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Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a significant pathogen responsible for highly transmissible mastitis in cattle globally. It primarily spreads through colostrum, milk, and semen. Cows with persistent infections act as carriers, intermittently releasing the pathogen, making their milk a pivotal factor in infection transmission. Given the limited seroprevalence surveys in Serbia, this study aimed to detect M. bovis presence in bulk tank milk (BTM), determine route shedding, and evaluate infection risks. BTM samples were collected from 115 dairy farms across Serbia, with M. bovis DNA detected in 11 out of the 115 samples by real-time PCR. Additionally, M. bovis was detected in 1.30% of nasal swabs sampled from apparently healthy animals. A univariate analysis of the risk factors associated with M. bovis presence in the BTM samples revealed correlations with factors such as the breed, farm seropositivity, pre-milking and post-milking disinfection practices, farm type, cow population, milk yield, number of cows in the BTM samples, and parity. Seropositive farms exhibited the highest likelihood of M. bovis presence in milk. Moreover, pre- and post-milking disinfection practices and highly productive cows yielding over 8000 L of milk were identified as risk factors for PCR-positive BTM. In a multivariable mixed regression analysis, a risk factor for the presence of M. bovis infection in the BTM sample was the Holstein breed. These findings underscore a relatively high prevalence of M. bovis in BTM within Serbian dairy farms, suggesting a potential risk for M. bovis spreading through milk and oral route of calves’ infection.

Brucella ovis 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 fi ndings in rams and 2 (3.3%) positive fi ndings in ewes, with an overall prevalence of 25.4% bounded by a 95% confi dence 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 B. ovis from the reproductive tissues of rams. However, the differences in sensitivity between different nucleic acid extraction protocols were not signifi cant. 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., Brucella ovis infi cira ovce i uzrokuje kliničku ili subkliničku bolest koja se karakteriše genitalnim lezijama i smanjenom plodnošću kod ovnova, placentitisom i pobačajima kod ovaca te povećanom neonatalnom smrtnošću kod jaganjaca. U okviru ovog istraživanja, sprovedene su analize na farmi ovaca u blizini Beograda (Srbija). Od seroloških testova, rađena je indirektna ELISA. Ukupno je analizirano 94 krvna seruma, 33 od ovnova i 61 od ovaca. Rezultati su pokazali 23 (69,7%) pozitivna nalaza kod ovnova i 2 (3,3%) pozitivna nalaza kod ovaca, s ukupnom prevalencijom od 25,4% uz 95% interval pouzdanosti. Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR i Real time PCR su rađeni kod 19 serološki pozitivnih ovnova i dve serološki pozitivne ovce. Rezultati pokazuju da je Real time PCR pokazao nešto veću osetljivost u poređenju s konvencionalnim PCR-om u dijagnozi B. ovis iz reproduktivnih tkiva ovnova. Ipak, razlike u osetljivosti između različitih protokola ekstrakcije nukleinske kiseline nisu bile značajne. Većina ovnova je imala pozitivan PCR rezultat samo kod jednog zbirnog uzorka reproduktivnog tkiva, što ukazuje na preporuku uzimanja više uzoraka od svake životinje. Potrebna su dalja istraživanja kako bi se osetljivost molekularnih testova u dijagnozi epididimitisa ovnova približila osetljivosti seroloških testova.

This study provides the first comprehensive report on the molecular characteristics of African swine fever virus (ASFV) variants in Serbia between 2019 and 2022. Since its first observation in July 2019, the disease has been found in wild boar and domestic swine. The study involved the analysis of 95 ASFV-positive samples collected from 12 infected administrative districts in Serbia. Partial four genomic regions were genetically characterized, including B646L, E183L, B602L, and the intergenic region (IGR) between the I73R-I329L genes. The results of the study suggest that multiple ASFV strains belonging to genotype II are circulating in Serbia, as evidenced by the analysis of the IGR between I73R-I329L genes that showed the most differences. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of the B602L gene showed three different clades within the CVR I group of ASFV strains. Regarding the IGR, 98.4% were grouped into IGR II, with only one positive sample grouped into the IGR III group. These findings provide essential insights into the molecular characteristics of ASFV variants in Serbia and contribute to the knowledge of circulating strains of ASFV in Europe. However, further research is necessary to gain a better understanding of ASFV spread and evolution.

Afrička kuga svinja (AKS) je virusno hemoragično oboljenje domaćih i divljih svinja visokog stepena letaliteta, koje uzrokuje enormne ekonomske gubitke u industriji svinja. Uzročnik afričke kuge je istoimeni virus, jedini pripadnik familije Asfarviride i roda Asfivirus (Alonso i sar., 2018). Bolest je prvi put zabeležena u Srbiji 2019. godine u populaciji domaćih svinja, a od 2020. godine i u populaciji divljih svinja. Od tada do danas broj svinja je smanjen za 7% što je više od prosečnog pada broja svinja u Evropi od 4%. Genom virusa AKS je dvolančana linearna DNK dužine 170-190 kbp u zavisnosti od genotipa, podgenotipa i broja ponavljajućih segmenata i kodira sintezu 170 virusnih proteina (Blome i sar., 2020). Održavanje virusa u prirodi zavisi od faktora sredine, prisustva prijemčivih jedinki (divljih svinja) i otpornosti virusa. Jedan od ključnih uslova za održavanje i cirkulaciju virusa je i visoka prevalencija infekcije kod domaćih svinja (>5%) jer se na taj način omogućava prelivanje infekcije na divlje svinje i zatvaranje kruga prenošenja (Aguilar-Vega i sar., 2023). Letalitet kod divljih svinja inficiranih visoko virulentnim sojem iznosi 100%. Virus ostaje infektivan 3 meseca u leševima divljih svinja koje, ukoliko nisu uklonjene, dugotrajno predstavljaju izvor infekcije. Brzina širenja infekcije u populaciji divljih svinja u Evropi iznosi 4-17 km godišnje (Anette i sar., 2020). Širenje AKS na veće razdaljine uslovljeno je antropogenim faktorom. Čovek kontaktom sa zaraženim ili uginulim divljim svinjama, hranjenjem svinja kontaminiranim proizvodima animalnog porekla, transportom zaraženih domaćih svinja iz jednog područija u drugo predstavlja mehanički vektor za širenje virusa. Na afričkom kontinentu zabeležena su 24 genotipa virusa koja cirkulišu između populacija bradavičastih svinja, mekih krpelja iz roda Ornithodorus spp. i domaćih svinja. Van Afrike zabeleženi su samo genotip I i genotip II virusa AKS. Za trenutnu epizootiju odgovoran je genotip II vir, African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly lethal viral hemorrhagic disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, causing significant economic losses in the swine industry. The causative agent of ASF is a virus of the Asfarviridae family and Asfivirus genus (Alonso et al., 2018). The disease was first recorded in Serbia in 2019 in domestic pig populations, and since 2020, it has also been found in wild pig populations. Since then, the number of pigs has decreased by 7%, which is higher than the average decline in pig numbers in Europe (4%). The genome of the ASF virus is a double-stranded linear DNA, ranging from 170-190 kbp in length, depending on the genotype, subgenotype, and number of repetitive segments, encoding the synthesis of 170 viral proteins (Blome et al., 2020). The maintenance of the virus in the environment depends on environmental factors, the presence of susceptible individuals (wild pigs), and the virus's ability to survive in that environment. A key condition for the maintenance and circulation of the virus is a high prevalence of infection in domestic pigs (>5%), as it enables the spill-over of infection to wild pigs, completing the transmission cycle (Aguilar-Vega et al., 2023). The case fatality rate in wild pigs infected with highly virulent strains is 100%. The virus remains infectious for 3 months in carcasses of wild pigs, which, if not removed, serve as a long-term source of infection. The spread of infection in the wild pig population in Europe is estimated at 4-17 km per year, with anthropogenic factors playing a significant role in long-distance transmission (Anette et al., 2020). Human contact with infected or dead wild pigs, feeding pigs with contaminated animal-derived products, and the transport of infected domestic pigs from one area to another act as mechanical vectors for virus spread. In Africa, 24 genotypes of the virus have been recorded, circulating among populations of bush pigs, soft ticks of the Ornithodorus spp. genus, and domesti

