<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoal haemoparasites of different <italic>Babesia</italic> species. Babesiosis is one of the most important globally extended and quickly spreading tick-borne infections of dogs. This comprehensive review gives an in-depth overview of <italic>Babesia</italic> species currently identified in dogs together with relevant vector tick species and their geographical distribution, life cycle and transmission of parasite. The main mechanisms in the pathogenesis of babesiosis are described and elucidated by recent literature overview. As <italic>Babesia</italic> infection causes a disease with very variable clinical manifestations, special attention is given to clinical signs, laboratory features and clinicopathological findings. The diagnosis of canine babesiosis by microscopy, serological and molecular methods is reviewed, together with recent advances in mass spectrometry based assays. Accurate detection and species recognition are important for the selection of the appropriate therapy, monitoring and prediction of the outcome of the disease. Finally, guidelines for the treatment and prevention of canine babesiosis are given.</abstract>

Canine Babesiosis: Where Do We Stand?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Radiological examination of gastric “gravel sign” was retrospectively conducted in 60 dogs presented with acute gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome. Other radiographic findings including loss of peritoneal serosal detail, presence of radiopaque foreign bodies, gastric pneumatosis, splenomegaly, and megaesophagus, were also examined in these patients. “Gravel sign” was detected on the pre-operative radiographs of 17 dogs with acute GDV (28.3%), suggesting that these patients could be suffering from chronic partial gastric obstruction before examination. German Shepherd dogs were significantly over-represented in this group (10/17, 58.8%). Dogs with acute GDV showing “gravel sign” should be carefully investigated for the presence of underlying gastrointestinal processes that might be associated with chronic partial obstruction.</abstract>

Assessment of the Prevalence of Gastric “Gravel Sign” in Dogs with Acute Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Colony losses, including those induced by the colony collapse disorder, are an urgent problem of contemporary apiculture which has been capturing the attention of both apiculturists and the research community. CCD is characterized by the absence of adult dead bees in the hive in which few workers and a queen remain, the ratio between the brood quantity and the number of workers is heavily disturbed in favor of the former, and more than enough food is present. Robbing behavior and pests usually attacking the weakened colony do not occur. In the present paper, the causes of the emergence of this problem are discussed, as well as the measures of its prevention.The following factors, which lead to colony losses, are analyzed: shortage of high-quality food (pollen and honey); infestation with parasites, primarily with <italic>Varroa destructor</italic>, and mixed virus infections; bacterial infections (American and European foulbrood), fungal infections (nosemosis and ascosphaerosis) and trypanosomal infections (lotmariosis); and, finally, general management of the apiary.Certain preventive measures are proposed: (1) providing ample high-quality forage and clean water, (2) avoiding sugarisation, i.e. superfluous use of sugar syrup, (3) meeting the nutritional needs of the colony, (4) when feeding bees, taking care of the timing and the composition of diet, avoiding pure sugar syrup which in excessive quantities may induce energetic and oxidative stress, (5) when there is a shortage of natural feed – honey in the brood chamber – use sugar syrup with natural/artificial supplements to avoid protein starvation, (6) organized control of <italic>V. destructor</italic> in the colonies is obligatory due to its vector role, and (7) compliance with hygienic and sanitary measures and principles of good apiculture practice and management in apiaries. To conclude, all preventive measures are feasible in compliance with rules and regulations concerning regular spring and autumn bee health monitoring by licensed veterinarians, who can propose adequate treatments if necessary.</abstract>

Looking for the causes of and solutions to the issue of honey bee colony losses

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease of worldwide distribution. The major causative agent is Ehrlichia canis, a gram-negative, obligate intracellular, pleomorphic bacterium of the genus Ehrlichia, which infects monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes, forming intracytoplasmic, membrane-bound bacterial aggregates, called morulae. After an incubation period of 8-20 days, the course of E. canis infection, can be sequentially divided into acute, subclinical and chronic phases, although these phases can hardly be distinguished in the clinical setting. Clinical recovery is the typical outcome of acutely infected dogs, entering the subclinical phase, during which they show no or minimal clinical signs and/or mild hematological abnormalities. Immunocompetent dogs may eliminate the infection during the acute or subclinical phases, but an unpredictable proportion of dogs will eventually develop the chronic phase, characterized by aplastic pancytopenia and high mortality, due to septicemia and/or severe bleeding. This article outlines briefly the pathogenesis of CME due to E. canis, and more thoroughly reviews the recent scientific literature pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease.</abstract>

