This report represents the prevalence of endoparasitic infections of birds in zoological gardens in Serbia. Coprological examination conducted during 2015 and 2016, involved samples from 318 individual birds belonging to 112 species, in three zoo gardens (Belgrade, Palić and Bor). Individual faeces samples were analysed by the flotation method in salt solution. The presence of endoparasites was established in 51.96% (Belgrade), 46.16% (Palić) and 16.66% (Bor) of the tested birds. We diagnosed coccidian oocysts, eggs of Capillaria spp, Heterakis spp, Trichostrongylus spp, Ascaridia spp, Syngamus trachea and eggs of yet unidentified trematode. There were no detection of parasites from the class of cestodes. Prevalence of infection with coccidia, depending on location, was in the ranges between 8.33% and 32.84%, capillariosis 2.77% and 29.41%, heterakiosis 2.56% and 12.74%, trichostrongylidosis 5.55% and 25.64%, askaridiosis 10.25% and 10.78%, syngamosis 2.94% and trematodes of unknown etiology 2.45%. Coinfections with two or three parasitic species were detected in Belgrade and Palić Zoo Gardens, while quadruple infection was established in birds of Belgrade Zoo Garden. Obtained results can be used in establishing programs for health protection of endangered bird species.

Water pollution is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of plastron, carapace and skin diseases of turtles. In this study, a total of 150 European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) of different age and both sexes, originating from natural habitats in Serbia, were examined for morphological changes of the skin, plastron, carapace and skeletal system. The turtles were taken out from their natural habitats in Lake Ludas, Lake Palic and Lake Tresetiste. After artificial hibernation, they were subjected to detailed examination, sampled and treated, and finally returned into their natural habitat. Biopsies from the skin and shell were subjected to histopathological examination and microbiological analysis. X-ray scanning was also performed to detect changes in the skeletal system. Macroscopic changes of the skin, most frequently degenerative, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases, were diagnosed in 49.33% of the turtles examined. Dermatitis of different origin and form was the most prominent histopathological finding (28.00%). In the plastron, inflammatory and degenerative processes were frequently found. Osteopathy and mechanical injuries were the dominant findings. Macroscopic changes of the plastron, carapace and skeletal system were diagnosed in 67.33% of the turtles examined. Using X-ray scanning, generalised osteopathy, anomalies and malformations of different aetiology were also diagnosed on the tail and legs. Microbiological examinations showed the presence of a variety of bacterial and fungal agents, either primary pathogens or potential polluters, which invaded the skin and shell, or were present in cloacal swab samples. Bacterial infection was diagnosed in 76.66% of the turtles, first of all in those with skin and shell necrosis. Mycoses were diagnosed in 33.33% of the animals.

Blood smears stained with Diff Quick are the initial tool for cytological diagnosis of Haemogregarina spp. However, the development of sensitive and specifi c molecular methods enabled the detection and identifi cation of parasites in the sample and to clarify the evolutionary relationships of adeleorinid parasites within the Apicomplexa.The current study was attempted in order to perform cytological investigation and molecular identifi cation of the hemoparasites in thirty European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from the quarantine section at Belgrade Zoo, which have been found in poor health condition with massive skin hemorrhages, based on intraerythrocytic parasitic forms on hematological smears and 18S rDNA sequence, respectively. Different life cycle stages of the Haemogregarina sp. were noticed within the erythrocytes in the peripheral blood. Biochemical analysis indicated lower values of AST and iron in most of the infected turtles while hematological analysis showed a changed hematocrit value, a decrease in the number of red blood cells and low hemoglobin levels. Amplifi cations of the 18S rDNA sequence of Haemogregarina were detected in 30/30 (100%) turtles with clinical symptoms. The identity of PCR products was confi rmed by direct DNA sequencing. Future research concerning H. stepanowi in Serbia should be applied to its defi nitive host-the leech.

No abstract

Sheep production is an example of a sustainable production fully integrated within the local rural development. One of the main threats on the outdoor breeding of sheep is parasitism. Ticks are nuisances and vectors of several diseases agents. The distribution of ticks appears to be changing, with spread to previously unaffected areas. Tick and tick-borne disease control is one of the major components of animal health program protecting livestock in the developing countries, which reflects impact on the livelihood of resource-poor farming communities. Taking into consideration the negative impact on the health status of the livestock, also the direct and indirect economic losses, it is necessary to examine the tolerance and resistance of certain species against diseases. It is one of the most important elements of the strategy of selection and screening for resistant animals. The aim of this study was to determine the tick species persisting in 45 tested autochthonous Zackel sheep flocks, and examine their seasonal occurrence from March 2010 to January 2011, in the region of South Serbia. The result showed that Ixodes, Dermacentor, Ripicephalus and Haemaphysalis were the most abundant ticks found, affecting 50.40% tested sheep. The result of this study is a survey of tick species from autochthonous Zackel sheep in Serbia and implication of possible preventions measures for diseases caused and transmitted by ticks. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. BT 31053 i br. TR 31085]