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Free-living snakes may carry a broad range of pathogens that differ considerably by geographical locations and source species. The biological role of wildlife snakes for transmission of bacteria and helminths is hardly explored. The purpose of the study was a snapshot on the zoonotic agents load in free-living snakes found dead in a landscape park in central Poland. A total of 16 dead free-living snakes identified as European grass snake (Natrix natrix, N = 15) and a smooth snake (Coronella austriaca, N = 1) were tested. Abdominal organs were used for bacteriological testing, whereas, parasites were searched for in the remaining carcasses. Fourteen (87.5 %) individuals were positive for Salmonella spp., whereas, trematodes were found in 13 out of 16 samples (81.3 %). A total of 33 isolates representing 11 Salmonella serovars or antigenic forms were observed with Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae (IIIb) 38:r:z being the most frequent. The trematodes were recognized as Alaria alata mesocercariae (Distomum musculorum suis, DMS). Additionally, unidentified nematodes were detected in four samples. No Yersinia spp. and Mycobacterium spp. were found. The results indicate huge burden of Salmonella spp. and muscle parasites carriage by snakes present in the natural environment and indicate possible zoonotic and epidemiological impact. It justifies our concept of freeliving snakes as possible source and vector of pathogens, especially for omnivores and scavengers foraging on snake corpses. Finding of rare and diverse Salmonella serovars and unidentified nematodes proves the need for in-depth studies and systematic approach to reveal the role of freeliving reptiles in epidemiology of infectious agents.

Poland is officially tuberculosis free and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) cases are rarely found except in bovids. We found BTB in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Bieszczady Mountains, southeastern Poland. Studies suggest possible transmission of infection between free-living European bison (Bison bonasus caucasicus) and wild boar in this area.

The aim of this study was to assess whether animal tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted between free-living European bison (Bison bonasus caucasicus), wild boars (Sus scrofa), and protected carnivores such as grey wolves (Canis lupus), brown bears (Ursus arctos), and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Bieszczady Mountains in Southern Poland. Results of animal studies suggest that TB transmission from bison or wild boars to grey wolves is possible. These are the first described cases where Mycobacterium caprae was detected in samples collected from grey wolves.

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Systemic mycobacteriosis was diagnosed in a group of ornamental fish. Although a large number of acid-fast bacterial rods were identified in the kidneys, liver, and muscles of each fish, no granulomas were observed in internal organs. Mycobacterium peregrinum was identified using the GenoType Mycobacterium CM assay. This study illustrates a considerable risk of atypical mycobacteriosis in humans.

A b s t r a c tBovine tuberculosis is an infectious disease that occurs in many species of both domestic and wild animals, as well as those held in capti vity. The etiological factor is the acid resistant bacillus (Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium caprae), which is characterized by the major pathogenicity among mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The material from 8 antelopes from the zoo, suspected for tuberculosis were examined, and M. bovis strains were isolated from 6 of them. The spoligotyping method showing spoligo pattern 676763777777600. In Poland, this spoligotype has not been observed so far.K e y w o r d s: Mycobacterium bovis, antelopes, MTBC, public health, zoo