Krpeljski encefalitis je veoma značajna zoonoza od koje u Evropi i Aziji godišnje oboli oko 12000 ljudi. Uzročnik krpeljskog encefalitisa je arbovirus iz familije Flaviviridae, rod Flavivirus. Postoje tri klasična subtipa virusa krpeljskog encefalitisa (dalekoistočni, sibirski i evropski), a nedavno su otkrivena još dva (bajkalski i himalajski). Za uspešnu cirkulaciju i opstanak virusa u prirodi neophodna je interakcija između vektora i rezervoara. U Evropi oboljenje prenose krpelji vrste Ixodes ricinus, a u Aziji krpelji vrste Ixodes persulcatus. Glavni rezervoari su mali glodari, ali i druge životinje. U poslednje vreme je sve više slučajeva oboljenja ljudi nastalih kao posledica konzumiranja sirovog mleka i mlečnih proizvoda. Bolest kod ljudi može proticati asimptomatski ili kao oboljenje u kome su ispoljeni neurološki simptomi različite težine u zavisnosti od subtipa virusa koji je izazvao oboljenje. Mogu ostati dugotrajne posledice, a u nekim slučajevima može doći i do fatalnog ishoda. Veliki broj vrsta životinja je prijemčiv, ali se teška klinička slika retko sreće i opisana je kod pasa, konja, majmuna i veoma retko preživara. Domaći preživari ne ispoljavaju kliničku sliku, ali izlučuju virus mlekom. Antitela protiv krpeljskog encefalitisa otkrivena su i kod divljih preživara i karnivora bez specifičnih neuroloških simptoma. Iako je u pitanju bolest obavezna za prijavljivanje, zbog nedostatka rutinske dijagnostike, u Srbiji nema podataka o broju slučajeva obolelih ljudi.

Brucellosis is one of the most important bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide, characterized in domestic animals by long-term reproductive disorders. As known, wild boars (Sus scrofa) are natural hosts for Brucella suis biovar 2, in which the infection passes in inapparent form, increasing the pathogen transmission risk to domestic pigs, other domestic animals and humans. So far, no studies regarding brucellosis in wild boars in Serbia have been published. During the hunting season 2020/2021, 480 sera of wild boars living in Serbia were collected and tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies. For the serological survey, the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) were used. Of the 480 sera, 45 sera tested positive, indicating the acquired Brucella seroprevalence in wild boars of 9.4%. The greatest numbers of Brucella seropositive animals were detected in the eastern parts of the country and in one of the central districts, i.e., Pomoravski, Branicevski, Borski and Juznobanatski. This study provides the first data regarding brucellosis in the wild boar population in Serbia, revealing the seroprevalence of Brucella, thus indicating that wild boars as natural hosts and/or vectors of Brucella likely present a risk for the infection of other animals.

Bruceloza je oboljenje velikog broja domaćih i divljih vrsta životinja i čoveka koje se pojavljuje u mnogim delovima sveta i izaziva velike ekonomske gubitke. Iako Svetska zdravstvena organizacija i Svetska organizacija za zdravlje životinja preporučuju mere kontrole ili iskorenjivanja bruceloze, samo su neke razvijene zemlje postigle status slobodnih od bruceloze. Uprkos postojanju i značajnom napretku strategija za suzbijanje bolesti, Svetska zdravstvena organizacija, svrstava brucelozu u jednu od vodećih zanemarenih zoonoza. Izazovi iskorenjivanja bolesti su teško rešivi i višestruki i pored sprovođenja nacionalnih programa kontrole, kao što je Program mera u Republici Srbiji. Stalna izloženost inficiranim životinjama, njihovim sekretima i ekskretima, kao i proizvodima svrstavaju brucelozu u profesionalna oboljenja. Izloženost patogenu i nedostatak informacija su odlučujući faktori za pojavu bruceloze. Istraživanja dokazuju da se bruceloza najčešće pojavljuje kod stočara, radnika u klanicama, veterinara i veterinarskih tehničara, laboratorijskih radnika i lovaca. Rizični postupci koji doprinose širenju i ponovnom izbijanju bolesti i dovode do prenošenja bruceloze sa životinja na čoveka uključuju konzumiranje sirovog mleka i mlečnih proizvoda iz nekontrolisanih izvora, neprijavljivanje pobačaja, nesavesno odlaganje pobačenih plodova i otpadnih životinjskih produkata, kao i nekorišćenje zaštitne opreme i nepoštovanje biosigurnosnih mera. Da bi suzbijanje bruceloze bilo efikasno neophodno je preduzeti mere u cilju poboljšanja znanja, stavova i prakse ugroženih kategorija ljudi. Sve navedeno ukazuje na neophodnost uključivanja edukacije u nacionalni program kontrole bruceloze, kao i obaveznu implementaciju koncepta “Jedno zdravlje”.

