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Klamidioza ptica, nazivana još ornitoza, psitakoza ili papagajska groznica, zarazna je bolest koja se pojavljuje u brojnih vrsta ptica. Desetljećima je vrsta Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) jedina opisivana kao uzročnik ove bolesti, no u novije se vrijeme u ptica spominju i druge vrste kao što su C. gallinacea, C. avium, C. ibidis i C. buteonis. Ipak, do danas, smatra se da vrsta C. psittaci ima najizraženiji zoonotski potencijal, posebno genotipovi izdvojeni iz ptica kućnih ljubimaca (papiga). Ovaj rad prikazuje kliničku manifestaciju klamidioze u ptica kućnih ljubimaca, pojavnost ove bolesti u Republici Hrvatskoj, te prikaz zoonotskog potencijala C. psittaci.

Monitoring showed that more than 70% of the layer and breeder flocks in Europe are positive for Mycoplasma synoviae. It can cause respiratory distress, synovitis and changes on egg shells. However, it is usually manifested as mild infection causing oxidative destruction of the epithelia, thus opening entrance for other, generally opportunistic pathogens, like E. coli and G. anatis. Vaccination of MS using MS-H strain showed excellent results in the protection of layers and breeders, as well as autogenous vaccines against E. coli and G. anatis. In this study we present results of simultaneous application of MS-H and autogenous E. coli + G. anatis vaccine in broiler breeder flocks. In total 8 flocks of 31000 Ross 308 breeder hens were longitudinally monitored. Three flocks were vaccinated twice using commercial live and inactivated vaccines for E.coli, while two flocks were vaccinated using only autogenous E. coli vaccine twice. One flock was vaccinated once using MS1 strain of MS in combination with autogenous E. coli twice. On the other hand, two flocks were vaccinated once using MS-H vaccine at 9 weeks, and twice using autogenous vaccine, in one flock only with E. coli and in the second E. coli + G. anatis vaccine at 9 and 16 weeks of age. Production parameters (egg production, total and weekly mortality) were collected in each flock during production till the 60 weeks of age and analysed statistically. Results showed statistically significant drop in mortality and increase in egg production in the flocks simultaneously vaccinated with MS-H and autogenous vaccines compared to the flocks vaccinated only with commercial vaccines, with average decrease from 19, 37 to 10, 3%. Also, same flocks have had lower mortality compared to flocks vaccinated only with autogenous vaccines, but not significantly, which is 14, 93%. In conclusion, combination of MS-H and autogenous vaccine significantly lowers the mortality in broiler breeder flocks and improves the production.

Monografija je objavljena povodom obilježavanja 20. obljetnice postojanja Udruge za znanost o peradi (UZP). Peradarstvo u Hrvatskoj ima dugu tradiciju, a začeci intenzivne peradarske proizvodnje sežu u 60. godine prošloga stoljeća. Nekoliko se znanstvenih institucija bavilo edukacijom studenata i peradara te razvojem peradarstva. Iz njih i neposredne peradarske proizvodnje dolaze članovi udruge. Ona okuplja stručnjake različitih profesija na bilo koji način povezane s peradarstvom. Monografija se sastoji od nekoliko cjelina. U povijesnom dijelu sažeto je opisan razvoj peradarstva na području Republike Hrvatske uz nešto detaljniji prikaz stanja u posljednjih dvadeset godina u vremenu otkako djeluje UZP. Predstavljena je Svjetska udruga za znanost o peradi (WPSA) i njezina sastavnica Europska federacija kojoj se ubrzo po osnivanju pridružila i UZP. Opisan je i kontekst u kojem se rodila ideja o osnivanju podružnice WPSA u Hrvatskoj. Najopsežnije poglavlje u ovoj knjizi obuhvaća područja djelovanja Udruge: suradnju s privrednicima i znanstvenim institucijama, organizaciju znanstvenih i stručnih skupova u Hrvatskoj te suradnju u međunarodnim događanjima. Tijekom 20 godina djelovanja UZP-a, a osobito povodom održavanja Europske konferencije 2018. godine, mnogi su mediji pratili i popularizirali njezin rad pa je prikazan i kratak pogled u medijskih objava istaknutih članova.

Objectives: Gallibacterium anatis is a part of normal microflora of lower reproductive tract and upper respiratory tract in layers. Recently, it has been considered one of the most prevalent causative agents of different reproductive and respiratory disorders in laying hens beside avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Both bacteria cause similar lesions, such as peritonitis, folliculitis and salpingitis, which makes it more difficult to differentiate the cause and also often appear as coinfections. Alongside those lesions, production decrease and high mortality rates are often reported which makes it a serious problem on poultry farms. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of G. anatis on layer poultry farms in order to assess the current situation in Croatia and investigate the possible solutions to G. anatis infection. Materials and Methods: During this epizootiological survey, poultry carcasses were brought from seven layer poultry farms to the Department of Poultry Diseases with Clinic where necropsy was done. During examination, swab samples were taken from pharynx, trachea, lungs, liver, oviduct, follicles and bone marrow. Some of the samples were taken on farms from live animals from pharynx and cloaca. Samples were then plated on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. Identification was done by gram staining, biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF spectrometry method. Afterwards, they were stored in BHI broth on -80°C for further analysis. Results and Conclusion: All of the farms included in epizootiological survey were positive for G. anatis. Most of the isolates originated from pharynx and cloaca. In some cases coinfection with E.coli, Mycoplasma sp. or IB virus was present, so we assume G. anatis is an opportunistic pathogen which caused the infection in immunocompromised chickens. Due to often reported quickly acquired antimicrobial resistance after antibiotic therapy, use of autogenous vaccine alongside immunoprophylaxis program adjustment is recommended.

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) can cause serious problems on layer farms with drop in egg production and quality of eggs. Statistics confirm that more than 70% of layer farms in Europe are positive for MS. Once positive, flocks have to cope with recurrent problems and continuous losses during all production period together with high investment in treatment. Vaccination showed to be successful in elimination of the MS problem, using different vaccinal strains, but vaccination must be properly done and on time. Despite that, continuous monitoring should be established to determine possible threats for the farm as well as success of vaccination. Since farmers in the last two years continuously reported clinical signs of MS, aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of MS on layer poultry farms in Croatia. Around 300 blood samples from layer flocks were collected during 2017/2018 on 5 large layer farms previously non-vaccinated for MS. Sera were stored on -20°C till analyzed. Level of specific serum antibodies for MS were determined using commercial ELISA kit. Results showed high prevalence of MS on tested farms, especially in the last half a year, with over 80% of positive flocks. Average titres were in range of 2500 to 12 000. On multi-age farms usually younger flocks had lover titres with higher SD, while older flocks had higher average titres with lower SD. There were several cases of acute manifestation with poor egg quality and egg production decrease, what was confirmed by molecular diagnostics, together with simultaneous infection with M. gallisepticum (MG) on one farm. This survey confirms above mentioned statistics of continuous threat to layer egg production from MS and MG as well. This also confirms the need to modify the vaccination program and protect the production using available MS vaccines and to continuously monitor their impact on wild strain presence.

