REPONIVS - Repository of Scientific Institute for Veterinary Medicine of Serbia
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Occurence of Parascaris equorum of domestic mountain horse in Serbia
No full textThe domestic mountain horse is an autochthonous breed of horse that originated in the Balkans.
Domestic mountain horses kept freely on pastures which are located in nature reserves on Stara planina
Nature Park, Zasavica Special Nature Reserve and Krčedinska ada. In order to better understand the
biodiversity of its endoparasites we examined 157 animals from this location. Feces were examined
using fecal flotation technique, and the determination of parasite eggs was done using morphometric
methods. During our examination Parascaris equorum we found in 41.33% mainly present in younger
categories of horses with a large number of foals. Adult P. equorum live in the small intestine, and eggs
pass in the feces. A second-stage infective larva develops within each egg; in ideal environmental
conditions, this takes approximately three weeks. Infection of the horse is by ingestion of the larvated
eggs. The larvae that hatch migrate into the intestinal wall, travel in the portal veins to liver, thence in
the vasculature to the heart and then the lungs. Here the larvae break out from the branches of the
pulmonary artery into the airways, are coughed up and swallowed. This is a tracheal migration. The prepatent
period is approximately 10 weeks. Clinical symptoms are most pronounced in foals, while in
adult horses the infection is mostly subclinical. At the beginning of the disease, short-term diarrhoea
appears, then cough and nasal discharge, short-term increase in temperature, and sometimes nervous
symptoms. After ten days, the signs of bronchopneumonia disappear. When adult parasites are found in
the small intestine, chronic signs of digestive tract disorders appear. Faeces are watery with a hint of
mucus, sometimes accompanied by constipation, colic attacks, intestinal flatulence, etc. The coat is
bristly, dull and coarse. In foals, pallor of mucous membranes, poor growth or weight loss with an
increase in abdominal girth is observed
Meat industry as our best chance for controlling transmission of a tiny but deadly tapeworm
No full textEchinoccocosis is a zoonotic disease which can have severe, even lethal consequences for the host, yet multiple effective means of controlling transmission and thus preventing infection, are available. Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are the two tapeworm species which are clinically most relevant in Europe and both are endemic in the Balkans. The life cycle of the tapeworm includes intermediate and dead-end hosts, ungulates and humans, as well as definitive hosts, the Canidae and Felidae. Disease caused by E. multilocularis, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is more severe and also difficult to diagnose, especially in animals. Echinococcosis in livestock leads to morbidity and mortality, thereby facilitating economic losses at various levels. Reporting is mandatory, yet under-reporting is a common occurrence as is the failure to identify relevant geographical transmission foci in a timely manner, thus contributing to continuous tapeworm transmission and spread. As echinococcosis is a foodborne disease in animals and humans, the food industry, and particularly the meat industry, are key stakeholders in raising awareness, lobbying government authorities for control measures and improved diagnostics
Male fertility impairment associated with Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs
No full textRecent findings indicate a link between Babesia canis infection and acquired infertility in male dogs, prompting further investigation into how Babesia gibsoni affects male reproductive health. Blood samples of 100 male dogs suspected of having babesiosis were collected for PCR, hematological, biochemical, and serological analyses to verify B. gibsoni infection and assess possible co-infections with Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum, and Mycoplasma spp. Out of the 37 B. gibsoni-positive dogs, semen samples were collected and analyzed before treatment and six months later from six American Staffordshire Terriers (ASTs), and compared to eight sexually mature, reproductively healthy dogs. At initial examination, Babesia spp. was detected in the semen of one dog, while two others tested positive six months posttreatment. Sperm analysis revealed no changes in sperm concentration between initial presentation and six months posttreatment. However, significantly lower percentages of progressively motile spermatozoa (PMOT, median range 26.5%) were observed alongside decreased velocity (VCL – curvilinear velocity, median range 51μm/s; VSL – straight-line velocity, median range 23μm/s; VAP – average path velocity, median range 27μm/s) and viability parameters (Dead, median range, 53.5%; Total defects median range, 37%) compared to healthy dogs (PMOT median range 80.5%; VCL median range 131μm/s; VSL median range 67μm/s; VAP median range 78μm/s; Dead, median range, 6.5%; Total defects, median range, 19.5%). The presence of Babesia spp. in semen may adversely affect sperm quality, causing acquired male sterility even six months posttreatment. Further research is essential to improve prevention efforts, resolve legal concerns about parasite transmission through semen, and enhance treatment strategies and reproductive results
Case report of mange in pet African pygmy hedgehog
No full textAtelerix albiventris (syn Erinaceus albiventris) the four-toed hedgehog, also known as the
African pygmy hedgehog. This is one of the most popular species of domesticated hedgehog
sold in the exotic pet trade. It is bred extensively for color and temperament and is even
displayed in competitive hedgehog shows. Lifespan is typically 4 to 6 years. Diseases of
parasitic etiology often occur in hedgehogs, and here we present a description of mange. The
patient was a 4-year-old African pygmy hedgehog who never left the cage outside the owner's
apartment. The anamnesis revealed that the animal was lethargic and had severe pruritus and
had either lost the spines along the entire length of her back or they were easily pulled out.
