Exotic reptiles originating from the wild can be carriers of many different pathogens and some of them can infect humans. Reptiles imported into Slovenia from 2000 to 2005, specimens of native species taken from the wild and captive bred species were investigated. A total of 949 reptiles (55 snakes, 331 lizards and 563 turtles), belonging to 68 different species, were examined for the presence of endoparasites and ectoparasites. Twelve different groups (Nematoda (5), Trematoda (1), Acanthocephala (1), Pentastomida (1) and Protozoa (4)) of endoparasites were determined in 26 (47.3%) of 55 examined snakes. In snakes two different species of ectoparasites were also found. Among the tested lizards eighteen different groups (Nematoda (8), Cestoda (1), Trematoda (1), Acanthocephala (1), Pentastomida (1) and Protozoa (6)) of endoparasites in 252 (76.1%) of 331 examined animals were found. One Trombiculid ectoparasite was determined. In 563 of examined turtles eight different groups (Nematoda (4), Cestoda (1), Trematoda (1) and Protozoa (2)) of endoparasites were determined in 498 (88.5%) animals. In examined turtles three different species of ectoparasites were seen. The established prevalence of various parasites in reptiles used as pet animals indicates the need for examination on specific pathogens prior to introduction to owners.

Background: Leptospiral infections in poikilothermic (cold blooded) animals have received very little attention and the literature concerning natural infections of these animals is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of leptospiral antibodies in reptiles, imported into Slovenia and intended to be pets in close contact with humans. A total of 297 reptiles (22 snakes, 210 lizards and 65 turtles) were tested for specific antibodies against serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu stricto using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Live cultures of different serovars were used as antigens. MAT was performed according to standard procedures and the degree of reaction was interpreted by estimating the percentage of agglutinated leptospires. Samples showing titres of ≥ 50 against one or more serovars were considered as positive. Results: Antibodies against seven pathogenic serovars of L. interrogans sensu stricto were detected in 46 of 297 reptiles. Among 22 snakes, specific antibodies against pathogenic serovars of three Leptospira species (L. interrogans, L. kirschneri and L. borgpetersenii) at titre levels from 1:50 to 1:400 were detected in 6 snakes. In 31 of 210 lizards, specific antibodies were found in titres from 1:50 to 1:1000 and, finally, among 65 turtles (terrapins and tortoises), 9 had specific antibodies at titre levels between 1:50 and 1:1600. Animals imported from non-EU countries showed significantly higher prevalence (25.0%; 95 confidence interval: 16.7–33.3%) than animals from EU member states (10.4%; confidence interval: 6.1–14.7%). Conclusions: Reptiles may be considered as potential reservoirs of L. interrogans sensu stricto. Origin of the animals is a risk factor for presence of leptospiral antibodies, especially in lizards. Special attention should be focused on animals from non-EU member states.

Data concerning the morphometric parameters of sheep red blood cells (RBCs) obtained using computer-assisted image analysis have not yet been investigated, and there are no data on any analyses of ovine RBC subpopulations based on their morphometric parameters. The aims of this study are to determine the values of RBC haematological and morphometric size and shape parameters, to form groups according to the obtained values of haematological parameters; to determine the differences in RBC morphometric parameters between the formed groups, and to determine RBC subpopulations and their respective proportions in the formed groups. Thirty-six blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of clinically healthy Lika pramenka sheep, aged between 2 and 5 years. Haematological parameters including haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HTC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and RBC distribution width were analysed using a haematology analyser. Haematological parameters were categorized into two groups: those with lower values or values below the physiological range (Groups 1) and groups with higher values or values above the physiological range (Groups 2). Morphometric parameters of RBCs were determined from stained blood smears using SFORM, a computer-assisted program. Significantly higher values of RBC area, outline, convex, minimal and maximal radius, as well as length and breadth were established in Groups 2 compared to Groups 1 of HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, respectively. Based on the morphometric parameters of RBCs, three RBC subpopulations were obtained using principal component and cluster analysis: ES 1—the smallest and most elongated RBCs, ES 2—the biggest and most rounded RBCs, and ES 3—average size and shape RBCs. Significantly higher proportions of ES 2 and ES 3 subpopulations, as well as a significantly lower proportion of ES 1 subpopulation, were established in Groups 2 compared to Groups 1 of HGB, HTC, MCV, and MCH, respectively. It can be concluded that ovine RBC subpopulations, based on their morphometric parameters, can be obtained by using computer-assisted image analysis of RBC morphometry and multivariate statistical methods, including principal component and cluster analysis. RBC morphometry, including classification into subpopulations, could serve as a basis for future possibilities in the diagnostic interpretation of anaemic syndromes in veterinary medicine, especially in normocytic, macrocytic, and microcytic anaemias in sheep.

Wild animals often serve as reservoirs for vector-borne zoonoses, which are on the rise worldwide but have not yet been sufficiently researched. Vector-borne zoonoses, such as those caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Dirofilaria immitis, are a growing public health concern due to their increasing incidence and broad host range. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for vector-borne bacterial (borreliosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis) and parasitic (dirofilariasis) pathogens and to detect some of these pathogens in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population in Croatia. A total of 179 blood samples from foxes from nine districts were analysed. The SNAP ^® 4Dx ^® Plus rapid test was used to detect circulating D. immitis antigen and antibodies against B. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii. Circulating D. immitis antigen was detected in 6.70% of the samples (95% CI: 3.20–10.19%), while antibodies against A. phagocytophilum/A. platys were found in 10.06% (95% CI: 5.8–14.25%). Only one sample was positive for B. burgdorferi, while no antibodies were detected for E. canis/E. ewingii. Spatial analysis revealed statistically significant differences in prevalence by geographical region (district) and age, while no significant correlations were found. In the standard PCR analysis, DNA of D. immitis was not detected in any of the eight positive and eight negative SNAP ^® 4Dx ^® Plus samples. D. repens, A. reconditum, or co-infections were also not detected by PCR. Of the nine samples that tested positive for A. phagocytophilum/A. platys antibodies, four were confirmed to be positive for A. phagocytophilum by nested and semi-nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and GroEL genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarities with various European strains, including zoonotic strains. This study is the first molecular detection of A. phagocytophilum from blood samples of red foxes in Croatia. The results show that red foxes are not free from infections such as anaplasmosis and dirofilariasis, emphasising their possible role in the maintenance and transmission of these pathogens in certain regions of Croatia. These results underline the need for further research to better understand the epidemiological importance of red foxes in the spread of vector-borne diseases.