Gallibacterium anatis and avian pathogenic E.coli (APEC) is one of the most frequent pathogen combination found in layer flocks today, causing serious problems with increased mortality and drop in egg production combined with high multidrug resistance. If other pathogens are involved, like MS, MG, IB, ART etc, loses could be significantly higher. The purpose of this study was to determine influence of bivalent autogenous vaccines on flock performance, made on farmers request from local G.anatis and APEC strains. Farms were visited or carcass/swab samples were sent for isolation of APEC and G.anatis strains, which were confirmed by MALDI- TOF spectrometry and selected for vaccine production. Antigen solution is dispersed in oil adjuvant and given in 0, 4 ml with 10^8 CFU per dose twice per pullet at 9 and 18 weeks of age. Flocks were also monitored for other diseases by serology, together with production parameters and weekly mortality and compared to previous flocks. Farms included in this study showed high incidence of colibacillosis with high percentage of fibrinous poliserositis and high percentage of APEC strains isolated from bone marrow and liver, but also G. anatis strains were isolated from liver, oviduct or egg follicles. Both species were also multidrug resistant. Nonvaccinated flocks reached peak, but production was later irregular with elevated mortality, on average around 0, 7% per week, sometimes reaching around 2, 6% per week. Those flocks were MS, MG and ART negative, and IB vaccination program was adjusted to cover broad spectrum of strains. Vaccinated flocks reached peak without later fluctuations, but mortality was 0, 078% per week on average, with max 0, 10% per week. Results showed significant influence of autogenous vaccine on flock performance, confirming that combination of APEC and G. anatis strains were the main causative agents of problems in previous flocks. Also, due to the high multidrug resistance of isolated strains and the fact that egg production is not compatible with drug application, autogenous vaccines seem to be the method of choice for successful egg production.

Poultry production has become one of the main ways of animal protein production in the world, but poultry suffers from various infectious agents that could seriously devastate it. Viral poultry pathogens are usually successfully controlled by commercial vaccines, while the bacterial ones are generally controlled by good management, biosecurity measures and, if needed, therapy. Since bacterial pathogens have developed antimicrobial resistance, and, in parallel, the evolution of virulence factors has taken place, the problems have become worse. Some of the bacterial species like Escherichia coli, Gallibacterium anatis etc. have shown a capability to cause significant losses in all production systems. Since universal vaccines for the mentioned pathogens are usually lacking, autogenous vaccines have shown a promising potential. In the last five years, several farms had significant problems caused by bacterial diseases. Different tissue swabs were taken and a microbiological examination was done. After isolation, the species were additionally identified by using MALDI-TOF and all of the samples were stored for later analyses. Antimicrobial resistance was tested and some isolates, such as E. coli, were molecularly typed. The predominant species and strains isolated from target organs in clinical cases were used for the production of an autogenous vaccine for vaccination of the next layer or breeder pullet flocks. The results showed that the predominant bacterial pathogen in clinical cases was E. coli, with a high prevalence of G. anatis, Salmonella Gallinarum and Hafnia alvei on some farms, which were usually resistant to the majority of antimicrobials. After the introduction of an autogenous vaccine and the improvement of management on farms, mortality on a broiler breeder farm was reduced from over 20% to less than 10%. In addition, in some drastic cases of infection with both E. coli and G. anatis found in 1 layer flock, the vaccine alone reduced the mortality from 31% to 8.8% up to 60 weeks of age. The mentioned results indicate a promising future for autogenous vaccines.

Eterična ulja i njihove komponente uvelike se koriste u tovu pilića. Zbog njihovih antimikrobnih i antioksidativnih svojstava, te djelovanja na poboljšanu probavljivost hrane može se očekivati njihov pozitivan utjecaj na zdravstveni status životinja, a time i bolje krajnje rezultate tova. Pokus je proveden na 96 pilića hibrida Ross u kojemu je pokusnoj skupini dodan u hranu pripravak AromaCorm® (Ireks Aroma, Hrvatska) u koncentraciji od 0, 4 %. U ovom istraživanju utvrđeno je da su pilići pokusne skupine imali značajno (P˂0, 05) veću tjelesnu masu 25. dana pokusa, dok kasnije te razlike nisu bile značajne. Konverzija hrane bila je podjednaka, što je rezultiralo većom masom trupa i podjednakim randmanom. Veća masa krila, batka sa zabatkom i leđa utvrđena je u skupini hranjenoj s dodatkom eteričnih ulja limuna i komorača, ali bez značajnih razlika. Sve praćene senzorske karakteristike mesa prsa i batka sa zabatkom bile su bolje u mesu pokusne skupine, a značajno (P˂0, 05) bolje bile su boja, tekstura, sočnost, mekoća i prihvatljivost mirisa u mesu prsa, a u mesu batka sa zabatkom tekstura, sočnost i mekoća.

