Introduction: Bovine postpartum metritis causes great losses. Mast cell (MC)-released mediators participate in uterine inflammation and immune response, but their role in postpartum metritis in cows has not been reported. This study investigated the effect of endometrial MC on the disorder.

Introduction: Bovine postpartum metritis causes great losses. Mast cell (MC)-released mediators participate in uterine inflammation and immune response, but their role in postpartum metritis in cows has not been reported. This study investigated the effect of endometrial MC on the disorder.Material and Methods: Ten dairy cows, at 6 to 10 days postpartum and with acute purulent metritis made up the experimental group, and 10 comparable healthy cows the control group. Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were determined by ELISA, and the MC particle state and expression of histamine H₁ (H₁R) and H₂ (H₂R) mRNA receptors were examined by transmission electron microscope and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively.Results: Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were significantly higher in the experimental group. In the control group, homogenously distributed size-varied granules were seen in MC cytoplasm of endometrium of lamina propria. In the experimental group however, these showed degranulation with features of reduction. The level of H₁R mRNA was lower in the experimental group, but that of H₂R mRNA was higher.Conclusion: The results suggest MC type I hypersensitivity characteristics during metritis, and histamine provocation of local inflammation. High expression of H₂R and low expression of H₁R inhibited the inflammatory response and prevented excessive uterine tissue damage.

Introduction: In the present study, some of the commercial fish farms located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, were screened for bacteria between 2012 and 2014.

Introduction: In the present study, some of the commercial fish farms located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, were screened for bacteria between 2012 and 2014.Material and Methods: The bacterial agents isolated from fish were identified by classical biochemical tests and the rapid diagnostic tests (API 20 E and API 20 Strep). All strains were further identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. The strains were also investigated for resistance to different antimicrobials by the disc diffusion method. Antibiotic resistance genes, including tetracycline (B), β-lactam (ampC, blaTEM, blaPSE), florfenicol (floR), erythromycine (ereA, ereB), sulphonamide (sulI, sulII), and trimethoprim (dhfr1) genes, were determined by the PCR method.Results:Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio fluvialis, Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, Pseudomonas luteola, Lactococcus garvieae, Streptococcus iniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Yersinia ruckeri were isolated from marine and freshwater cultured fish. According to the results of disc diffusion, all isolates were sensitive to florfenicol, trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole, oxitetracycline, and enrofloxacin, and resistant to lincomycin, penicillin G, and amoxicillin. Also, sulI, sulII, and floR resistance genes were detected in the bacteria.Conclusion: The results of the study open up the opportunity to perform further investigations which could determine the possible role of ARGs in fish pathogens.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to use TaqMan real-time PCR technique to investigate Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) proviral DNA in whole blood samples of sheep, and compare the results to those of histopathological examinations. Material and Methods: Eighty blood samples from clinically healthy sheep were randomly collected before the animals were slaughtered. Ten tissue samples from each lung and associated caudal mediastinal lymph node were taken. Results: Fifteen (18.75%) blood samples were found to contain proviral DNA, and 11 (13.75%) corresponding lung samples showed microscopic changes consistent with ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. None of the samples displayed metastases to the caudal mediastinal lymph nodes. The prominent pattern of neoplastic nodules consisted of acinar (alveolar) form. Conclusion: The results indicated the higher sensitivity of real-time PCR compared to histopathological examinations in detection of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to use TaqMan real-time PCR technique to investigate Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) proviral DNA in whole blood samples of sheep, and compare the results to those of histopathological examinations. Material and Methods: Eighty blood samples from clinically healthy sheep were randomly collected before the animals were slaughtered. Ten tissue samples from each lung and associated caudal mediastinal lymph node were taken. Results: Fifteen (18.75%) blood samples were found to contain proviral DNA, and 11 (13.75%) corresponding lung samples showed microscopic changes consistent with ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. None of the samples displayed metastases to the caudal mediastinal lymph nodes. The prominent pattern of neoplastic nodules consisted of acinar (alveolar) form. Conclusion: The results indicated the higher sensitivity of real-time PCR compared to histopathological examinations in detection of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) in wild birds inhabiting Poland.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) in wild birds inhabiting Poland.Material and Methods: Samples from 508 birds of different species were obtained between 2010 and 2015. The internal organ sections were homogenised and then total cellular DNA was isolated. The study was performed by means of PCR assay using primers complementary to the VP1 gene of the GHPV.Results: The presence of genetic material of GHPV was detected in 22 (4.33%) samples.Conclusion: It was the first such study in Poland to emphasise the role of wild birds as a potential source of GHPV infection for farmed geese.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α, as well as insulin sensitivity, and to elucidate the possible relationship among the parameters and negative energy balance during the periparturient period of dairy cows.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α, as well as insulin sensitivity, and to elucidate the possible relationship among the parameters and negative energy balance during the periparturient period of dairy cows.Material and Methods: Thirty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected for the study. Blood samples were collected from each cow seven days before the expected calving date, on the calving day, and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and TNF- α levels were measured. Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (rQUICKI) was calculated using data on NEFA, insulin, and glucose concentrations.Results: When compared to prepartum levels, serum concentration of adiponectin significantly increased on day 21 postpartum. The rQUICKI increased and NEFA levels decreased on day 7 after parturition. Insulin and glucose levels decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum when compared with prepartum levels. BHBA levels decreased on day 21 and TNF- α concentration also decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Adiponectin levels positively correlated with NEFA during the preparturient period. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin and rQUICKI on calving day and on 14ᵗʰ day after parturition. TNF- α concentration positively correlated with glucose levels on day 7 prepartum and on 21ˢᵗ day postpartum and with rQUICKI on 21ˢᵗ day postpartum. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin level and insulin sensitivity.Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, we concluded that adiponectin could possibly increase insulin sensitivity when blood NEFA concentrations are elevated.