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Infectious arthritides in goats is mainly caused by mycoplasmas and Caprine Arthritis- Encephalitis virus (CAEV). Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a member of Lancefield group C beta-hemolytic streptococcus that commonly colonizes the mucous membranes of healthy equids which is also capable to induce different pathological conditions in many animal species. In this paper we described a case of polyarthritis in four Alpine goat-kids caused by S. zooepidemicus. Goat-kids originated from a farm where sheep, llamas, shepherd dogs, cows and horses were kept with goats. During the external examination of carcasses, crusts and discrete hyperemia were seen on the earlobes beneath the ear tag, as well as swollen joints. Necropsy findings included severe fibrinous polyarthritis in all four examined kids. Shoulder, knee and hip joints were affected. From all affected joints S. zooepidemicus was isolated. Neither Mycoplasma spp. nor CAEV genome were detected from the affected joints. Most likely the goatkids were infected with S. zooepidemicus through the lesions on earlobes which were made after the tagging. As a possible source of bacteria, we recognized the horses and dogs. Due to the lack of any signs of illness in other animal species on the farm, as well as negative pathomorphological findings in other organs, we assumed that the isolated strain is highly adapted to goat-kids. Our report is the first described case of polyarthritis in goat-kids caused by S. zooepidemicus.</abstract>

Polyarthritis in Goat-Kids Caused by Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Zooepidemicus

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Anthelmintics are some of the most widely used drugs in veterinary medicine. Here we review the mechanism of action of these compounds on nematode parasites. Included are the older classes of compounds; the benzimidazoles, cholinergic agonists and macrocyclic lactones. We also consider newer anthelmintics, including emodepside, derquantel and tribendimidine. In the absence of vaccines for most parasite species, control of nematode parasites will continue to rely on anthelmintic drugs. As a consequence, vigilance in detecting drug resistance in parasite populations is required. Since resistance development appears almost inevitable, there is a continued and pressing need to fully understand the mode of action of these compounds. It is also necessary to identify new drug targets and drugs for the continued effective control of nematode parasites.</abstract>

A brief review on the mode of action of antinematodal drugs

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly infectious viral disease that affects birds, including wild water birds and poultry. The emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains, such as H5N1, have raised concerns due to their potential to cause severe outbreaks and cross the species barrier, leading to human infections and global public health emergencies. In this study, we report the first case of HPAI H5N1 detection in Montenegro. Twenty-six carcasses of dalmatian pelicans were found in Skadar Lake, Montenegro, and the H5N1 subtype was confirmed through molecular testing in the samples from pelicans. The whole influenza genome was sequenced and belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b was determined.
</abstract>

First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Montenegro

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a polygenic, multifactorial developmental disorder of the hip joint. Hip laxity, an early characteristic of CHD, leads to degeneration within the joint due to mechanical injury. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by x-ray examination. The aim of our study is to refine CHD assessments using a quantitative planimetry method. The measurement of the Norberg angle (NA) was found subjective and insufficient to measure hip laxity on the standard ventrodorsal projection, because extension of the pelvic limbs stretches the joint capsule and supports joint congruence. Therefore, we have decided to verify other methods of detecting CHD, which include measurement of femoral head coverage (linear and area coverage) and congruence angle (AoC). These parameters could provide us with relevant information about how well the head of the femur fits into the acetabulum and thus might help to assess CHD better, and identify affected individuals better. In our study, we included 122 x-ray images of 3 breeds of dogs of both sexes and at different ages 5.6 ± 1.8 years. The highest correlation was between both femoral head linear and both area overlap for Bavarian hounds. For Bernese mountain dogs it was between right NA and linear and area femoral overlap, between both femoral head linear and both area overlap. For German shepherd dogs it was found between both NA, between right NA and right AoC, between both AoC, between both NA with both femoral overlap and between both AoC and both femoral overlap on the same side.
</abstract>