Proteus anguinus (the olm) is an amphibian endemic to the subterranean waters of caves in the Dinaric karst, inhabiting areas from northern Italy and southern Slovenia to southwestern Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina1. It is the only real cave-dwelling chordate found in Europe. Due to olm's troglomorphic and neotenous characteristics, this species is adapted to a life in complete darkness in its underground habitats. Proteus anguinus is the only species in the Proteus genus and the only European species of the Proteidae family. With the average lifespan of 68.5 years, olms are the longest living amphibian species2. The olm is extremely vulnerable to changes in its environment and is threatened by an increasing and uncontrolled spreading of urban areas and human-made infrastructure, and the excessive pollution of water habitats3. Also, heavy rains or waters from melted snow may wash the olms out from their habitat at certain localities in Croatia, bringing them to the surface of the ground. The animals are not able to survive for a longer period of time due to unnatural environmental conditions and secondary bacterial and fungal infections of skin injuries. Moreover, on the field they could come into contact with the vectors of infectious diseases. Owing to their elusive way of life in underground karst, the data on their real distribution, number of animals at different localities and potential health problems they could suffer from is very scarce. To get as much as possible information about the olms, in order to protect the animals and their habitats from various threats, the research project entitled „The olm (Proteus anguinus) in Croatia – conservation research project“ started in 2011, conducted by the Croatian Herpetological Society and Croatian Institute for Biodiversity, with the Hungarian Nature History Museum (Budapest), Zoological Society of London, Zagreb Zoo, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb as key partners. The project had two parts, the field research and conservation, and ex situ research and conservation. The aim of the field research was the confirmation of known localities and counting the individuals to get better picture about population structure and size, along with the search for new localities. In accessible caves this was done by trained speleodivers and biologists, while the olm presence in non-accessible cave systems was assessed by environmental DNA analysis of water samples. The aim of this part was also the raising of public awareness about human impact on the olms habitats, and cleaning of cave entrances. The aim of the ex situ conservation and research was to get the information about the olm health status using various methods. The primary idea was to investigate the possibility of returning the flushed individuals back to their habitats by identifying microorganisms harbored by olms, to distinguish between normal, opportunistic and real pathogens. It was also intended to develop optimal treatment and preventive measures in case of confirmation of infectious diseases. Therefore, skin, cloacal, and oral cavity swabs of the flushed olms and those from their natural habitats were collected, along with the water from their localities. Flushed olms are the animals being flushed from their natural habitats during the periods of excessive rain or fast snow melting. These animals die on the field due to unnatural conditions of excessive light, high temperatures and desiccation. To prevent the spreading of potential diseases from the field to underground habitats it is not advisable to release the animals back to their habitats. On some localities this is also not possible due to construction of the springs. Therefore, the project got the permission for collection of all flushed animals for scientific purposes and for their accommodation in the specially designed cold room meeting all the needs regarding the temperature, water circulation and conductivity, light, and food preferences, situated backstage of the Zagreb Zoo. To compare the microorganisms from flushed animals with those from their natural habitats, control animals were also included in the research. Standard microbiological procedures for detection of bacteria and fungi, and the qPCR for detection of Chlamydia sp., Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans and Ranavirus were performed. Bacteriology of samples was also performed by the next generation sequencing (NGS) at the Veterinary Research Institute Brno, Czech Republic. For intestinal parasite detection, native smears and fecal floatation from alive animals and intestinal scrapings from dead ones were used. For detection of Chloromyxum protei, kidneys of dead animals were investigated. Pathohistology of all dead animals was performed to determine the cause of death. In cooperation with the colleagues from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, ultrasound examination of animals for monitoring of general health and reproductive status of animals was performed. Standard microbiology procedures showed more bacterial isolates in flushed animals than in those from original localities. The most common isolates in flushed animals were Acinetobacter johnsonii, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus sp., Butiauxiella agrestis and Janthinobacterium lividum. Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens were the most common isolates in animals from original sites. Fungi (Aspergillus spp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium roseum and Rhodotorula rubra) were isolated only from flushed animals, while all of the animals from original sites were free of fungi. The higher number of bacterial and fungal isolates in flushed animals could be due to their exposure to unnatural conditions on the field where they suffered from immunosuppression and were surrounded by soil microorganisms. All of bacteria isolated from the water, with the exception of Microbacterium maritypicum, were also present in animals, indicating close relation between animal microbiota and the environment. Next generation sequencing results revealed the presence of Methylotenera sp. and Metyloversatilis sp. in the skin and oral cavity of the animals. The role of these microbes in olm biology, along with other results obtained by NGS needs further analysis. Feces and intestinal scrapings were free of parasites, but the occlusion of kidney tubules by myxozoan plasmodia and degeneration of epithelial cell layers were present in three dead animals. All of the animals so far have been negative to Ranavirus, Chlamydia sp., Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. Microbiology results acquired so far did not reveal the presence of real pathogens of infectious diseases in any animal, but various types of bacteria able to cause disease in immunocompromised animals were isolated from flushed individuals. Janthinobacterium lividum, a violacein producing organism, has already been described to poses antifungal properties, especially against chytrid fungi4, 5. The use of ultrasound has been proven as a useful and non–invasive diagnostic tool for gender determination, heart rate assessment and monitoring of internal organ function6. From the beginning of the project until today, many various institutions and researchers have been interested in different research areas of olm biology, so that a lot of information about this special amphibian has been collected in the past few years. Today, our knowledge is more extensive than at the start of the project and this will hopefully assist in the preservation of the olms, but the further research is still in progress.

Imunoprofilaksa peradi predstavlja jednu od temeljnih mjera u zaštiti zdravlja peradi, ali i čovjeka kao krajnjeg konzumenta. Ova je mjera naročito naglašena u rasplodnih jata koja dio imunosti moraju prenijeti i na potomstvo. Protiv virusnih bolesti je primjena cjepiva najčešća, no i bakterijske se bolesti može uspješno kontrolirati tim postupkom. Od bakterija, ptičji patogeni sojevi E. coli (APEC) najčešći su uzrok problema na proizvodnim farmama rasplodnih i konzumnih jaja, često u kombinaciji s Gallibacterium anatis i Mycoplasma synoviae, te zaraznim bronhitisom. U istraživanju provedenom na farmi teške inije kokoši utvrđeno je postojanje značajnih gubitaka djelovanjem upravo sojeva APEC koji su uz visoku patogenost bili i rezistentni na većinu antimikrobnim pripravaka. U svrhu kontrole kolibaciloze primijenjeno je autogeno cjepivo u 5 jata. Uz navedeno, cjepni program je poboljšan u imunoprofilaksi zaraznog bronhitisa, zarazne anemije pilića, reoviroze, ptičjeg rinotraheitisa i mikoplazmoze. Rezultati kod navedenih jata pokazuju kontinuirano i statistički značajno smanjenje broja uginuća u razdoblju proizvodnje s 20, 74% na 9, 78%, smanjen je broj antimikrobnih terapija, dok je proizvodnja prosječno povećana za 7, 5 jaja po useljenoj nesilici. Navedeni rezultati pokazuju potrebu za kontinuiranim praćenjem zdravlja na farmama, poboljšanjem cjepnog programa i načina primjene cjepiva, uz kontrinuirane mjere s ciljem poboljšanja biosigurnosti na farmama.

Klamidioza peradi, često smatrana emergentnom bolesti, najčešće je povezana sa bakterijom Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci), ali u novije vrijeme i s novo opisanom vrstom C. gallinacea. Obje spomenute bakterije imaju ekonomski značaj u uzgojima peradi, dok je C. psittaci poznata i kao uzročnik s iznimnim zoonotskim potencijalom. Ovaj rad prikazuje pojavnost klamidija u peradi diljem svijeta, ali i u Hrvatskoj, gdje je u zadnjem istraživanju dokazana prisutnost C. gallinacea u čak 46.3% pretraženih uzoraka.

Klamidioza ptica koju najčešće uzrokuje Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci), obligatno unutarstanična bakterija sa jedinstvenim bifazičnim razvojnim ciklusom, javlja se u preko 400 vrsta ptica, uključujući i perad, ostale životinje i čovjeka. Od početka 2000. sve se više spominju i dvije nove vrste klamidija, C. gallinacea (prvenstveno u peradi) i C. avium (prvenstveno u golubova i drugih ptica). Posebno C. gallinacea smatra se emergentnim patogenom, uzrokujući asimptomatske zaraze u peradi, ali i atipične pneumonije u radnika na farmama ili klaonicama. Ipak, njezina patogenost i zoonotski potencijal još uvijek nisu dokraja istraženi. S druge strane, dobro je poznato da se C. psittaci pojavljuje u vjerojatno 16 različitih serovarova, od kojih su za ljude i ptice najpatogeniji A (najčešće u papiga), B (golubova), te D (u purana). Ovisno o serovaru, u ptica najčešće nalazimo asimptomatsku infekciju, no moguća je i akutna sustavna ili kronična zaraza. Sojevi izdvojeni iz papiga, purana i pataka osobito su patogeni za ljude. Uzročnik se u jatu ili prostoru najčešće širi aerogeno – pernom prašinom ili izmetom. Ukoliko dođe do pojave kliničkih znakova, oni najčešće uključuju anoreksiju, proljev (žutozelene boje), konjunktivitis, respiratorne smetnje ili poremetnje od strane živčanog sustava. Patoanatomski, nalazi se hepato- i splenomegalija, uz fibrinsku upalu zračnih vrećica i peritonitis, dok sekundarne infekcije pogoršavaju kliničku sliku kao i patoanatomski nalaz. Dijagnostika se postavlja temeljem dokaza uzročnika ili specifičnih protutijela. Od živih ptica uzimaju se tzv. trojni obrisci (konjunktive, nosnica, kloake) te izmet skupljan kroz tri dana, a od uginulih organi sa izraženih promjenama. Liječenje, ponekad i neuspješno, provodi se uporabom tetraciklina ili enrofloksacina. Dijagnostika klamidioze ptica u Laboratoriju za klamidije Zavoda za bolesti peradi s klinikom Veterinarskoga fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu (CHLAMlab) provodi se od 2008. godine, za uzgoje ptica i prodajna mjesta, a prema zakonskim aktima Republike Hrvatske. Dijagnostika se obavlja akreditiranom metodom (PCR u stvarnom vremenu), odnosno prema OIE Terestrial Manual 2016. Klamidioza ptica je bolest koja se u RH mora prijaviti po zakonu (dokaz C. psittaci), a obavezno je i da sva registrirana jata golubova, papiga i drugih ptica budu pretražena barem jednom godišnje, a prodajna mjesta barem dva puta godišnje. Ukoliko neki od uzoraka bude pozitivan na Chlamydiaceace, pretražuje se radi dokaza C. psittaci, a ukoliko je isti negativan, pretražuje se radi dokaza drugih vrsta klamidija. Tablica 1. prikazuje broj zaprimljenih uzoraka u razdoblju 2008.-2017. te broj pozitivnih uzoraka (pozitivnih na Chlamydiaceae) a od 2015., i broj uzoraka pozitivnih na C. psittaci. Također, C. psittaci može uzrokovati opasnu zoonozu, najčešće u držaoca ptica, veterinara, radnika na peradarskim farmama i klaonicama (purani, patke), a koja se manifestira simptomima poput gripe, no infekcija može proći i inaparentno sve do pojave sustavne bolesti s upalom pluća. Kako bi se navedeno spriječilo, neophodno je pridržavanje mjera zaštite koje uključuju provođenje biosigurnosnih mjera i poboljšanje zoosanitarnih uvjeta, te poseban oprez pri radu u laboratoriju. Nalaz C. gallinacea ukazuje da je na farmama važno osigurati ispravno provođenje higijenskih mjera, te da je nužno uzeti u obzir i zoonotski potencijal klamidija porijeklom od peradi.