The skin was thickened and reddened with crust deposits. For parasitological examinations
skin scrapings were collected from severely affected areas of the skin and preserved in 70%
methanol. At the same time cellophane touch imprints were taken for examination too. Under
the microscope, a vast number of adult and developmental forms of mites from the genus
Caparinia could be observed. Average length and width of adult males and females were
313.6×240.5 µm and 418.6×287.1 µm, respectively. The identification of the parasites was
based on the key provided by Lawrence and the description by Fain. Based on those, we
determined that the mite was Caparinia tripilis. The life cycle of C. tripilis includes an egg,
larva, protonymph, deutonymph (including pubescent females), and either an adult male or
an adult female. Two protrusions are present on the surface of an egg and are on the same
side of the cleavage. C. tripilis may burrow into the skin of hedgehogs, and symptoms may
include pruritus, hair loss, spine loss, and scaly, encrusted skin lesions like we found during
the clinical examination of the hedgehog. For therapy, ivermectin (Alfamec 1%) was given in
a dose of 0.2 mg per kg of body weight subcutaneously. Ivermectin application was repeated
every two weeks for a total of 3 times. Already after the first injection, a significant reduction
in the number of parasites was observed on the control, only one mite was found, at the
following 3 controls not a single parasite was found
Morphological and genetic diversity of Angiostrongylus vasorum
No full textAbstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is an expanding cardiopulmonary nematode of canids and other carnivores. Variations in the morphology of male specimens, particularly the copulatory bursa, may lead to misidentification, especially in non-canid hosts. Diagnostic challenges are further compounded when examining poorly preserved adult specimens or those from wildlife, especially when males are not present. Molecular methods have proven an excellent tool for species confirmation and in revealing significant genetic diversity within A. vasorum populations. This review aims to explore the morphological and genetic diversity of A. vasorum, update the distribution in Europe, and discuss important epidemiological implications. We propose integrating molecular and morphological diagnostic strategies, particularly when identifying the parasite in non-canid hosts and in non-endemic regions. Understanding the population structure and diversity of A. vasorum may influence diagnostic strategies and support control measures of canine angiostrongylosis.