Assessment of New Radiographic Traits in Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<italic>Brucella ovis</italic> infects sheep and causes a clinical or subclinical disease characterized by genital lesions and reduced fertility in rams, placentitis and abortions in ewes, and increased perinatal mortality in lambs. As part of this study, analyses were conducted on a sheep farm near Belgrade (Serbia). Of the serological tests, indirect ELISA was performed. A total of 94 blood sera were analyzed, 33 from rams and 61 from ewes. The results showed 23 (69.7%) positive findings in rams and 2 (3.3%) positive findings in ewes, with an overall prevalence of 25.4% bounded by a 95% confidence interval. Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR and Real time PCR were performed on 19 serologically positive rams and two serologically positive ewes. The results indicate a slightly higher sensitivity of Real time PCR compared to conventional PCR in diagnosing <italic>B. ovis</italic> from the reproductive tissues of rams. However, the differences in sensitivity between different nucleic acid extraction protocols were not significant. Most rams showed a positive PCR result in only one sample of reproductive tissue, suggesting the recommendation to take multiple samples from each animal. Further research is needed to bring the sensitivity of molecular tests in diagnosing ram epididymitis closer to the sensitivity of serological tests.
</abstract>

Reliability of Molecular Tests in Diagnosing Ovine Brucellosis Caused by <italic>Brucella Ovis</italic>

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The objective was to characterize a herd of 73 Nellore heifers, identifying resistant, resilient, and susceptible animals to gastrointestinal helminths, relating the global methylation of the DNA of these animals with the degree of helminthiasis and factors that interfere with performance. Individual count of eggs per gram of feces (EPG), fecal culture for gender identification, weighing and blood sampling were carried out to determine PCV, STP, EOS, IgG, followed by DNA extraction and methylation analysis. The results were: 47% resistant animals, 34% resilient, and 19% susceptible to gastrointestinal helminth infections, with EPG counts of 53, 216, and 841, respectively, showing a statistical difference between all groups. The quantification of DNA methylation was 0.311, 0.245 and 0.178, respectively, for resistant, resilient, and susceptible animals, with a correlation being found between resistance to gastrointestinal helminths and overall DNA methylation. For weight gain, resistant and resilient animals showed higher values than susceptible ones, with a correlation between weight gain and EPG. The same was observed for VG; however, there was no statistical difference to the EOS, PPT, and IgG values. A significant correlation was found between PCV and EPG; quantifications of PCV and methylated DNA, STP and EPG; VG and STP. Therefore, the methodologies used made it possible to identify the animals regarding the degree of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes, making it possible to correlate the resistance of cattle to helminths with the amount of global DNA methylation and its performance.
</abstract>

Epigenetic Investigation Related to Gastrointestinal Helminth Resistance and Performance in Cattle

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Frequent phlebotomies, even when only a small volume of blood is taken for diagnostic purposes, can lead to the development of iron deficiency with hematological and metabolic changes. The study aimed to determine the influence of frequent blood loss by phlebotomy on blood iron concentration (Fe), hematology, metabolic and endocrine parameters and their relationships. Blood samples were collected from 30 blood donor rams for 6 consecutive weeks, with approximately 10% of blood collected weekly. Such chronic blood loss resulted in a decrease in Fe. Indicators of iron transport in the bloodstream changed, so the value of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) increased, while the value of transferrin saturation percentage (TS%) decreased. Hematological changes included a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean red blood cell volume and hematocrit and a tendency for reticulocyte count and red cell distribution width to increase. Chronic blood loss resulted in a specific metabolic response that included the increase in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate-aminotransferase, and insulin resistance, while thyroxine, triiodothyronine and cortisol decreased and there was a tendency for lactate to increase and BHB to decrease. The mentioned blood parameters correlated with Fe and additionally showed greater changes when Fe was extrapolated to the level of clinical deficit (Fe=9μmol/L). These correlations suggest the need to monitor the metabolic and endocrine status during chronic blood loss, in addition to Fe and erythrocyte indices. Compared with previous results in other animal species, Fe may have a direct influence on metabolic processes in rams.
</abstract>