Numerous bird species are often kept in captivity, individually or in collections of different sizes. In some occasions, although it is not recommended due to the potential disease spread, birds originating from different part of the world are kept in the close proximity to each other. If such collections are open for the public, it is necessary that the birds are tested for the presence of potential zoonotic agents. In the Republic of Croatia, it is obligatory, according to the law, that all birds kept in zoos or other publicly available collections must be examined for the presence of C. psittaci at least once per year. From 2013 to 2017, altogether 143 samples were collected from three zoos and one fauna park in Croatia and were tested for the presence of Chlamydiaceae and C. psittaci. Out of them, 12 were so called triple or cloacal swabs and the remaining were combined fecal samples. Fecal samples originated from a single bird or from up to 50 birds, kept as a single flock. The birds belonged to the orders Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Ciconiiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Musophagidae, Passeriformes, Piciformes, Psittaciformes and Strigiformes. The samples were examined in the Laboratory for Chlamydia (CHLAMlab), at the Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb. The DNA was extracted by using Gene Elute Mammalian kit (Sigma, USA) and examined by reealtime PCR for Chlamydiaceae 23S rRNA gene, C. psittaci incA gene, and C. gallinacea enoA gene. Out of 143 examined samples, 34 were found positive for Chlamydiaceae (23.77%). The majority of positive birds belonged to the orders Psittaciformes (15) and Galliformes (7). None of the samples were found positive for C. psittaci. One sample originated from the gallinaceous bird were found positive for C. gallinacea. The presence of 23.77% Chlamydiaceae positive samples confirm the need for further investigation and identification of new Chlamydiaceae species with possible zoonotic potential among captive birds in close contact with humans.

The presence of avian chlamydia in chicken flocks affects the production and health performance of affected chickens, but it also has significant importance as zoonotic agent. Recently, in addition to C. psittaci, C. gallinacea and C. avium were also identified as avian pathogens. Although C. gallinacea is more prevalent in chicken flocks than C. psittaci, due to the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of the latter, this study evaluated the presence of C. psittaci in free-range chicken flocks raised in Croatia. DNA was extracted from triple swabs (conjunctival, pharyngeal and cloacal), litter-feces and/or water samples collected from 54 free-range chicken flocks. Chlamydia psittaci was detected by qPCR assay by targeting the incA gene. A sample was considered positive when quantification cycle (Cq) value was < 38. Only four flocks were found to be positive for C. psittaci. Chlamydia psittaci - positive samples were further sequenced for the identification of the genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis identified genotype B and revealed the similarities and relatedness of Croatian samples and other available isolates from other countries. The presence of C. psittaci in free-range chicken flocks indicates the importance of implementing effective biosecurity and hygienic measures, as these flocks are mostly not housed in confinement. Controlling the spread of C. psittaci both to susceptible avian species and to humans is important considering its effect on poultry and its zoonotic potential.

The Republic of Croatia joined the European Union on July 1, 2013, what also led to the alignment of its legislation with the legal system of the EU. The Commission Directive 2002/4/EC on the registration of establishments keeping laying hens covered by Council Directive 1999/74/E was implemented in the Croatian laws since 2013. Due to that directive, the Ministry of Agriculture held an official list of establishments that are keeping the laying hens and selling their eggs on the market (currently available list from September 3rd, 2018, contains 184 establishments). The Working Group (WG) 1 of the COST Action FA 1404 COREMI produced a questionnaire that was translated to the Croatian language. The establishments mentioned on the official list of the Ministry of Agriculture were used as a base for the investigation of the current PRM situation in Croatia, based on the WG1 questionnaire. In 2016, the list contained 145 establishments, which kept from 30 to 259200 laying hens. The questionnaire was sent to the establishments that kept more than 3000 laying hens via email, to altogether 56 of them. Out of them, 40 kept their laying hens in the cages, 15 in the barns and one as a free-range flock. The questionnaire had 5 groups of questions, as follows: System background, Poultry Red Mite indicators, Hygiene and red mite treatments, Implementation of red mite control and Costs of red mite control, as well as extra remark and personal details field (to be filled optionally). Out of 56 sent emails, the filled questionnaire was received from 5 of them (8.93%). The obtained findings are shown in Table 1. Although only less than 10% of the establishments send the filled questionnaire, there are still some conclusions that can be taken from it: the majority of the establishments used legal insecticide for the treatment of the full houses, as well as some monitoring method to indicate the presence of PRM. On the other hand, the majority of them start with the treatment when the mites are clearly visible, or have an impact on production or caretakers start to complain. Due to the significance that PRM has to the layer industry, there is a clear need to approach the farmers or establishments more personally, to be able to obtain more significant national data, comparable to other EU countries.

