The seasonal dynamics of the prevalence, abundance, and mean intensity of egg excretion by the nematode parasite Baylisascaris transfuga in the European brown bear (Ursus arctos) were monitored relative to environmental factors (mean temperature, humidity, and temperature) over three years. The prevalence, abundance, and mean intensity of egg excretion tended to increase from spring to autumn throughout the monitoring period. The seasonal prevalence (84.2–90.6%), abundance (470.2–545.3 eggs per gramme (EPG) of faeces), mean intensity of excretion (558.3–602.1 EPG), and number of eggs (1150 EPG) were highest in autumn. The prevalence of eggs (up to 48.5%), abundance (37.8–60.6 EPG), and mean intensity of excretion (94.4–125.0 EPG) were high in winter, despite the period of hibernation. The seasonal dynamics of B. transfuga abundance in bears, the mean temperature between spring and autumn, and the seasonal trend of increase in intensity of egg excretion with temperature from winter to summer were interrelated. Abundance differed significantly between winter and autumn, spring and autumn, and summer and autumn (p < 0.0001) in all years and between spring and summer in 2016 (p < 0.005), 2017 (p < 0.05). B. transfuga abundance differed significantly between the seasons over the three years only in spring (p ≤ 0.0001).

Pet hedgehogs, which are increasingly favoured companions, have garnered attention due to their potential as carriers of zoonotic diseases. These small insectivorous mammals, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, are commonly kept as pets. The encroachment of humans into hedgehog habitats has brought these animals closer to people, raising concerns about disease transmission. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding zoonotic disease associated with pet hedgehogs, with a particular focus on mycotic infections caused by Trichophyton erinacei. Data from various regions and hedgehog species are synthesised to assess the significance of pet hedgehogs as potential reservoirs and transmitters of zoonotic pathogens. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the health risks associated with pet hedgehogs and underscores the need for continued research to mitigate zoonotic disease transmission from these potentially disease-carrying companions.

Fungal skin diseases are well-recognized diseases with public health implications. The study provides a comprehensive overview and aims to determine the rate of positive fungal cultures to identify the most common fungal species in guinea pigs and rabbits and to determine the rate of asymptomatic carriers in healthy pet animals. This knowledge is essential for understanding disease transmission dynamics and epidemiological situation problems. A total of 167 animals (64 rabbits and 103 guinea pigs) were investigated in this study. The fungi of the genus Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were the most common in the examined animals, and they were isolated from 162 (97%) of the animals enrolled. No fungal growth was observed in 5 animals. In 15 cases (8.98%), we found pathogenic zoonotic dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes), which caused several health problems in two humans in contact with affected animals. This study presents the prevalence of fungal flora in pet guinea pigs and rabbits in Slovakia.

Wild carnivores are increasingly recognized as hosts or reservoirs of canine parvovirus (CPV), a major pathogen of dogs. To investigate CPV circulation in Central Europe, we examined 221 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 53 European badgers (Meles meles) from seven Slovakian regions. Small intestines (n = 86), rectal swabs (n = 123), and feces (n = 65) were tested by real-time PCR, and positives were sequenced for the VP2 gene. Virus isolation was performed on MDCK cells. CPV was detected in 10.9% (30/274) of samples, with a prevalence of 10.9% (24/221) in foxes and 11.3% (6/53) in badgers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed co-circulation of CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, with CPV-2b being prevalent (20/30, 66.7%) and CPV-2c detected in a single sample (1/30, 3.3%). CPV-2a/2b isolates clustered with European strains, while CPV-2c grouped within the “Asian” lineage. Several sequences carried “Asian-like” signatures (5G, 267Y, 324I, 370R), suggesting transboundary introduction and spillover into wildlife. Two infrequent substitutions were identified: S552I in CPV-2b and I447M in CPV-2a. Viable virus was isolated from all positives, with characteristic CPV-cytopathic effects. This study provides the first molecular and virological evidence of CPV in Central European wildlife. Our findings expand our understanding of CPV diversity in Europe, and underscore wildlife as an integral component of European ecology.

This study examined the factors influencing wild boar population density in Slovakia from 2013 to 2023, focusing on biometeorological, demographic, and ecological variables. Linear regression models were used to analyze spring population figures and the number of hunted animals across eight self-governing regions. Following the African swine fever outbreak in 2019, population dynamics changed significantly. The number of wild boars hunted increased while population densities decreased, particularly in the Presov, Kosice, and Banska Bystrica regions. Biometeorological factors, including monthly air temperature and precipitation, significantly influenced wild boar density at the national level, with soil temperature at a 5 cm depth playing a key role regionally. Demographic factors, such as road network and human population densities, also impacted wild boar populations, with road network density being the most important. Ecological factors, including the presence of brown hares, common pheasants, and grey wolves, had varying effects across regions. Grey wolf predation and interspecies competition were particularly significant in mountainous, less urbanized areas. The joint influence of biometeorological and demographic factors was higher in regions affected by African swine fever. This study highlights the complex interactions between environmental, demographic, and ecological factors and provides insights into more effective wildlife management strategies aimed at the sustainable management of wild boar populations. It advocates for a regionally tailored, integrated approach that considers the influence of biometeorological, demographic, and ecological factors, while also addressing the risks associated with epidemics, such as African swine fever.

Blood analyses can be used to assess the health and physiological conditions of wild animals and may provide a precise picture of disease, habitat quality, and other environmental factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the age and the selected biochemical parameters of the female mouflon (Ovis musimon L.). This study creates a possible reference range of biochemical parameter concentrations in mouflon and aims to extend the knowledge of this wild game species within our geographical region. There have not been many studies dealing with this issue in our geographical region. A total of 57 female mouflons aged between 1 and 6 years (1–3 years n = 32, 4–6 years n = 25) and in good physical condition, with an average live weight between 32 and 40 kg were included in the research experiment between the two years. A total of 15 selected biochemical parameters were analyzed. Using statistical analysis, we noticed significant effects of age on almost three-quarters of analyzed biochemical parameters. A statistically significant correlation was observed between age and the parameters of glucose, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, cholesterol, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein, calcium, triglycerides, and urea. An evaluation of the European mouflon’s biochemical parameters during the whole year may be a reliable method for judging a herd’s condition, diagnosing medical disorders, and preventing the etiology of their occurrence. An analysis of biochemical parameters tells us about the functioning of individual organs as well as the animals’ metabolism. Knowledge of the values of blood parameters is of special importance because they allow us to gather more information on mouflons.