Simple Summary The presented manuscript provides the first data about the important zoonotic disease, brucellosis, in the population of wild boars on the territory of Serbia. Brucellosis is an important disease of animals, both domestic and wild, and humans, and is of exceptional importance. Recently, the disease has re-emerged in some countries and is a threat to public health. The infection was never investigated before in the population of wild boars in Serbia, although the reported infections in domestic pigs indicate the possible pathogen transmission from wild to domestic pigs. Applied serology assays provided Brucella seroprevalences in wild boars, while a wealth of statistics delivered important data. The obtained results confirm the presence of the infection in the population of wild boars in Serbia and open new chapters for the future investigations of brucellosis in wild boars in Serbia. Brucellosis is one of the most important bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide, characterized in domestic animals by long-term reproductive disorders. As known, wild boars (Sus scrofa) are natural hosts for Brucella suis biovar 2, in which the infection passes in inapparent form, increasing the pathogen transmission risk to domestic pigs, other domestic animals and humans. So far, no studies regarding brucellosis in wild boars in Serbia have been published. During the hunting season 2020/2021, 480 sera of wild boars living in Serbia were collected and tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies. For the serological survey, the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) were used. Of the 480 sera, 45 sera tested positive, indicating the acquired Brucella seroprevalence in wild boars of 9.4%. The greatest numbers of Brucella seropositive animals were detected in the eastern parts of the country and in one of the central districts, i.e., Pomoravski, Branicevski, Borski and Juznobanatski. This study provides the first data regar

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod-born pathogen, which is transmitted from wild birds through mosquitoes to humans and animals. At the end of the 20th century, the first West Nile fever (WNF) outbreaks among humans in urban environments in Eastern Europe and the United States were reported. The disease continued to spread to other parts of the continents. In Serbia, the largest number of WNV-infected people was recorded in 2018. This research used spatial statistics to identify clusters of WNV infection in humans and animals in South Banat County, Serbia. The occurrence of WNV infection and risk factors were analyzed using a negative binomial regression model. Our research indicated that climatic factors were the main determinant of WNV distribution and were predictors of endemicity. Precipitation and water levels of rivers had an important influence on mosquito abundance and affected the habitats of wild birds, which are important for maintaining the virus in nature. We found that the maximum temperature of the warmest part of the year and the annual temperature range; and hydrographic variables, e.g., the presence of rivers and water streams were the best environmental predictors of WNF outbreaks in South Banat County.

As a response to the pandemic caused by SARS-Cov-2 virus, on 15 March 2020, the Republic of Serbia introduced comprehensive anti-epidemic measures to curb COVID-19. After a slowdown in the epidemic, on 6 May 2020, the regulatory authorities decided to relax the implemented measures. However, the epidemiological situation soon worsened again. As of 7 February 2021, a total of 406,352 cases of SARSCov-2 infection have been reported in Serbia, 4,112 deaths caused by COVID-19. In order to better understand the epidemic dynamics and predict possible outcomes, we have developed an adaptive mathematical model SEAIHRDS (S-susceptible, E-exposed, A-asymptomatic, I-infected, H-hospitalized, R-recovered, d-dead due to COVID-19 infection, S-susceptible). The model can be used to simulate various scenarios of the implemented intervention measures and calculate possible epidemic outcomes, including the necessary hospital capacities. Considering promising results regarding the development of a vaccine against COVID-19, the model is extended to simulate vaccination among different population strata. The findings from various simulation scenarios have shown that, with implementation of strict measures of contact reduction, it is possible to control COVID-19 and reduce number of deaths. The findings also show that limiting effective contacts within the most susceptible population strata merits a special attention. However, the findings also show that the disease has a potential to remain in the population for a long time, likely with a seasonal pattern. If a vaccine, with efficacy equal or higher than 65%, becomes available it could help to significantly slow down or completely stop circulation of the virus in human population. The effects of vaccination depend primarily on: 1. Efficacy of available vaccine(s), 2. Prioritization of the population categories for vaccination, and 3. Overall vaccination coverage of the population, assuming that the vaccine(s) develop solid immunity in v

Kao jedno od najvećih dostignuća savremene medicine, vakcinacija danas prevazilazi svoj prvobitni koncept zaštite životinja i ljudi od infektivnih bolesti. Hvaljena i osporavana, vakcinacija predstavlja najvažniju preventivnu meru kojom se svakodnevno spašavaju životi ljudi i životinja. Jedno od novih polja u kojima bi imunološki preparati mogli da preuzmu primat je kontrola reproduktivnog statusa životinja. Delujući u smislu povećanja reproduktivnih performansi ili u smeru kontracepcije, vakcine omogućavaju jednostavniju i lakšu manipulaciju, kao i humaniju kontrolu brojnosti određenih populacija životinja. Takozvane ‘’kontraceptivne vakcine’’ omogućavaju neinvazivnu sterilizaciju kućnih ljubimaca, pasa i mačaka lutalica, ali upotreba ovakvih vakcina može da nađe i primenu u terapiji različitih poremećaja u kojima je neophodna kontrola lučenja polnih hormona kao što su sindrom policističnih jajnika ili endometrioza. Sa druge strane, uz pomoć vakcina kojima se povećava fertilitet životinja koje se gaje za ishranu ljudi, mogu se ostvariti značajni ekonomski dobici i izbeći upotreba hormona poštujući koncepte ‘’Jedinstvenog zdravlja’’. Imajući u vidu ogromne potencijale koje će biološki preparati namenjeni za kontrolu reprodukcije, ali i terapiju određenih kliničkih slučajeva, imati u budućnosti, neophodno je naglasiti potrebu rigorozne kontrole upotrebe ovakvih preparata u cilju sprečavanja širenja dezinformacija i mogućih zloupotreba.

Epizootiološke determinante predstavljaju osnov za poznavanje epizootioloških karakteristika pojedinih zaraznih i parazitskih oboljenja, kao i poremećaje zdravlja nezarazne i neparazitske etiologije. U osnovi, radi se o tri determiante, a to su: 1. Prijemčiva vrsta, 2. Uzročni faktor i 3. Spoljašnji faktor. Region Srbije u kome se nalazi Stara planina je izuzetno interesantan sa epizootiološkog aspekta. To se naročito odnosi na površinu koju zahvata opština Dimitrovgad, koja obuhvata delove Stare planine i urbanu sredinu, u čijoj neposrednoj blizini se nalazi jedan od najznačajnijih puteva koji spajaju Evropu sa Istokom kao i na bogatstvo flore i faune kakvo se retko gde sreće u regionu. U odnosu na prijemčive vrste, radi se o regionu u kome se nalazi veći broj vrsta domaćih životinja čija tehnologija uzgoja značajno varira. U odnosu na uzročni faktor, preliminarna ispitivanja su dokazala da na izgled izolovan region, može da predstavlja značajan rezervoar mikroorganizama koji mogu da izazovu epizootije. Istovremeno, a u sadejstvu sa spoljašnjim faktorom, naročito prometom između regiona sveta gde se još uvek pojavljuju egzotične zarazne bolesti životinja, postoji rizik od unosa uzročnika zaraznih bolesti koje se smatraju egzotičnim za našu zemlju i Evropu. Raznovrsnost i variranje elemenata spoljašnje sredine kao epizootiološkog faktora, čine da je procena epizootiološke situacije u regionu Stare planine teška, a analiza rizika od pojave epizootija relativno kompleksna.