Gallibacterium anatis is part of the normal microflora of the lower genital tract and the upper respiratory tract in chickens. In recent years it has been considered as an important causative agent of reproductive disorders and respiratory manifestations in layers and commercial broilers, which poses a serious problem in poultry production. Simultaneous infection with other microorganisms and compromised immunological status are predisposing factors nurturing the infection of G. anatis. Although avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates have been incriminated as the causative agent of laying hen peritonitis, G. anatis are frequently isolated from similar lesions. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of antimicrobial resistance in G. anatis strains isolated from poultry farms in Croatia. During this epizootiological survey, poultry carcasses were brought from farms to the Department of Poultry Diseases with Clinic where pathomorphological examination was done. During examination, swab samples were taken from trachea, liver, caeca, cloaca and oviduct. Samples were plated using a sterile microbiological loop on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours. Bacterial ß-hemolytic colonies were verified as Gram- negative via Gram staining and biochemical testing was done to affirm the identification. Isolates were further confirmed as G. anatis using MALDI-TOF spectrometry method. Afterwards, they were subcultured on brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth and stored at -80oC until further testing. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using disk diffusion method on 5% sheep blood agar. The antimicrobials used were cefotaxime, marbofloxacin, erythromycine, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ampicillin, tetracycline, penicillin, streptomycin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, norfloxacin and sulphonamides. The subcultures were suspended in 0, 9% NaCl to an optical density equivalent to that of McFarland 0, 5 standards. Plates were incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours and afterwards the interpretation was performed according to the manufacturer. The results showed high level of antimicrobial resistance of G. anatis as suspected. All isolates were multidrug resistant to at least 9 out of 16 antimicrobials used in disk diffusion test, and showed susceptibility in all isolates only to gentamycin. Due to high variety of pathological lesions in carcasses and simultaneous infection with other microorganisms as E. coli and Hafnia alvei, it is most likely an opportunistic pathogen. Such resistant strains could significantly compromise poultry production, so in that case use of autogenous vaccine should be considered.

Virusne bolesti mogu uzrokovati značajne probleme u peradarskoj proizvodnji ako nisu prevenirane cijepljenjem. Kontinuirani serološki monitoring i epizootiološko praćenje je potrebno, posebice za bolesti koje se ne cijepe, kako bi se prilagodio cijepni program i na vrijeme zaštitilo roditeljska jata i piliće. Bolesti uzrokovane reovirusom, virusom zarazne anemije pilića i virusom ptičjeg rinotraheitisa mogu uzrokovati značajne probleme u roditelja, ali i pilića ako se prenesu vertikalno. Uzorci seruma od nekoliko jata s dvije farme necijepljene protiv reovirusa, zarazne anemije pilića i ptičjeg rinotraheitisa analizirani su primjenom komercijalnih ELISA kitova. Rezultati pokazuju prisutnost specifičnih protutijela za navedene bolesti na svim farmama pri čemu su klinički znakovi za reovirus i pričji rinotraheitis rijetki ili ih nema u uzgoju i proizvodnji, ali sigurno narušavaju proizvodnju. Dobieveni rezutati potvrđuju potrebu za prilagodbom cijepnog programa.

Salmonella infections area serious medical and veterinary problem worldwide and cause great concerning the food industry. In humans can produce symptoms ranging in severity from intestinal disturbances to death. Due to complex preventive measures in poultry production, mostly targeted to S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium the number of salmonellosis in Europe gradually decreases, but still, represent a matter of concerns among food-borne diseases. The most frequently reported serovars in Europe in 2015 for Gallus gallus were S. Infantis, S. Enteritidis and S. Mbandaka, and the two most common serovars isolated from broiler meat were S. Infantis and S. Enteritidis.

In the last two decades, Salmonella Infantis became endemic in Hungarian poultry flocks leading to increased occurrence in humans. The dissemination of this serovar was associated with the emergence of the PFGE cluster B, characterized by the Nal-Sul-Tet phenotype, and the large multiresistance (MDR) prototype plasmid pSI54/04. Previously we found that plasmidic strains of the Hungarian MDR cluster B are also widespread in Europe and remained prevalent until recently in Hungary. Here, we aim to give a comparative overview of the distribution and molecular attributes of recent poultry strains of S. Infantis in Central European countries relative to our earlier reports from some of these and of other European countries including Hungary. For this purpose a total of116 strains of S. Infantis were tested, originating mostly from broilers (n:87), but strains from human clinical samples (n:25) and layers (n:4) were included for comparison. Strains were isolated between 2010-2016in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. The antimicrobial resistance phenotype was determined for all strains of S. Infantis, based on which 40 strains -representing different AMR patterns were subjected for PFGE analysis and for resistance genotyping by our PCR microarray system. The co-existence of certain genes for antimicrobial resistance (tetA-merA-intI1-aadA1-sul1-tehA) and for virulence (irp1-fyuA-htrE-faeI-pefC) were used for the PCR-based detection of the prototype plasmid pSI54/04 and its variants. A 69.8 % of all the strains proved to be resistant to at least three different antimicrobials. The MDR phenotypes of Nal-Sul- Tet and Nal-Sul-Tet-Tmp were predominant (63.2% of the broiler and 48.6% of the human strains). Most of the strains with the above resistance patterns belonged to the PFGE cluster B. and 21.5% of the strains showed resistance to Nal only, or were pansensitive. Interestingly, 80.1% of the broiler strains from Croatia, and some human strains from Czech Republic represented these patterns. Carriage of the large MDR prototype plasmid pSI54/04 was typically detected in broiler strains showing the resistance patterns Nal-Su- Tet/-Tmp and belonging to the PFGE cluster B. Results on resistance genotyping showed the association between the pSI54/04 and blaTEM-1 plasmids in strains with co-resistance to ampicillin. In conclusion, resistance phenotyping and molecular analysis has shown the stabilization and constant circulation of the former major MDR cluster B of S. Infantis and its characteristic plasmid pSI54/04 not only in Hungarian poultry flocks but also in Central Europe with indications of further evolution of pSI45/04 and its associations with other plasmids mediating resistance to drugs with clinical significance.

Praćenje zoonoza temelj je svakog pristupa u sprječavanju njihove pojave i suzbijanju. Godišnje izvješće o zoonozama u Republici Hrvatskoj za 2015. i 2016. godinu napravljeno je u suradnji stručnjaka koji su članovi Radne grupe za zoonoze Hrvatske agencije za hranu, a dolaze iz institucija koje pokrivaju područje zoonoza u humanom i veterinarskom smislu (Ministarstvo poljoprivrede - Uprava za veterinarstvo i sigurnost hrane, Ministarstvo zdravstva, Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Veterinarski fakultet iz Zagreba te Hrvatska agencija za hranu). Ovogodišnje izdanje predstavlja sažetak prijavljenih slučajeva uzročnika infekcija u ljudi i životinja tijekom ove dvije godine, prikazanih pojedinačno za svaku godinu. Podaci su prikupljeni temeljem zakonski prijavljivanih izvještaja o bolestima ljudi i životinja, izvještaja o programima kontrole pojedinih bolesti, izvještaja nacionalnih laboratorija, analiza hrane životinjskog podrijetla kao i trovanja u ljudi, te podataka dostavljenih Europskoj agenciji za sigurnost hrane (EFSA).

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of this fungus in pet bird breeding flocks and pet shops, places of the highest transfer rates.