Influence of Frequent Phlebothomy on Blood Iron Concentration, Haematological, Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters in Rams

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study aimed to measure the total arsenic content deposited in the ovaries of three consecutive generations of mice. The animals were treated with two different concentrations to determine whether histological changes were caused in the ovaries. The control group of mice received tap water, whereas the experimental groups were given different concentrations of dissolved arsenic (III)-oxide. The arsenic content in the ovaries in both experimental groups increased with each generation. The highest content was recorded in the third generation of the second experimental group. Between the two experimental groups in each generation, significant differences in the average number of <italic>corpora lutea</italic> and ovarian follicles were identified. Arsenic caused structural changes in the ovaries in both experimental groups in all three consecutive generations.
</abstract>

Impact of Arsenic on Mouse Ovaries Over Three Generations

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important disease of cattle which is included in the OIE list of notifiable terrestrial animal diseases because of its great economic importance. The etiological agent is the Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). In the control of LSD attenuated strains of LSDV and SPPV are successfully used as vaccine strains in infected areas. In the case of vaccination policy, due to the possibility of mild or systemic post-vaccination reactions in vaccinated animals, the application of diagnostic procedures that will rapidly and specifically differentiate LSDV field strains from LSD vaccine virus strains are extremely important. Rapidity in diagnostics and disposal of infected animals is one of the key factors in the prevention of spreading the disease. In the presented study we have described the development and validation of two real-time TaqMan-PCR assays for a rapid, sensitive and specific detection of the virulent field LSDV strain currently circulating in the Balkan Peninsula. Specificity for the field strain and exclusivity for vaccine strains was tested on 171 samples from naturally infected and vaccinated animals. The results of this study show that both developed real-time PCR assays are more sensitive than the conventional nested PCR in detecting field LSDV strains thus enabling rapid and high-throughput detection of animals infected with field strains of LSDV. In conclusion, both KV-2 and FLI real-time PCR assays described in this study are simple, rapid, sensitive and suitable for routine use in a diagnostic laboratory and have the potential to replace conventional nested gel-based PCR assays as the standard procedure for the detection of field strains of LSDV in clinical samples.</abstract>

Department for Laboratory Diagnostic, Veterinary Specialized Institute „Kraljevo“, Kraljevo,

Virology Department, Scientific Veterinary Institute „Novi Sad“, Novi Sad,

Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems,

Real-Time PCR Assays for the Specific Detection of Field Balkan Strains of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The aim of this study was the investigation of water, sediments and fish tissues contamination with heavy metals. All samples were taken from the Danube River in Belgrade region, a location upstream from Batajnica. Concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb in water samples were not detected, while concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu and As were in the range of 0.004 - 0.330 mg L-1. Iron was the most deposited metal in sediment samples in contrast to water samples where all investigated metals were detected. For the purpose of heavy metals determination in fresh fish tissue, fifteen samples of three different fish species, silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and wels catfish (Silurus glanis) were collected. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, As and Hg were determined in the digestive tract, liver and muscle by absorption spectroscopy. The highest concentration of Pb was in the digestive tract in all three fish species, ranging from 0.036 to 1.518 μg g-1, while Cd was mostly deposited in the liver. Concentrations of As were in the range of 0.36 - 0.73 μg g-1 in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, 0.013 - 0.18 μg g-1 in Cyprinus carpio and 0.003 - 0.005 μg g-1 in Silurus glanis tissues, while the content of Hg was equal in all tested tissues of carp. Concentrations of all metals were found to be present in the fish samples at different levels, but these values are under the maximum residual levels prescribed by the European Union (EU) and the maximum allowed concentrations (MAC) for Serbia, so the fish meat is acceptable for the human consumption.</abstract>

Ministry of Health Republic of Serbia, Omladinskih brigada 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Centre for Food Analysis, Zmaja od Noćaja 11, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Analysis of Heavy Metals Concentration in Tissues of Three Different Fish Species Included in Human Diet from Danube River

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