Dermanyssus gallinae (the poultry red mite, PRM) is an important ectoparasite in the laying hen industry. PRM can also infest humans, causing gamasoidosis, which is manifested as skin lesions characterized by rash and itching. Recently, there has been an increase in the reported number of human infestation cases with D. gallinae, mostly associated with the proliferation of pigeons in cities where they build their nests. The human form of the disease has not been linked to swallows (Hirundinidae) before. In this report, we describe an incident of human gamasoidosis linked to a nest of swallows built on the window ledge of an apartment in the island of Kefalonia, Greece. Mites were identified as D. gallinae using morphological keys and amplifying the Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene by PCR. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis and median-joining network supported the identification of three PRM haplogroups and the haplotype isolated from swallows was identical to three PRM sequences isolated from hens in Portugal. The patient was treated with topical corticosteroids, while the house was sprayed with deltamethrin. After one week, the mites disappeared and clinical symptoms subsided. The current study is the first report of human gamasoidosis from PRM found in swallows’ nest.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoon with a complex life cycle and the second most important foodborne pathogen in Europe. Surveillance of toxoplasmosis is based on national considerations since there are no mandatory controls along the food chain in the European Union, and underreporting of meat is still a problem in many countries like Greece. The current review provides an overview of T. gondii prevalence, associated risk factors, and surveillance in animals in Greece, focusing on the transmission role of meat and highlighting the control measures that should be adopted by consumers. Sows, wild boars, hares, equines, and cats had lower, while sheep and goats generally had higher seroprevalence than their respective pooled European and global values. Seroprevalence in chickens was similar between Greece and Europe, while there was high variation in cattle studies, with no data regarding dairy products. Though a comprehensive meat safety assurance system is the most effective approach to control the principal biological hazards associated with meat, such as T. gondii, the prerequisite risk categorisation of farms and abattoirs based on EFSA’s proposed harmonised epidemiological indicators has not materialised as yet in Greece. Therefore, comprehensive control strategies are still required to ensure food safety and safeguard public health.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of phytobiotic supplementation in managing coccidiosis in broiler chickens, a disease that impacts productivity. Three hundred sixty Ross-308 one-day-old chicks were assigned to five treatment groups: control negative (CN), phyto negative (PN), control infected (CI), phyto infected (PI), and salinomycin infected (SI). All diets were fed for the entire experiment duration. CN and CI groups were given a common diet, with CN remaining uninfected and CI exposed to Eimeria spp., while PN and PI groups received a phytobiotic supplement containing essential oils, saponins, and tannins (with PI challenged by Eimeria spp.), and SI received salinomycin post-infection. All infected groups were challenged on day 14 with Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella. By day 21, PN had the highest body weight (744.9 g). Body weight gain (BWG) was highest in CN and PN from days 14–35, while CI consistently showed the lowest BWG. PI demonstrated significantly lower oocyst counts than CI, outperforming even SI by day 7, and showed milder intestinal lesions. A high anticoccidial index (ACI) of 188.45 was observed in PI, close to uninfected groups, while SI achieved a partially effective ACI of 136.91. Overall, PN and PI exhibited improved performance and intestinal health, highlighting the potential of phytobiotics in coccidiosis management for broilers.

Canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum) is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs worldwide. Greece is enzootic for this disease, and updated data for its current distribution are of major importance. The aim of this cross-sectional serological study was primarily to update the current knowledge of Leishmania infantum seropositivity status within the asymptomatic Greek canine population and, furthermore, to assess the possible climatological and other risk factors. In total, sera of 1265 asymptomatic dogs were collected from all prefectures of the country. A questionnaire that included all individual dog information was completed for all animals. The Speed Leish K^® canine Leishmania antibody test kit (BVT Groupe Virbac, France) was employed. Potential risk factors were evaluated utilizing logistic regression models. Overall, 13.8% (n = 175) of the sampled dogs were seropositive to Leishmania infantum originating from all geographical departments of the country, whereas most prefectures had at least one seropositive animal. Outdoor living, high mean humidity, low mean wind speed and high total annual rainfall were found to increase the seropositivity status against the parasite. Conclusively, Leishmania infantum remains a common parasite challenge in the asymptomatic canine population of Greece, and therefore, its early diagnosis and effective prevention are significant in the country.

Domestic rabbits are commercially farmed for their meat whilst gastrointestinal diseases can hinder their production. Passalurusambiguus and Eimeria spp. are two common rabbit intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea, among other symptoms, and in severe cases, death. C. guttulatus is a commensal yeast of the rabbits’ stomach that is considered apathogenic but can worsen symptoms in rabbits suffering from coccidiosis. In the present case report, we describe an outbreak of deaths in three different age groups (A: lactating does, B: 58 days old and C: 80 days old) in an industrial rabbit farm in Greece. Symptoms included depression, diarrhoea, inappetence, weight loss, dehydration and ruffled furs. Using a faecal flotation technique, sick rabbits were found to be moderately to heavily infected with P. ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and C. guttulatus. Treatment with fenbendazole and oregano oil combined with hygiene control measures successfully controlled the infections and resolved clinical symptoms. A faecal flotation method or other reliable diagnostic technique should be used regularly in industrial rabbit farms to screen for gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Early diagnosis and control will help to maintain production levels and, therefore, limit financial losses for the farmer while ensuring animal welfare.

Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health.