A total of 7386 samples of adult honey bees from different areas of Serbia (fifteen regions and 79 municipalities) were selected for light microscopy analysis for Nosema species during 1992-2017. A selection of honey bee samples from colonies positive for microsporidian spores during 2009-2011, 2015 and 2017 were then subjected to molecular diagnosis by multiplex PCR using specific primers for a region of the 16S rRNA gene of Nosema species. The prevalence of microsporidian spore-positive bee colonies ranged between 14.4% in 2013 and 65.4% in 1992. PCR results show that Nosema ceranae is not the only Nosema species to infect honey bees in Serbia. Mixed N. apis/N. ceranae infections were detected in the two honey bee samples examined by mPCR during 2017. The beekeeping management of disease prevention, such as replacement of combs and queens and hygienic handling of colonies are useful in the prevention of Nosema infection.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome is a viral disease of swine characterized by reproductive failure of breeding animals and respiratory disorders in all categories. The first PRRS case in Serbia was recorded in 2001 after illegal import of boar semen. PRRS is economically the most important disease due to significant direct and indirect losses. Today, for routine diagnosis of PRRS in infected herds serological methods (ELISA) and molecular methods are used. Although modern diagnostic techniques are very robust, exceptional diversity of the viral strains is often the obstacle for an accurate diagnosis. To estimate the performance of seven different methods for PRRSV genome detection, twenty samples were used. However, none of the methods was able to detect all PRRSV strains. The best sensitivity was obtained by combining two methods. Until today, there is no absolutely accurate test which enables the detection of all circulating strains.

Poslednjih godina je evidentno pogoršanje epizootiološke situacije naročito opasnih zaraznih bolesti, ne samo u Republici Srbiji i regionu Balkanskog poluostrva već i u celom svetu. Afrička kuga svinja postepeno, ali sigurno osvaja evropski kontinent pa su u 2019. godini Slovačka i Srbija po prvi put zabeležile pojavu ove bolesti. Sa druge strane, neprekidno prisustvo slinavke i šapa, boginja ovaca i boginja koza, kao i širenje kuge malih preživara u Turskoj i van njenih granica, pokazatelji su sve većih zahteva za dobrom organizacijom veterinarske struke naše zemlje. Uz bolest plavog jezika, nodularni dermatitis, afričku kugu svinja i bolest Zapadnog Nila, veterinari su suočeni sa pojavom sve većeg broja novih zaraznih bolesti za koje su potrebna znanja kako bi se one na vreme prepoznale i njihovo širenje zaustavilo. Evidentan je porast broja slučajeva tuberkuloze, bruceloze i drugih bolesti za koje se verovalo da su potpuno pod kontrolom. Veterinari su pod stalnim pritiskom pojave ne samo naročito opasnih zaraznih bolesti koje prete regionu, već i onih za koje se verovalo da su na pragu iskorenjivanja. Izbijanje jedne od najopasnijih zoonoza, groznice doline Rift na francuskom ostrvu Majote, važnoj turističkoj destinaciji, ukazuje na to da ne treba zanemariti ni rizik širenja bolesti uveženim slučajevima, ne samo kod ljudi, već i kod životinja., EMERGING DISEASES SIGNIFICANT FOR SERBIA AND THE REGION Over the last few years, there has been an apparent deterioration of epizootiological situation especially in case of emerging diseases, not only in the Republic of Serbia and the Balkan peninsula region, but also worldwide. African swine fever has been gradually but surely spreading across Europe. The disease was recorded for the first time in Serbia 22 XLI INOVACIJE ZNANJA VETERINARA Beograd, 2020 and Slovakia, in 2019. On the other hand, continuous presence of foot and mouth disease, capripox and spreading of peste des petit ruminants in and out of Turkey, clearly indicates the importance of good organisation of veterinary profession in our country. Along with blue tongue disease, nodular dermatitis, African swine fever, West Nile fever, veterinarians are facing increasing number of new contagious diseases which requires knowledge to detect them on time and prevent their spreading. Cases of tuberculosis, brucelosis and other diseases, that have been assumed as kept under control, have significantly increased. Veterinarians are under constant pressure not only by a potential outbreak of emerging diseases that might impose the threat to the region, but also of those considered to have been eradicated. Outbreak of one of the most dangerous zoonosis, Rift Valley fever on the French island of Majote, an important touristic destination, shows that we should not neglect the risk of spreading the disease by imported cases, not only in humans but also in animals.