Keywords: Angiostrongylus vasorum, diversity, morphology, diagnosi
Izazovi u akvakulturi Republike Srbije i perspektive razvoja
No full textAkvakultura danas predstavlja jedan od najdinamičnijih sektora prehrambene industrije,
obezbeđujući skoro polovinu ribe i plodova mora koje ljudi širom sveta konzumiraju. Da bi se i dalje proizvodile
sve veće količine hrane na održiv način, mora se obratiti pažnja na uticaj proizvodnje na prirodu, zdravlje
uzgajanih vodenih organizama i dobrobit ljudi koji zavise od ovog sektora. Ključni koraci u tom pravcu uključuju:
donošenje jasnih regulativa, uvođenje efikasnih sistema za praćenje i kontrolu bolesti, obuku stručnjaka i
spremnost za brzo reagovanje u slučaju hitnih situacija. Jedan od najvećih izazova u akvakulturi je kontrola
bolesti, posebno virusnih infekcija koje često dovode do visoke smrtnosti i teško ih je suzbiti. Uz to, uzgoj
dodatno otežavaju sve izraženiji klimatski izazovi, kao što su visoke letnje temperature i smanjen nivo kiseonika
u vodi. Rešenje ovih problema se nalazi u savremenoj tehnologiji. Korišćenjem zatvorenih recirkulacionih
sistema, mogu se precizno kontrolisati uslovi uzgoja, skratiti ciklusi proizvodnje i štedeti voda, koja postaje sve
dragoceniji resurs. Na taj način je moguće stvoriti održiv i prilagodljiv sistem koji će zadovoljiti potrebe sadašnjih
i budućih generacija
Geographics and bacterial networks differently shape the acquired and latent global sewage resistomes
No full textAntimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) have rapidly emerged and spread globally, but the pathways driving their spread remain poorly understood. We analyzed 1240 sewage samples from 351 cities across 111 countries, comparing ARGs known to be mobilized with those identified through functional metagenomics(FG).FGARGsshowedstrongerassociationswithbacterialtaxathan the acquired ARGs. Network analyses further confirmed this and showed potential for source attribution of both known and novel ARGs. The FG resistomewasmoreevenlydispersedglobally,whereastheacquiredresistome followed distinct geographical patterns. City-wise distance-decay analyses revealed that the FG ARGs showed significant decay within countries but not across regions or globally. In contrast, acquired ARGs showed decay at both national and regional scales. At the variant level, both ARG groups had significant national and regional distance-decay effects, but only FG ARGs at a global scale. Additionally, we observed stronger distance effects in SubSaharan Africa andEastAsiacomparedtoNorthAmerica.Ourfindingssuggest that differential selection and niche competition, rather than dispersal, shape the global resistome patterns. A limited number of bacterial taxa may act as reservoirs of latent FG ARGs, highlighting the need of targeted surveillance to mitigate future resistance threats
Golden Jackals’ Winter Feeding Habits A One Health Perspective
No full textThe golden jackal (Canis aureus) is an autochthonous canid species in Serbia, with its population numbers among the highest in Europe. Following decades of continuous range expansion, the golden jackal now occupies nearly the entire country, adapting well to various habitats, including human-alerted ones. Previous studies have highlighted the species' opportunistic feeding behaviour, allowing it to adjust its diet to the seasonal availability of resources. This study examines the composition of golden jackals winter diet in Serbia's to understand their ecological role and interactions with human activities during the resource-scarce winter months. In collaboration with hunting associations, we analysed stomach contents from 86 legally hunted jackals collected during the winter months (December–February) of 2023 and 2024. Sixteen individuals had empty stomachs. Domestic ungulate carcasses were the dominant food category, occurring in 44 stomachs (62.9 % FO) and contributing 68.1% of total biomass, underscoring a heavy reliance on carrion. Small mammals were the most common live prey category (24.1 % O, 10.6 % B). Other dietary components included poultry, plant material, game species, and carnivores, though these were of lesser importance. The jackals' dependence on improperly disposed carcasses raises environmental and public health concerns, including the potential transmission of pathogens to domestic animals and humans. This highlights the need for a One Health approach to address these risks through improved carcass disposal and waste management practices, thereby mitigating human impacts on wildlife feeding behaviour and reducing public health risks.Poster presentatio
Beneath the feathers: Hidden burden of Serratospiculum and other endoparasites in falcons raised in captivity in Serbia
No full textParasitic infections represent an important health challenge in falcons (Falconidae), where they may negatively influence survival, reproduction, and performance. This study is the first investigation in Serbia assessing the prevalence and diversity of endoparasites in captive falcons, with special emphasis on Serratospiculum spp. A total of 145 live birds (hybrid falcon, Falco peregrinus, F. cherrug, F. rusticolus) and 1 dead individual were examined. Diagnostic procedures included necropsy, coprological analysis, and molecular detection. Endoparasites were confirmed in 55.2% of fecal samples. The most frequent were Caryospora spp. (41.4%), followed by Porrocaecum spp. (18.6%), Capillaria spp. (3.4%), and Serratospiculum spp. (2.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed between sexes, locations, and preventive health management. Falcons kept under preventive measures showed a markedly lower prevalence compared with those lacking such care. These findings highlight the persistent occurrence of endoparasites in Serbian falcons and underscore the importance of preventive programs. Regular deworming, strict hygiene, and vector control represent essential strategies for minimizing infections, particularly of Serratospiculum spp., which poses a serious respiratory health threat