The Western Caspian turtle (Mauremys rivulata), also known as Balkan pond turtle, from the family Geoemydidae, is a turtle species spread throughout the world. Due to the habitat loss and competition with other turtle species, the western Caspian turtle is one of the most endangered and rarest reptile species in Croatia. Since the information about the health condition and pathogens which can push this species even more to extinction is very scarce, we have examined and swabbed a group of animals confiscated at the Croatia - Bosnia & Herzegovina border and situated at the quarantine facility of Zagreb Zoo. Oral cavity and cloacal swabs were taken from six animals after manual restraint and the samples were plated on different non-selective and selective agars, and incubated under aerobic conditions at 37oC for 24 hrs for detection of aerobic bacteria. Cloacal swabs were additionally enriched with Selenite cysteine broth for Salmonella detection, while the cloacal swabs for Campylobacter detection were plated on mCCDA broth and incubated under microaerophylic conditions for 48 hrs. For fungal detection, oral cavity and cloacal swabs were plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and incubated at the room temperature for five days. In total, seven bacterial species were isolated from the oral cavity, with one isolate from each animal. Eight bacterial species were isolated from cloaca, with the predominance of Escherichia coli, isolated from all tested animals. All of the animals were negative to Salmonella sp., while one animal was suspected for Campylobacter sp. so that further tests are underway. Regarding fungal isolates, only Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from one cloacal sample. The results obtained are similar to those previously reported for bacteria and fungi in reptiles. Due to the small sample size and scarce information for this particular species, further research is needed.

Sojevi E. coli koje nalazimo u peradi (engl. Avian Pathogenic E. coli, APEC) mogu izazvati ozbiljne gubitke u intenzivnom peradarstvu. Bakterije koje su, uz posjedovanje gena odgovornih za virulenciju, i multiresistentne na većinu antimikrobnih pripravaka, vrlo često uzrokuju pojavu kolibaciloze, posebno uz stresne čimbenike kao što je nesivost, bilo u roditeljskih jata ili u kokoši nesilica. Vertikalni prijenos ovih bakterija može također značajno ugroziti tov pilića ili uzgoj pilenki. Tijekom epizootiološkog istraživanja provedenog na dva odvojena uzgoja roditeljskih jata teških linija koja su imala probleme s E. coli, izdvojeno je nekoliko sojeva ove bakterije. Nakon izdvajanja, sojevi su molekularno karakterizirani. Rezultati su pokazali prisutnost različitih sojeva E. coli na istoj farmi, determiniranim prema filogenetskim skupinama biljega (chuA, yjaA, Tspe4.C2), uz najveći broj pripadnika filogrupe B2.

Antibiotics were often used in intensive poultry production not just to treat disease, but also to prevent bacterial infections. Uncontrolled usage of antibiotics has therefore led to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The spread of resistant bacteria such as E. coli through the food chain can represent a risk for public health. E. coli bacteria represent normal microflora in a bird’s intestine, although some strains can cause avian colibacilosis, a systemic fatal disease and one of the major infectious diseases in birds of different species. The aim of this study was to compare the level of antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli found in intensive and extensive poultry production, and in pet bird patients. Samples from poultry were taken during necropsy from different organs, while samples from other birds were taken during clinical examinations. Samples were cultured using a standard bacteriological examination, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion method. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed on 43 E. coli isolates. The results showed a high level of antimicrobial resistance (68.93 %), with the majority of resistant strains being isolated from intensive poultry production (44.6 %), 26.3% from free range poultry, 11.3 % from pet birds, and 17.8 % from pet bird breeders. These results are expected, since in intensive poultry production the use of antimicrobial therapy is frequent, which results in resistance development, especially in cases of underdosing and short therapy periods. Such resistant strains could significantly compromise production, so other methods should be used to defeat them, such as autogenous vaccines, probiotics etc.

Different sampling procedures were employed in evaluating poultry flocks for the prevalence of avian chlamydiosis based on the detection of Chlamydiaceae by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. The presence and detection of Chlamydia in samples can be influenced by the type of avian sampled and the length of time of infection. This study compared three sampling procedures used for the detection of Chlamydiaceae in free-range poultry flocks. Triple swabs (conjunctival, pharyngeal and cloacal), litter- fecal and water samples were collected from 30 free-range chicken flocks in Croatia and in the Philippines. Detection of Chlamydiaceae was done by qPCR assay targeting the Ch23S rRNA gene. The detection rate with litter-fecal samples (25/30 ; 83.33% positive) was found to be significantly higher than triple swabs (11/30 ; 36.67% ; p

Chlamydial species are increasingly recognized as infective and potentially pathogenic organisms in reptiles. Different types of symptoms were described in reptiles with Chlamydia sp. infections, usually with inflammatory lesions mostly in the spleen, heart, lungs and liver. Chlamydia can be isolated from clinically asymptomatic reptiles as well. To check for the presence of Chlamydia, 51 choanal and cloacal swabs were taken from different free-living and captive chelonians, 30 red eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), 6 marginated tortoises (Testudo marginata) and 15 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) during the routine health check up. The DNA was extracted by using QIAmp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Germany) and examined by Chlamydiaceae-specific Real-time PCR as described by EHRICHT et al. (2006). Positive samples were further examined by species specific Real-time PCR. Partial 16S rRNA genes were further sequenced. In total, 26 samples were found positive by Chlamydiaceae-specific Real-time PCR: 17 from red eared sliders, six from loggerhead sea turtles and three from marginated tortoises. Out of them, two samples from read eared slider were found positive for C. psittaci by species specific RT-PCR. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the similarity of one sample to the family Waddliaceae (96% identity) and one sample to the family Simkaniaceae (93% identity). Both of these samples were from loggerhead sea turtles. The role of chlamydial species in reptiles is still unclear, so that further investigation of uncharacterised Chlamydia and their impact to both reptile and human health is needed.

Praćenje pojave zoonoza, bolesti i infekcija koje se prirodno prenose među životinjama i ljudima bave se institucije poput Svjetske organizacije za zdravlje životinja (World Organisation for Animal Health-OIE), Svjetske zdravstvene organizacije (World Health Organization-WHO) ili Europske agencije za sigurnost hrane (European Food Safety Authority-EFSA), no u mnogim slučajevima potrebno ih je pratiti u lokalnim razmjerima te se u tu svrhu osnivaju zemaljski uredi ili centri. Dugogodišnji pokušaji objedinjavanja i znanosti i sruke vezane uz pojavu zoonoza u RH svodili su se uglavnom na palijativno djelovanje pojedinaca i razgovore o potrebi udruživanja činitelja humane i veterinarske medicine. Na inicijativu Hrvatske agencije za hranu (HAH) 2014. godine oformljena je Radna grupa za zoonoze koja okuplja stručnjake iz različitih institucija. Obzirom da je čovjek u dramatičnim razmjerima promijenio okoliš u ekološkom smislu, djelovanje na poznate zoonoze i prevencija nastajanja novih može se postići samo multidisciplinarnom suradnjom. Temeljne odrednice Radne grupe za zoonoze u Hrvatskoj, bile bi prikupljanje, analiziranje i objavljivanje podataka o zoonozama u ljudi i životinja obzirom da zoonoze učestalo izazivaju interes ne samo stručnjaka, već šire društvene zajednice. Poznate su još od pradavnih vremena. Smatra se da se čovjek zarazio influencom prije oko 4.500 godina, tj. onda kada je započela domestikacija vodene peradi. No, do danas se u zoonoze ubraja čak 61 % svih poznatih zaraznih bolesti. Značaj im se pridaje ne samo zbog brige za zdravlje ljudi i životinja, već i zbog posljedično velikih ekonomskih šteta. Opasnost za čovjeka ne predstavljaju samo one koje se prenose direktnim kontaktom sa životinje na čovjeka, vrlo često su to bolesti koje se prenose hranom, u čemu vrlo važnu ulogu ima i okoliš. U novije vrijeme kod praćenja zoonoza poseban se naglasak stavlja na prijenos rezistentnih mikroorganizama, osobito od multirezistentnih sojeva zoonotskih bakterija od kojih rizik neprestance raste i postao je globalni problem. Lista čimbenika koja utječe na prevalenciju zoonoza je dugačka, a njihov značaj često nedovoljno poznat. U svrhu njihova učinkovitog i pravovremenog suzbijanja, nastala je i inicijativa s nazivom „Jedno zdravlje“ (One Health) koja promovira globalnu strategiju širenja međudisciplinarne suradnje i komunikacije, a koju i znanstvenici u RH žele podržati.

