In this paper we tried to get an insight into population dynamics and genetic heterogeneity of Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) in individual poultry meat production cycles in Slovenia. Low C. jejuni genetic heterogeneity was detected at farms; one single CJ PFGE type was usually present on farm. Positive results for slaughterhouse environment post-slaughtering samples, with multiple PFGE types present in the same sample, suggest that CJ from different slaughtering batches can accumulate on specific locations. Nevertheless, the same/matching CJ PFGE types found on carcasses and in caeca of respective flocks/slaughter batches imply that carcass contamination occurs primarily by campylobacters originating from its respective flock. Decreasing degree of CJ contamination found on carcasses moving towards the end of evisceration room (final washing), through the chilling process, refrigeration and freezing indicate that these procedures can make up for a reduction in contamination load of 1.12 to 2.1 log10 CFU/g (refrigeration, 3 days) and 2.6 to 3.6 log10 CFU/g (freezing, 3 days).
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 4296312In this study 433 samples taken from different backyard poultry species (n=317) and from free living Mallards and Mute swans (n=116) were investigated on presence for partial adenovirus gene by PCR method. Twenty-five (7.9 %) samples from backyard poultry and 9 (7.8 %) samples from waterfowl birds were positive for different adenoviruses. Results indicate that free-living birds and backyard poultry could be an important reservoir of different adenoviruses, including those economically important in poultry industry.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 3718778The crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) is a disease of European, Australian and Asian indigenous crayfish species (ICS) introduced to Europe from North America by the resistant non indigenous carriers (NICS). Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii and Orconectes limosus represent permanent plague reservoirs, endangering also the three ICS inhabiting Slovenian freshwaters (Astacus astacus, Austropotamobius pallipes and Austropotamobius torrentium) in addition to the Australian Cherax quadricarinatus recently discovered in Slovenia. Five crayfish species inhabiting Slovenian freshwaters were inspected for the presence of plague agent A. astaci. Sampling of crayfish was performed from 2009 to 2012, mostly from wild populations in Slovenian freshwaters showing no clinical signs of disease. In total, 398 crayfish were collected, 226 of them representing A. torrentium as recently shown to sustain a persistent infection indicating the presence of a less virulent A. astaci strain. Crayfish samples were subjected to molecular detection, when applicable, confirmative sequencing was also performed. In our study 10.8% crayfish were found positive for the plague: 2/57 (3.5%), 2/32 (6.2%) and 32/226 (14.2%) specimens of A. astacus, A. pallipes and A. torrentium, respectively, representing ICS, and 5/50 (10.0%) P. leniusculus, 1/21 (4.8%) C. quadricarinatus and 1/12 (8.3%) P. clarkii. Our findings confirm the presence of latent infection in ICS, placing the problem of crayfish plague in Europe into a new evolutionary perspective affecting both ICS and NICS which should be further investigated.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 3716730In November 2011, Germany reported the first occurrence of novel Orthobunyavirus, named Schmallenberg virus (SBV), later the same virus emerged in number of European countries. The first clinical case of SBV infections, confirmed by laboratory diagnosis of SBV in Slovenia, was identified in January 9th 2013 from a herd of sheep, but to the end of March 2013 additional 12 bovine herds were identified SBV positive by real-time RT-PCR. To identify the period of first introduction of new virus infection on territory of Slovenia retrospective analysis of 42 cattle samples collected from June to October 2012 were screened for SBV antibodies using ELISA test. First SBV antibody positive blood samples were identified from sample collected in August 29th 2012. High prevalence (82,8%) of SBV antibodies in cattle was detected from 87 randomly selected cattle samples collected between January and February 2013. The detection of virus and high seroprevalence on our territory suggests that a new viral disease has already spread to majority of our farms and that it may result in increased losses due to abortions in pregnant animals and losses in neonatal lambs, calves and kids. Slovenia is the first country near Balkan area and this new virus will be probably detected also in other Balkan countries soon.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 3725690At the conference, the results of the analysis of 32 grass and 32 maize silages form different areas in Slovenia on 25 micro and ultramicroelements (Al, AS, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, B, Fe, Pb, Li, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, Sr, Sn, Sb, Va, Tl, Ti, Zn) were presented. With analysis, first data on the content of ultramicroelements in Slovenia were obtained. Statistically significant differences between element content in different areas in Slovenia were found, which means, that through feed, animals are supplied with very different amounts of ultramicroelements.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 3752826