In this doctoral dissertation brain samples of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) naturally infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) were examined. After exclusion of animals positive for rabies using direct immunofluorescence test, red foxes' blood serum samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect CDV antibodies. Gross and microscopic examinations of samples of serologically positive animals were performed. The viral antigen expression and distribution in the brain of affected animals were revealed immunohistochemically, as well as the nature of perivascular inflammatory infiltrate. The degree of demyelination was visualized using luxol fast blue staining. Molecular studies were performed to detect the presence of viral RNA. Patomorphological changes were statistically evaluated. Animals positive for rabies were not detected. Presence of CDV antibodies was detected in 36.8% of examined animals with no link between the antibody titer and the amount of pathological changes. Although no gross changes were observed, numerous changes consistent with non-purulent panencephalitis and demyelinating leukoencephalitis were evident microscopically. Immunohistochemical staining revealed moderate to strong positive reaction against viral nucleoprotein (CDV-NP), as well as the presence of T cells in the perivascular inflammatory infiltrate. Demyelination was the most pronounced in the cerebellar white matter. Using the molecular method (RT-PCR) viral RNA was not detected. Statistical evaluation, comparing the mean values of histopathological changes, showed a significant difference between various brain segments., U ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji ispitivani su uzorci mozga crvenih lisica (Vulpes vulpes) prirodno inficiranih virusom štenećaka. Nakon isključivanja životinja pozitivnih na besnilo metodom direktne imunofluorescencije, vršena su ispitivanja uzoraka seruma crvenih lisica imunoenzimskom metodom u cilju utvrđivanja prisustva antitela protiv virusa štenećaka. Rađena su makroskopska i mikroskopska ispitivanja uzoraka mozga serološki pozitivnih jedinki. Ekspresija i distribucija virusnog antigena u mozgu inficiranih lisica utvrđena je imunohistohemijski, kao i ispitivanje prirode inflamatornog ćelijskog infiltrata. Histohemijskim bojenjem LFB metodom određen je stepen demijelinizacije bele moždane mase. Molekularno-genetička ispitivanja korišćena su za dokazivanje virusne RNK. Izvršena je statistička obrada rezultata utvrđenih patomorfoloških promena. Nije utvrđeno prisustvo jedinki pozitivnih na besnilo. Prisustvo antitela utvrđeno je kod 36,8% životinja i nije utvrđen uticaj visine titra antitela na izraženost patomorfoloških promena. Iako nisu utvrđene makroskopske promene, mikroskopski su se uočavale brojne promene u tipu negnojnog panencefalitisa i demijelinizujućeg leukoencefalitisa. Imunohistohemijski, utvrđena je pozitivna reakcija umerenog do jakog intenziteta protiv virusnog nukleoproteina (CDV-NP), kao i prisustvo T ćelija u perivaskularnom infiltratu. Demijelinizacija je bila najizraženija u beloj masi malog mozga. Upotrebom molekularno-genetičke metode (RT-PCR) nije utvrđeno prisustvo virusne RNK. Poređenjem srednjih vrednosti histopatoloških promena statističkom obradom podataka utvrđena je signifikantna razlika između pojedinih segmenata mozga.

epizootiological and epidemiological role of the golden jackals (Canis aureus) as potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens, for the first time in Serbia. Jackal spleens and collected ticks were tested by molecular methods (qPCR, conventional PCR, RFLP, sequencing) for the presence of vector-borne pathogens from the genera: Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Francisella spp., Bartonella spp., Leishmania spp., and species from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex and Coxiella burneti. A total of 216 jackals originating from 10 localities throughout the territory of the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. Beside that, 118 ticks collected from jackals were also tested. The collected ticks belonged to one of three species: Ixodes ricinus (54,2%), Dermacentor reticulatus (39,8%) i Haemaphysalis concinna (5,9%). The presence of DNA of Babesia canis with the prevalence of 4.2% (9/216), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.9%, 2/216) and Leishmania spp. (6.9%, 15/216) was confirmed by molecular methods in the spleen of the tested jackals. In ticks collected from jackals, the presence of DNA from two Babesia spp. (Babesia canis, Babesia microti), Anaplasma phagocytophilum and three species from the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex (Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia valaisiana) was confirmed..., Istraživanjem sprovedenim u okviru ove doktorske disertacije, po prvi put u Srbiji, analiziran je epizootiološko-epidemiološki značaj šakala (Canis aureus) kao potencijalnih rezervoara za uzročnike zoonoza koje se prenose vektorima. Molekularnim metodama (qPCR, konvencionalni PCR, RFLP, sekvenciranje) u slezinama šakala i krpeljima sakupljenim sa šakala, dokazivano je prisustvo vektorima prenosivih patogena iz rodova: Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Francisella spp., Bartonella spp., Leishmania spp., i vrsta u okviru Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato kompleksa i Coxiella burneti. Ukupno je analizirano 216 šakala poreklom sa 10 lokaliteta širom teritorije Republike Srbije. Na prisustvo patogena ispitano je i 118 sakupljenih krpelja koji su pripadali jednoj od tri vrste: Ixodes ricinus (54,2%), Dermacentor reticulatus (39,8%) i Haemaphysalis concinna (5,9%). Molekularnim metodama u slezinama šakala potvrđeno je prisustvo DNK Babesia canis sa prevalencijom od 4,2% (9/216), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0,9%, 2/216) i Leishmania spp. (6,9%, 15/216). U krpeljima sakupljenim sa šakala potvrđeno je prisustvo DNK dve vrste Babesia (Babesia canis, Babesia microti), Anaplasma phagocytophilum i tri vrste Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. kompleksa (Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia valaisiana)...

У овој докторској дисертацији испитивани су узорци мозга црвених лисица (Vulpes vulpes) природно инфицираних вирусом штенећака. Након искључивања животиња позитивних на беснило методом директне имунофлуоресценције, вршена су испитивања узорака серума црвених лисица имуноензимском методом у циљу утврђивања присуства антитела против вируса штенећака. Рађена су макроскопска и микроскопска испитивања узорака мозга серолошки позитивних јединки. Експресија и дистрибуција вирусног антигена у мозгу инфицираних лисица утврђена је имунохистохемијски, као и испитивање природе инфламаторног ћелијског инфилтрата. Хистохемијским бојењем LFB методом одређен је степен демијелинизације беле мождане масе. Молекуларно-генетичка испитивања коришћена су за доказивање вирусне РНК. Извршена је статистичка обрада резултата утврђених патоморфолошких промена. Није утврђено присуство јединки позитивних на беснило. Присуство антитела утврђено је код 36,8% животиња и није утврђен утицај висине титра антитела на израженост патоморфолошких промена. Иако нису утврђене макроскопске промене, микроскопски су се уочавале бројне промене у типу негнојног паненцефалитиса и демијелинизујућег леукоенцефалитиса. Имунохистохемијски, утврђена је позитивна реакција умереног до јаког интензитета против вирусног нуклеопротеина (CDV-NP), као и присуство Т ћелија у периваскуларном инфилтрату. Демијелинизација је била најизраженија у белој маси малог мозга. Употребом молекуларно-генетичке методе (RT-PCR) није утврђено присуство вирусне РНК. Поређењем средњих вредности хистопатолошких промена статистичком обрадом података утврђена је сигнификантна разлика између појединих сегмената мозга., In this doctoral dissertation brain samples of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) naturally infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) were examined. After exclusion of animals positive for rabies using direct immunofluorescence test, red foxes' blood serum samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect CDV antibodies. Gross and microscopic examinations of samples of serologically positive animals were performed. The viral antigen expression and distribution in the brain of affected animals were revealed immunohistochemically, as well as the nature of perivascular inflammatory infiltrate. The degree of demyelination was visualized using luxol fast blue staining. Molecular studies were performed to detect the presence of viral RNA. Patomorphological changes were statistically evaluated. Animals positive for rabies were not detected. Presence of CDV antibodies was detected in 36.8% of examined animals with no link between the antibody titer and the amount of pathological changes. Although no gross changes were observed, numerous changes consistent with non-purulent panencephalitis and demyelinating leukoencephalitis were evident microscopically. Immunohistochemical staining revealed moderate to strong positive reaction against viral nucleoprotein (CDV-NP), as well as the presence of T cells in the perivascular inflammatory infiltrate. Demyelination was the most pronounced in the cerebellar white matter. Using the molecular method (RT-PCR) viral RNA was not detected. Statistical evaluation, comparing the mean values of histopathological changes, showed a significant difference between various brain segments.

U ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji ispitano je prisustvo uzročnika kju groznice - bakterije Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) kod nevlasničkih pasa poreklom sa teritorije grada Beograda, primenom molekularnih i seroloških metoda. Molekularni metod je korišćen za otkrivanje uzročnika u reproduktivnim tkivima nevlasničkih pasa, kao i u krpeljima prisutnim na ispitivanim životinjama, dok je imunoenzimskim testom utvrđeno prisustvo specifičnog serološkog odgovora kod ispitivanih životinja. Za otkrivanje prisustva DNK C. burnetii u uzrocima korišćena je lančana reakcija polimeraze (Trans-PCR) kojom se umnožava IS1111 fragment C. burnetii, dok je za otkrivanje specifičnih antitela protiv C. burnetii u serumima ispitivanih pasa korišćen modifikovani komercijalni imunoenzimski test (ELISA). U istraživanju je sakupljeno 316 krpelja sa 51 nevlasničkog psa i identifikovane su tri vrste krpelja: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus i Dermacentor reticulatus. Prisustvo DNK C. burnetii ustanovljeno je u 10,53% (24/228) krpelja vrste R. sanguineus, koji su uzorkovani sa sedam pasa. Reproduktivna tkiva pasa sakupljena su od ukupno 105 pasa - 74 ženke (70,48%) i 31 mužjaka (29,52%). DNK C. burentii je ustanovljena kod 20,95% (22/105) pasa i to u 16,13% (5/31) uzoraka semenika pasa, odnosno u 22,97% (17/74) uzoraka materica i jajnika. Kod 29,52% (31/105) pasa je 5 ustanovljeno prisustvo specifičnih antitela protiv C. burnetii i to 32,26% (10/31) mužjaka i 28,38% (21/74) ispitanih ženki..., In this doctoral dissertation, the presence of the causative agent of Q fever - the bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in stray dogs has been examined using molecular and serological methods. Molecular method was used for the detection of the agent in the reproductive tissues of stray dogs, as well as in the ticks recovered from the examined animals, while immunoenzyme test was used for the detection of specific serological response in the examined animals. A polymerase chain reaction (Trans-PCR) targeting IS1111 element of C. burnetii was used for the detection of C. burnetii DNA in the samples, while a modified commercial immunoassay (ELISA) was used for the detection of specific antibodies against C. burnetii in the sera of the examined dogs. In this study, 316 ticks were recovered from 51 stray dogs and three tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The presence of C. burnetii DNA was established in 10.53% (228/24) R. sanguineus ticks, which originated from seven dogs. Reproductive tissues of dogs were collected from a total of 105 dogs - 74 females (70.48%) and 31 males (29.52%). The presence of C. burentii DNA has been detected in 20.95% (22/105) dogs. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 7 16.13% (5/31) samples of dog testicles and in 22.97% (17/74) samples of uteri and ovaries...

Istraživanjem sprovedenim u okviru ove doktorske disertacije, po prvi put u Srbiji, analiziran je epizootiološko-epidemiološki značaj šakala (Canis aureus) kao potencijalnih rezervoara za uzročnike zoonoza koje se prenose vektorima. Molekularnim metodama (qPCR, konvencionalni PCR, RFLP, sekvenciranje) u slezinama šakala i krpeljima sakupljenim sa šakala, dokazivano je prisustvo vektorima prenosivih patogena iz rodova: Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Francisella spp., Bartonella spp., Leishmania spp., i vrsta u okviru Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato kompleksa i Coxiella burneti. Ukupno je analizirano 216 šakala poreklom sa 10 lokaliteta širom teritorije Republike Srbije. Na prisustvo patogena ispitano je i 118 sakupljenih krpelja koji su pripadali jednoj od tri vrste: Ixodes ricinus (54,2%), Dermacentor reticulatus (39,8%) i Haemaphysalis concinna (5,9%). Molekularnim metodama u slezinama šakala potvrđeno je prisustvo DNK Babesia canis sa prevalencijom od 4,2% (9/216), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0,9%, 2/216) i Leishmania spp. (6,9%, 15/216). U krpeljima sakupljenim sa šakala potvrđeno je prisustvo DNK dve vrste Babesia (Babesia canis, Babesia microti), Anaplasma phagocytophilum i tri vrste Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. kompleksa (Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia valaisiana)..., epizootiological and epidemiological role of the golden jackals (Canis aureus) as potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens, for the first time in Serbia. Jackal spleens and collected ticks were tested by molecular methods (qPCR, conventional PCR, RFLP, sequencing) for the presence of vector-borne pathogens from the genera: Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Francisella spp., Bartonella spp., Leishmania spp., and species from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex and Coxiella burneti. A total of 216 jackals originating from 10 localities throughout the territory of the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. Beside that, 118 ticks collected from jackals were also tested. The collected ticks belonged to one of three species: Ixodes ricinus (54,2%), Dermacentor reticulatus (39,8%) i Haemaphysalis concinna (5,9%). The presence of DNA of Babesia canis with the prevalence of 4.2% (9/216), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.9%, 2/216) and Leishmania spp. (6.9%, 15/216) was confirmed by molecular methods in the spleen of the tested jackals. In ticks collected from jackals, the presence of DNA from two Babesia spp. (Babesia canis, Babesia microti), Anaplasma phagocytophilum and three species from the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex (Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia valaisiana) was confirmed...

U ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji je ispitana mogućnost primene simpleks i multipleks PCR protokola sa prethodno opisanim prajmerima za preciznu identifikaciju najčešće izolovanih serovarijeteta Salmonella vrsta na teritoriji Vojvodine. Takođe je ispitana efikasnost primene metode sekvenciranja gena za 16Ѕ rRNK u preciznoj identifikaciji salmonela. Ispitano je 107 izolata Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica identifikovanih klasičnom serotipizacijom kao: Infantis (52), Enteritidis (33), Tenessee (5), Mbandaka (4), Montevideo (3), Havana (2), Lille (2), Senftenberg (2), Typhimurium (1), Agona (1), Derby (1) i Livingstone (1). Korišćena je tripleks PCR reakcija u detekciji bcfC, steB i sdf lokusa, optimizovana tokom preliminarnih ispitivanja. Primenom tripleks PCR, samo S. Enteritidis je mogla precizno da bude razlikovana od drugih serovarijeteta, dok su ostali serovarijeteti na osnovu rezultata tripleks PCR svrstavani u dve grupe (Grupa 1 i Grupa2). S. Infantis, najzastupljeniji serovarijetet među ispitanim izolatima nije mogao biti precizno identifikovan jer se primenom tripleks PCR nije razlikovao od ostalih članova Grupe 2. Za njegovu konačnu identifikaciju je primenjen simpleks PCR za umnožavanje segmenta fljB koji je karakterističan samo za S. Infantis. Sekvenciranje gena za 16Ѕ rRNK je primenjeno u identifikaciji izolata devet različitih serovarijeteta. Poredjenjem rezultata dobijenih u klasičnoj serotipizaciji i u PCR, uočeno je slaganje u 91 slučaju od ukupno 107 (85%). Od 33 izolata S. Enteritidis njih 31 (94%) je dao očekivan PCR profil. U slučaju S. Infantis PCR je potvrdila identifikaciju u samo 75% (39 od 52) slučajeva. Ostali ispitani serovarijeteti dali su očekivane PCR profile. Sekvenciranje gena za 16Ѕ rRNK je bilo pouzdano samo u određivanju pripadnosti ispitanih izolata rodu Salmonella., Aim of this doctoral thesis was to test the applicability of published primers for the identification of serovars isolated most frequently in the north part of our country using multiplex and simplex PCR reactions. The efficacy of sequencing of gene for 16S ribosomal RNA for identification of Salmonella strains was also checked. The study was conducted on 107 serotyped Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica isolates. Strains belonged to the following serovars: Infantis (52), Enteritidis (33), Tenessee (5), Mbandaka (4), Montevideo (3), Havana (2), Lille (2), Senftenberg (2), Typhimurium (1), Agona (1), Derby (1) i Livingstone (1). A triplex PCR protocol (bcfC, steB, sdf) optimized during preliminary investigations was used. This reaction separated S. Enteritidis from other strains, while the remaining serovars divided in two distinct groups (Group 1 and Group 2). As the used PCR protocol could not differentiate S. Infantis, the most numerous serovar among isolates, from other members of the Group 2, its identification was completed using a simplex PCR reaction targeting fljB specific for S. Infantis. Comparison of the results of serotyping and PCR protocols revealed a concordance in 91 cases from the total of 107 (85%). From 33 strains serotyped as S. Enteritidis 31 (94%) had the predicted PCR profile. Regarding S. Infantis, identification based on genomic markers confirmed this serovar only in 75% of cases (39 from 52). Other serovars showed their typical PCR profiles. Sequencing of gene for 16S ribosomal RNA could reliably determine only that tested isolates are the members of the genus Salmonella

Nodularni dermatitis (ND) je akutno, subakutno ili hronično virusno oboljenje goveda i bivola. Prvi slučaj nodularnog dermatitisa u Srbiji je laboratorijski potvrđen 07.06.2016. godine. Najviše žarišta je bilo registrovano u Pčinjskom okrugu. Za sprečavanje širenja bolesti, celokupna populacija goveda je vakcinisana živom atenuiranom vakcinom od Neethling soja (OBP, Južnoafrička Republika). Cilj ove doktorske disertacije je ispitivanje aktivno i pasivno stečenog imunskog odgovora protiv virusa nodularnog dermatitisa kod goveda i novorođene teladi metodom virus neutralizacionog testa (VNT), tehnikom indirektne imunofluorescencije (IFAT) i komercijalnim ID Screen® Capripox double antigen Multi-species-ELISA testom proizvođača IDvet (Monpelje, Francuska). Pored seroloških ispitivanja, kod vakcinisanih životinja ispitivano je i prisustvo vakcinalnog i terenskog soja virusa metodom Real-Time PCR. Materijal za ispitivanje je sakupljen na teritoriji opštine Kraljevo u selu Vrdila, gde nije bilo prijavljenih slučajeva nodularnog dermatitisa. Uzorkovanje je sprovedeno tri puta u toku 2017. godine i to pre revakcinacije, mesec dana nakon revakcinacije i pet meseci nakon revakcinacije. Za ispitivanja aktivnog imunskog odgovora krvni serumi su sakupljeni od 79 životinja pre i mesec dana nakon revakcinacije i od 74 životinje pet meseci nakon revakcinacije. Za utvrđivanje specifičnosti ELISA testa ispitani su krvni serumi od 20 svinja seropozitivnih na Suipoxvirus. Pasivni imunski odgovor je ispitan pregledom krvnog seruma i kolostruma od 17 krava (na dan teljenja) i krvnog seruma od 20 teladi (0. i 14. dana starosti). Za ispitivanje karakteristika ELISA testa za ispitivanje mleka sakupljeno je pojedinačno i zbirno mleko od krava u laktaciji i to od 52 krave sa 12 gazdinstava pre revakcinacije, od 49 krava sa 11 gazdinstava mesec dana nakon revakcinacije i od 53 krave sa 15 gazdinstava pet meseci nakon revakcinacije. Kao negativna kontrola u cilju validacije ELISA testa ispitano, Nodular dermatitis (ND) is acute, subacute or chronic viral disease of cattle and buffalo. First laboratory confirmed ND outbreak in Serbia occurred on 07 June 2016. The most of the outbreaks registered was in Pčinjski district. In response to prevent spreading of the disease, vaccination of all cattle population was applied using of live attenuated Neethling vaccine (OBP, South Africa). Goal of this doctoral dissertation was investigation of active and passive acquired immunity against ND in cattle and new-born calves using of virus neutralization test (VNT), indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and commercially available ID Screen® Capripox double antigen Multi-species-ELISA test from IDvet (Montpelier, France). Next to serological investigation, presence of vaccine and field nodular dermatitis virus (NDV) strain was investigated using of Real- Time PCR method. Material for this study was collected in Vrdila village, Kraljevo municipality area with no previous reported ND outbreaks. Sampling was performed three times in 2017, before revaccination, one month post re-vaccination and five months post re-vaccination. For serological investigation of active acquired immunity blood serum samples were collected out of 79 cattle before and one month post re-vaccination and out of 74 cattle five months post re-vaccination. Blood serum samples from 20 swine seropositive to Suipoxvirus were used for investigation of ELISA specificity. Passive acquired immunity was investigated from blood serum and colostrums samples out of 17 cows (on day of calving) and from blood serum samples out of 20 new-born calves (0 and 14 days old). For investigation of characteristics of ELISA test for milk samples, individual and bulk milk samples were collected from cows which were in lactation, out of 52 cows and 12 farms before re-vaccination, 49 cows and 11 farms one month after re-vaccination and out of 53 cows and 15 farms five months post re-vaccination. As for negative control with t

Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and environmental pollution lead to a reduction in the spatial boundary between wild animals, domestic animals and humans. These activities increase the risk for the emergence of pathogens from the sylvatic cycle in the population of domestic animals and humans. Foxes are recognized as potential reservoirs for a number of bacterial pathogens of medical and public health concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and spatial distribution of bacterial tick-borne pathogens from the Anaplasmataceae family, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Bartonella spp., in the red fox population from Serbia and to discuss the obtained results from the epidemiological point of view. Legally hunted red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from 14 localities in Serbia were included in the study and spleen samples from 129 animals were tested with conventional PCR assays for the presence of bacterial tick-borne pathogens. DNA of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia lusitaniae, and Borrelia garinii was detected in 6 (4.7%), 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.6%) and 1 (0.8%) animals, respectively. Co-infection by Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and B. garinii was detected in one animal. All samples were negative for other tested bacterial tick-borne pathogens. The results of the present study indicate the potential role of foxes in natural cycles of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and causative agents of Lyme borreliosis in the investigated areas. Further research is required to elucidate the role of foxes in the epidemiology of these and other tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in the Republic of Serbia.

Background. Trichinellosis is zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the genus Trichinella, which have a cosmopolitan distribution. In the Balkan region, including Serbia, trichinellosis is endemic. Although trichinellosis shows a decreasing incidence in Serbia, this disease remains a serious problem for human health and animal husbandry. Scope and Approach. To prevent and control Trichinella spp. infections in domestic and sylvatic animals, risk analysis for these zoonotic parasites should be conducted. In Serbia, a limited number of Trichinella have been identified to the species level so far. An institutional, multi-sectoral surveillance system, supported by an adequate legal framework for the detection, surveillance, prevention, control and reporting of this infection in animals and humans, harmonized with the EU legislation, is a priority. Key Findings and Conclusions. One of the main goals of the Serbian veterinary and public health services should be progressive improvement of animal rearing practices, food safety, and hunters' and consumers' education through the "One-health" approach., Uvod. Trihineloza je zoonotska bolest uzrokovana parazitima roda Trichinella koji imaju kosmopolitsku rasprostranjenost. U regionu Balkana, uključujući Srbiju, trihineloza je endemska. Iako trihineloza pokazuje trend smanjenja učestalosti u Srbiji, ova bolest ostaje ozbiljan problem za zdravlje ljudi i stočarstvo. Cilj i pristup. Za sprečavanje i kontrolu infekcije domaćih i silvatičnih životinja trihinelama, treba sprovesti analizu rizika za ove zoonotske parazite. U Srbiji je do sada identifikovan ograničeni broj trihinela na nivou vrste. U tom smislu, priorit je institucionalni, multisektorski sistem nadzora, podržan odgovarajućim pravnim okvirom za otkrivanje, nadzor, prevenciju, kontrolu i izveštavanje o ovoj infekciji kod životinja i ljudi, usklađen sa zakonodavstvom EU. Ključni nalazi i zaključak. Jedan od glavnih ciljeva veterinarske i zdravstvene službe trebalo bi biti progresivno unapređenje prakse uzgoja životinja, bezbednost hrane i obrazovanja lovaca i potrošača kroz pristup "One-Health".

In this doctoral dissertation, the presence of the causative agent of Q fever - the bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in stray dogs has been examined using molecular and serological methods. Molecular method was used for the detection of the agent in the reproductive tissues of stray dogs, as well as in the ticks recovered from the examined animals, while immunoenzyme test was used for the detection of specific serological response in the examined animals. A polymerase chain reaction (Trans-PCR) targeting IS1111 element of C. burnetii was used for the detection of C. burnetii DNA in the samples, while a modified commercial immunoassay (ELISA) was used for the detection of specific antibodies against C. burnetii in the sera of the examined dogs. In this study, 316 ticks were recovered from 51 stray dogs and three tick species were identified: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The presence of C. burnetii DNA was established in 10.53% (228/24) R. sanguineus ticks, which originated from seven dogs. Reproductive tissues of dogs were collected from a total of 105 dogs - 74 females (70.48%) and 31 males (29.52%). The presence of C. burentii DNA has been detected in 20.95% (22/105) dogs. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 7 16.13% (5/31) samples of dog testicles and in 22.97% (17/74) samples of uteri and ovaries..., U ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji ispitano je prisustvo uzročnika kju groznice - bakterije Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) kod nevlasničkih pasa poreklom sa teritorije grada Beograda, primenom molekularnih i seroloških metoda. Molekularni metod je korišćen za otkrivanje uzročnika u reproduktivnim tkivima nevlasničkih pasa, kao i u krpeljima prisutnim na ispitivanim životinjama, dok je imunoenzimskim testom utvrđeno prisustvo specifičnog serološkog odgovora kod ispitivanih životinja. Za otkrivanje prisustva DNK C. burnetii u uzrocima korišćena je lančana reakcija polimeraze (Trans-PCR) kojom se umnožava IS1111 fragment C. burnetii, dok je za otkrivanje specifičnih antitela protiv C. burnetii u serumima ispitivanih pasa korišćen modifikovani komercijalni imunoenzimski test (ELISA). U istraživanju je sakupljeno 316 krpelja sa 51 nevlasničkog psa i identifikovane su tri vrste krpelja: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus i Dermacentor reticulatus. Prisustvo DNK C. burnetii ustanovljeno je u 10,53% (24/228) krpelja vrste R. sanguineus, koji su uzorkovani sa sedam pasa. Reproduktivna tkiva pasa sakupljena su od ukupno 105 pasa - 74 ženke (70,48%) i 31 mužjaka (29,52%). DNK C. burentii je ustanovljena kod 20,95% (22/105) pasa i to u 16,13% (5/31) uzoraka semenika pasa, odnosno u 22,97% (17/74) uzoraka materica i jajnika. Kod 29,52% (31/105) pasa je 5 ustanovljeno prisustvo specifičnih antitela protiv C. burnetii i to 32,26% (10/31) mužjaka i 28,38% (21/74) ispitanih ženki...