Information related to gastrointestinal microflora of snakes is scarce. Most of the investigations studied bacteria from the oral cavity of venomous snakes and complications of snake bites (JHO et al., 2011 ; LIU et al., 2012). Non-venomous snakes may also harbor a wide range of bacteria in their oral cavity able to complicate the bite wounds (DIPINETO et al., 2014 ; YAK et al., 2015) so the information on their microflora should not be neglected. Secondary bacterial infections, such as subcutaneous abscess or tetanus, are possible complications of snake bites, either venomous or non-venomous snakes (HABIB, 2002 ; GARG et al., 2009). In addition to bites, humans can be infected during manipulation gof animals (RABINOWITZ et al., 2007 ; DEKKER and FRANK, 2015) or via infected equipment (FOSTER and KERR, 2005). The popularity of snakes as pets and the models of biological and veterinary research increased the risk for a public health due to the zoonotic potential of these animals. Many fungal species were isolated from reptiles, including snakes (ROSENTHAL and MADER, 1996 ; NICHOLS et al., 1999 ; CHEATWOOD et al., 2003). Although most of the fungi are normal residents of reptile gastrointestinal tract, they can cause secondary infections under suboptimal conditions and can play an important role as disease-causing agents in reptiles including snakes (JACOBSON, 1980 ; HERNANDEZ-DIVERS, 2001 ; MILLER et al., 2004 ; OROS et al., 2004). There is no information regarding microflora and potential pathogens from gastrointestinal system of Croatian autochthonous snakes. Therefore, oral cavity and cloacal swabs were taken from a total of 20 four-lined snakes (Elaphe quatuorlineata) at Croatian islands Cres and Olib, to get more insight into physiological microflora, potential pathogens and opportunistic organisms from oral cavity and cloaca of free-living snakes.

The Balkan snow vole is a poorly understood arvicoline rodent endemic to the western Balkan Peninsula. Little is known about its biology and there is no information regarding its microbiology. To increase the knowledge of the normal microflora and potentially pathogenic and/or zoonotic microorganisms in this species, faecal samples were collected from animals of the F1 generation housed backstage of the Zagreb Zoo, as a less invasive method able to provide insight into the bacteria and fungi colonising gastrointestinal tract of these animals. Faecal samples of 20 animals were analysed using standard microbiological procedures for the detection of aerobic bacteria and fungi, and by Real-Time PCR method for the detection of Chlamydia sp. Isolated faecal bacteria showed a statistically significant predominance of Gram-negative over Gram-positive species (P=0.026, Fisher’s exact test). A total of 20 bacterial species were isolated, the most common of which was Escherichia coli, present in 55% of animals. All samples were negative for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Chlamydia spp. Seven fungal species were isolated, the majority of which were Mucor sp. isolates. Most of the microorganisms identified belong to the soil bacteria and fungi, and some are potentially harmful for both humans and animals. The present study provided the first information on the intestinal microflora of the Balkan snow vole that could be useful in protecting animals and persons involved in their handling.

U zoonoze, bolesti koje su zajedničke ljudima i životinjama, ubraja se 61% svih poznatih zaraznih bolesti, koje se sa životnja kao primarnih izvora bolesti prenose uglavnom izravnim putem ili vektorima na ljude. Zbog velike međuovisnosti različitih vrsta životinja i utjecaja na ljude, nužna je suradnja liječnika i veterinara kako bi se razumjele i uspješno kontrolirale i suzbijale zoonoze. Stoga je koncept „jedno zdravlje“ pravo rješenje za postojeće i nove izazove ovog područja. Zajedničko izvješće o zoonozama u Hrvatskoj napravljeno je prvi puta za 2014. godinu, s planiranim nastavcima, što je otvorilo mogućnost uvođenja dodatnih mjera koje bi doprinijele zaštiti zdravlja ljudi i životinja, te produbljivanje daljnje suradnje liječnika i veterinara. U radu je iznesen pregled situacije odabranih značajnih zoonoza u Hrvatskoj

Zoonoze učestalo izazivaju interes šire društvene zajednice iako su poznate još od pradavnih vremena. Smatra se da se čovjek zarazio influencom prije oko 4.500 godina, tj. onda kada je započela domestikacija vodene peradi. Značaj im se pridaje ne samo zbog brige za zdravlje ljudi i životinja, već i zbog posljedično velikih gospodarskih šteta. Opasnost za čovjeka ne predstavljaju samo one koje se prenose neposrednim dodirom sa životinje na čovjeka, vrlo često su to bolesti koje se prenose hranom. U novije vrijeme u zoonoze se ubraja i prijenos na lijekove rezistentnih mikroorganizama, dapače, rizik osobito od multirezistentnih sojeva zoonotskih bakterija neprestance raste i postao je globalni problem. Na žalost ptice, osobito migratorne vrste, kao i domaća perad, bilo u intenzivnom ili ekstenzivnom uzgoju, predstavljaju stalni rezervoar nekih bolesti koje se mogu prenijeti na čovjeka. Iako je slučaj širenja influence ptica, osobito soja H5N1 izazvao veliki interes, bakterije poput onih roda Salmonella ili Campylobacter unatoč provedenim opsežnim znanstvenim istraživanjima i nadalje predstavljaju veliku prijetnju zdravlju ljudi. Obzirom da je čovjek u dramatičnim razmjerima promijenio okoliš u epizootiološkom smislu, smanjivanje broja zoonoza i prevencija nastajanja novih može se postići samo provođenjem održive poljoprivrede pod geslom Jedno zdravlje. Zbog toga je nužna stalna suradnja stručnjaka i znanstvenika koji se bave ovom problematikom. Dosadašnji pokušaji objedinjavanja i znanosti i struke vezane uz zoonoze svodili su se uglavnom na palijativno djelovanje pojedinaca i razgovore o potrebi udruživanja činitelja humane i veterinarske medicine. Na inicijativu Hrvatske agencije za hranu (HAH) 2014. godine oformljena je Radna grupa za zoonoze koja okuplja stručnjake iz različitih institucija, te očekujemo učinkovitiju brigu o zoonozama.

