dangerous pathogens that affect honeybees, including microsporidia of the genus Nosema, the acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) and the deformed wing virus (DWV), also contribute to the global decline in bumblebee populations. In this study, a few insects with the bumblebee population present in country was checked for the presence of Nosema apis, Nosema bombi and Nosema ceranae microsporidia, ABPV, the chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) and DWV. Thirteen adult bumblebees (Bombus) representing 4 species were analyzed: Bombus lapidarius (2 workers, 2 males), Bombus lucorum (1 worker), Bombus pascuorum (5 workers, 1 male) and Bombus terrestris (2 workers). These specimens were found dead in two urban botanical gardens and four landscape parks in Lower Silesia. Microsporidia of the genus Nosema and CBPV were not detected in any of the examined samples. ABPV was identified in 2 insects of B. pascuorum and B. terrestris (2 workers). The presence of DWV was detected in 12 bumblebees (10 workers, 2 males).

Invasive forms of canine endoparasites as a potential threat to public health - A review and own studies.

[b]Abstract [/b] Dogs serve as the vectors of serious zoonotic parasitic diseases. In the month of May 2012 - 2014, 339 dog faeces samples from seven public sites in Chelmno, a town in northern Poland, were collected and examined to determine the gastrointestinal parasite fauna of dogs. Each faecal sample was dissected with a needle, checked for tapeworm segments and examined for parasite eggs and oocysts using the flotation and decantation method and a modified Baermann technique. Differences were observed in the degree of parasite species occurrence. The most dominant were [i]Toxocara canis[/i] and Ancylostomatidae. The detected species included: [i]T. canis [/i]and [i]Toxascaris leonina[/i] eggs (23.4% and 10.2%, respectively), as well as eggs from the[i] Ancylostomatidae[/i] family (16.2%),[i] Trichuris vulpis [/i]eggs (6.6%), [i]Taenia[/i] type eggs (4.6%),[i] Dipylidium caninum[/i] (5.2%) and [i]Cystoisospora [/i](Isospora) spp. oocysts (10.9%).

The parasites of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as an indicator of health status and quality of the environment

The mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a host to internal and external parasites. A heavy parasite burden indicates poor immunological status and a pathogen-contaminated environment. The present study describes the macroscopic and microscopic examination of isolated intestines and gizzards of 130 mallard ducks from birds kept in the breeding farm. Scrapings of intestinal mucosa were examined by flotation and with the sedimentation method. The results of the flotation method indicate the presence of coccidia oocysts in the ileum scrapings from one of five male mallards aged six weeks, one out of five aged 10 weeks and three out of five aged 12 weeks. In female mallards, oocysts were found in two of five birds aged 12 weeks and in two of five aged 16 weeks. No macroscopic lesions were found in the intestinal mucosa. Adult forms of the nematode Amidostomum anseris were found in the gizzards of six mallards aged 20 weeks and in two aged 22 weeks. The relatively low prevalence of parasitic infections reflects the purity of the environment, good immunity status of the birds and good management of the farm.

Tongue worm (Pentastomida) infection in ball pythons (Python regius) ­ a case report

Tongue worms (Pentastomida) are endoparasites causing pentastomiasis, an invasive disease representing a threat to exotic animals and humans. Animals acquire infection via the alimentary tract. In reptiles, the parasite is present in the lungs, resulting in symptoms from the respiratory system. Pentastomiasis may be asymptomatic, but nonspecific symptoms may occur at high parasite concentrations. Due to the harmful effects of many antiparasitic substances, tongue worm invasion in reptiles remains not fully treatable. Although pentasomiasis is rarely diagnosed in Poland, pentastomids were diagnosed in two ball pythons, who were patients of the "Poliklinika Weterynaryjna" veterinary clinic. They demonstrated problems with the respiratory system and a significant deterioration of health. Fenbendazole at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w., repeated after 7 days was shown to be effective.

Estimation of infection of internal parasites in horses from different type of farms.

Studies were carried out in year 2014 during the pasture period (from April to October) in Warmia and Mazury Region. Fecal samples were taken from cold- and warmblood horses from individual and agrotouristic farms with the different housing, feeding and pasture- care practices. Total of 512 horses were examined (320 mares, 170 geldings and 22 stallions). In the group of 185 horses from individual farms, 119 animals (64.3%) were infected with gastro-intestinal parasites. Among the 372 horses from agrotouristic farms 169 (51.7%) were infected with parasites. Most of the animals expelled the eggs of Cyathostominae. In some individuals occurred eggs of Strongylus spp., Parascaris equorum, Strongyloides westeri and tapeworm of Anoplocephala. The number of infected horses from agrotouristic farms was lower than from individual farms, probably due to more regular deworming (usually 2 times a year) and bigger care paid to cleaning pastures.