Varroa destructor is the most important honey bee parasite. There are various methods used in the control of this mite, but none of them meets all requested criteria, to be safe, effective and easy to apply. The objective of this study was to evaluate the varroacidal efficacy of newly created plant-derived formulation Argus Ras (mixture of extracts of Sophora flavescens, Ginkgo biloba, Gleditsia chinensis and Teucrium chamaedrys) in a field trial. The investigation was conducted on 240 Apis mellifera colonies equalized in respect of brood amount, adult bee population and food reserves. Efficiency was evaluated by applying Argus Ras consecutively with two other acaricides, amitraz and oxalic acid. Average acaricidal efficacy of Argus Ras was 80.89%, being higher of other previously tested essential oils. Besides, it showed a potential in knocking down the mites resistant to other acaricides. It should not be neglected that Argus Ras requires a smaller number of treatments and financial investments than other formulations used for the control of Varroa mites.

Commercially and traditionally managed bees were compared for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), the prevalence of parasites (Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae and Nosema ceranae/apis) and social immunity (glucose oxidase gene expression). The research was conducted on Pester plateau (Serbia—the Balkan Peninsula), on seemingly healthy colonies. Significant differences in CAT, GST and SOD activities (p < 0.01), and MDA concentrations (p < 0.002) were detected between commercial and traditional colonies. In the former, the prevalence of both L. passim and N. ceranae was significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) higher. For the first time, L. passim was detected in honey bee brood. In commercial colonies, the prevalence of L. passim was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in brood than in adult bees, whilst in traditionally kept colonies the prevalence in adult bees and brood did not differ significantly. In commercially kept colonies, the GOX gene expression level was significantly (p < 0.01) higher, which probably results from their increased need to strengthen their social immunity. Commercially kept colonies were under higher oxidative stress, had higher parasite burdens and higher GOX gene transcript levels. It may be assumed that anthropogenic influence contributed to these differences, but further investigations are necessary to confirm that.

This work was aimed at the detection of the differences in the occurrence of seven bee pathogens between bee colonies kept in commercial and traditional ways. The research was conducted on 120 apparently healthy, commercially kept colonies in DB hives and 24 traditionally kept colonies in primitive, so-called trmka hives on the Pester Plateau. Brood samples were taken from all colonies to assess the occurrence of bee brood disease agents (Paenibacillus larvae, Melissococcus plutonius, Ascosphaera apis and sacbrood virus – SBV) and adult bee pathogens (deformed wing virus – DWV, chronic bee paralysis virus – CBPV and acute bee paralysis virus – ABPV). PCR diagnostics was used in all cases, in compliance with the existing methods adopted by OIE. Concerning bee brood disease-causing agents, in commercial hives P. larvae (16.67% samples), A. apis (15.83%) and the SBV (96.67%) were confirmed, whilst in traditional hives, SBV was the only one detected (33.33%). M. plutonius was not found in any sample. As for adult bee diseases, in both commercial and traditional hives all of the three viruses were detected (DWV, ABPV, CBPV), but their occurrence in the former (100.00, 100.00 and 83.33%, respectively) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than in the latter (33.33% occurrence of each). No commercially kept colonies were free from all disease causes, while in the traditionally kept group there were 66.66% of such colonies. It can be concluded that the traditional way of beekeeping provides significantly better conditions for maintenance of bee health and their resistance to pathogens.

Sheep welfare outcomes vary depending on production systems, breeds, and environmental conditions. This study examined the effects of extensive, semi-extensive, and semi-intensive sheep production systems on animal welfare in Serbia, using the AWIN Welfare Protocol to evaluate 30 farms. Welfare indicators were categorised into resource-based, management-based, and animal-based metrics. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in space allowance among the production systems (p > 0.05). This suggests that the space provided was adequate for semi-intensive farms and suitable for both semi-extensive and extensive farms. However, management practices showed significant variations (p < 0.05), indicating diverse impacts on sheep welfare. No ocular discharge or stereotypic behaviours were observed, while respiratory issues, social withdrawal, and excessive itching were found to have a very low prevalence across all farms. The primary welfare concern identified in the extensive farms was the use of painful mutilations. Semi-extensive and semi-intensive farms had significantly higher rates of tail docking (p < 0.05) and poorer fleece cleanliness. These findings highlight the necessity of addressing the root causes of poor welfare to improve sheep welfare standards. Therefore, achieving sustainable welfare outcomes requires an integrated approach that combines genetic suitability, adequate housing, and effective management practices.

In Serbia, Babesia canis is the predominant cause of canine babesiosis, while B. gibsoni and B. vulpes have been reported only sporadically. Limited awareness of these small Babesia species often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. International reports indicate that American Staffordshire Terriers (ASTs) and related breeds are particularly affected. This study examined 101 ASTs over a two-year period to determine the occurrence of small Babesia species and identify dog- and owner-related risk factors. Collected data included age, sex, body condition score (BCS), clinical signs, presence of scars, history of vector-borne diseases (VBD), living conditions, antiparasitic prophylaxis, and tick exposure. Molecular identification using PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that 37 dogs were positive for Babesia spp.; among them, 36 were infected with B. gibsoni and one with B. vulpes. Significant risk factors associated with infection included the presence of scars, low BCS, history of VBDs, tick exposure, and living in rural areas. These findings demonstrate a notably high occurrence of B. gibsoni and the presence of B. vulpes in ASTs in Serbia. The results highlight the need for improved awareness, accurate molecular diagnostics, and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures. Additionally, observed risk factors suggest chronic infection and support transmission pathways linked to dog bites and tick exposure.