Odavno je znano da su zoonoze zarazne bolesti prenosive sa životinja na ljude. Prijenos se može dogoditi izravnim kontaktom sa zaraženim životinjama, konzumiranjem kontaminiranih namirnica (osobito onih životinjskog podrijetla), ili neizravnim kontaktom (npr. onečišćenim okolišem) te vektorima (krpeljima, komarcima). Briga za zdravlje ljudi nužno uključuje i brigu za zdravlje životinja, pa je potreba čvrste suradnje osobito između veterinarske i humane medicine neophodna. Na inicijativu Hrvatske agencije za hranu (HAH) 2014. godine formirana je Radna grupa za zoonoze. Osnivanjem Radne grupe za zoonoze otvorena je mogućnost znanstvenog i stručnog povezivanja stručnjaka veterinarske i humane medicine, kao i ostalih struka koje imaju ulogu u praćenju, sprječavanju i nadzoru zoonoza. Na tom putu, od velikog nam je značaja ne samo suradnja s nacionalnim već i s europskim nadležnim institucijama. Ovo je prvo kolaborativno godišnje izvješće o zoonozama u Republici Hrvatskoj, a uključuje sažetak prijavljenih slučajeva infekcija u ljudi i životinja tijekom 2014. godine.

The increasing world population means that there is a requirement to expand global food production. Intensification of livestock production and environmental changes facilitates diseases transmission. Poultry meat and eggs has been associated frequently and consistently with the transmission of enteric pathogens. Hygiene measures on their own are not sufficient to eliminate the threat of foodborne pathogens in the food chain. Therefore, the techniques with which animals are slaughtered and processed, and how products are packed, transported, and prepared at the place they are consumed are additional control measures necessary in order to reduce the associated risks. A One Health approach respecting multisectoral collaboration, which including veterinarians, public health scientists, clinicians, ecologists and others is necessary to prevent a potential public health problem.

Proteus anguinus in Croatia – conservation research project is aimed to collect information about the olms, to help protect this very unique and endangered aquatic amphibian living in underground carst. The field research of population density, using novel eccological research methods revealed the largest single population in the Markarova cave, with approx. one individual/m2, the highest density reported so far. Keeping the animals in captivity, in a specially designed „cold room“ which meets all their needs regarding the temperature, water conductivity, aeration and food, showed that they accepted all the offered food, primarily the Lumbricus sp., with the preference of live food over frozen one. Microbiological results of skin, cloacal and oral cavity swabs revealed mostly the presence of soil and water microorganisms such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Aspergillus flavus, alredy described as pathogens in immuncompromised amphibians. Maldi-ToF method allowed identification of the Janchtinobacterium lividum, a bacterium with known anti-fungal properties. Next generation sequencing revealed the incorporation of Methylotenera sp. and Methyloversatilis sp. in the skin and oral cavity. Feces and intestinal scrapings were free of parasites. Real-Time PCR gave negative results for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans and Ranavirus in skin swabs and for Clamydia sp. in oral cavity and cloacal swabs. Scanning of animals with a precise ultrasound machine was helpful in sex determination, general health assessment and early diagnosis and treatment of otherwise fatal Saprolegnia infections in captive animals. To the author's knowledge this is the first information of that kind about the biology of Proteus anguinus.

Balkan snow vole (Dinaromys bogdanovi), also known as a Martino’s snow vole, is an endemic herbivorous rodent of Cricetidae family. Its isolated and unchanging small populations are restricted to karst limestone habitats and especially to the stone-piles in meadows in area of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and western Macedonia. Due to its unique and highly specific environmental requirements and the competition with another rock-occupying vole (Chinomys nivalis), the size of its population is decreasing and Balkan snow vole is recently considered as a vulnerable species. Because of their specific way of life information about their biology, behavior, and microorganism that could compromise their health are scarce. For that purpose, 25 animals are kept at the backstage of Zagreb Zoo. The animals are housed individually in glass terrariums, with all conditions mimicking their natural way of life. The animals are fed with the combination of high fibre self-seeding plants, pellets and in a lesser amount, with fruits. In addition to biological observations (biology and behavior), the following tests from fecal samples were performed/are performing: standard bacteriological examination and detection of Chlamydia sp. by the Real-Time PCR method. Fecal samples were also collected for noninvasive monitoring of sex hormones. All the animals tested were negative to Salmonella sp., Campylobacter sp., and Chlamydia sp. Preliminary bacteriological results show mostly gram positive bacteria such as Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp., with lesser number of gram negative bacteria such as Enterobacter sp., and Serratia sp. Fecal samples collected during the out-of-breeding season were sent to Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna to get the results of baseline hormones in males and females. Further investigations are required to increase the knowledge about this endemic species, such as blood hematology and biochemistry, ultrasound examination of the organs, microbiology of the whole gastrointestinal tract using oral and anal swabs, and the pathohistology of dead animals.

U dogovoru sa djelatnicima Uprave za veterinarstvo i sigurnost hrane Ministarstva poljoprivrede, obavljena je edukacija ovlaštenih veterinara i veterinarskih inspektora na području cijele Republike Hrvatske, a vezano za klamidiozu ptica.

Hrvatski znanstvenici mogu ostvariti značajan doprinos uključivanjem u znanstvene projekte EC kao što je Horizon2020. Stoga prikazujemo kako se stvara tzv. Radni program za razdoblje 2017-2017. s težištem na stratešku orijentaciju za naredno razdoblje kao i prikaz ključnih prioriteta.

Pathogens introduced by invasive species can be the cause of decline of native species, but may also be a source of many zoonoses. As in the other parts of the world, Trachemys species illegally released to nature by their owners represent a great problem in Croatia. There is a lack of information about pathogens related to the released Trachemys sp. in Croatia, but also in Europe. Therefore we monitored released animals from a pond situated near the capital city centre for selected pathogens. For that purpose we tested the animals on the following microorganism – Campylobacter sp., Chlamydia sp., Leptospira sp., Salmonella sp., and Ranavirus. The blood was also taken for detection of the blood parasites and for haematological analysis.

Budući da učinkovite mjere za kontrolu tekuti u peradarskim objektima još uvijek ne postoje, važno je objasniti njihovu ulogu i kao mogućih prijenosnika različitih mikroorganizama koji mogu uzrokovati bolest u peradi, ali i širiti zoonoze. Također je iznimno važan i multidisciplinarni pristup koji će ujediniti istraživanja vezana za nove akaricide i cjepiva, kontrolu otpornosti imunološkog sustava, biološku kontrolu kao i pažljivo planiranje uvjeta držanja pojedine vrste peradi.

Within the conservation of Proteus anguinus (the olm) project in Croatia, besides the field observations, in situ investigation of the species is also carried out.Since there is a lack of information on physiological flora and microorganisms which can compromise the olm’s health, the aim of the veterinary part of the project is to learn as much as possible about the health status of these animals. In order to distinguish between physiological microflora, opportunistic and true pathogens, and to provide the right treatment, if necessary, the followings tests are performed:(1) Standard microbiology of oral cavity, cloacal and skin swabs ; (2) Parasitological tests of feces, intestinal scrapings and organs of dead specimens – native preparations and prints ; (3) Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (BD) and Ranavirus tests ofskin swabs by the Real Time PCR method ; (4) Chlamydia sp. test oforal cavity and cloacal swabs by the Real time PCR method ; (5) Autopsy and pathohistologyof dead specimens, to get more information on various organ anatomy and function. So far, a larger number of soil microorganisms were identified, such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Aspergillus flavus, potential causes of disease in amphibians under suboptimal conditions. Bacteria species, such as Janchtinobacterium lividum, which could participate in prevention of BD infection in certain amphibian species were also identified. Parasitological tests of fecal samples revealed the presence of pseudoparasites from water. All the animals analyzed so far have been negative for BD, Ranavirus and Chlamydia sp.