Introduction: Porcine pleuropneumonia inflicts important economic losses on most commercial herds. Detection of subclinical or chronic infection in animals still remains a challenge, as isolation and identification of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes is difficult and quantification of the bacteria on agar plates is often almost impossible. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a serotype-specific quantitative TaqMan probe-based PCR for detection of serotype 2 in pig lungs, tonsils, and nasal swabs.

Introduction: Porcine pleuropneumonia inflicts important economic losses on most commercial herds. Detection of subclinical or chronic infection in animals still remains a challenge, as isolation and identification of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes is difficult and quantification of the bacteria on agar plates is often almost impossible. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a serotype-specific quantitative TaqMan probe-based PCR for detection of serotype 2 in pig lungs, tonsils, and nasal swabs.Material and Methods: The primers were designed from the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis genes of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2. PCR specificity and sensitivity were evaluated using reference strains and several other bacterial species commonly isolated from pigs.Results: The real-time qPCR for detection of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 was highly specific and gave no false positives with other serotypes or different bacterial species of pig origin. The detection limit for pure culture was 1.2 × 10⁴ CFU/mL, for lung tissue and nasal swabs it was 1.2 × 10⁵ CFU/mL, and for tonsils - 1.2 × 10⁵ CFU/mL.Conclusion: The method can be used to serotype A. pleuropneumoniae isolates obtained during cultivation and to detect and identify A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 directly in nasal swabs and tonsil scrapings obtained from live pigs or lung tissue and tonsils collected post-mortem.

Introduction: Mycoplasma bovis is one of the main pathogens involved in cattle pneumonia. Other mycoplasmas have also been directly implicated in respiratory diseases in cattle. The prevalence of different Mycoplasma spp. in cattle affected by respiratory diseases and molecular characteristics of M. bovis field strains were evaluated. Material and Methods: In total, 713 nasal swabs from 73 cattle herds were tested. The uvrC gene fragment was amplified by PCR and PCR products were sequenced. PCR/DGGE and RAPD were performed. Results: It was found that 39 (5.5%) samples were positive for M. bovis in the PCR and six field strains had point nucleotide mutations. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis of 20 M. bovis field strains tested with RAPD showed two distinct groups of M. bovis strains sharing only 3.8% similarity. PCR/DGGE analysis demonstrated the presence of bacteria belonging to the Mollicutes class in 79.1% of DNA isolates. The isolates were identified as: Mycoplasma bovirhinis, M. dispar, M. bovis, M. canis, M. arginini, M. canadense, M. bovoculi, M. alkalescens, and Ureaplasma diversum. Conclusion: Different Mycoplasma spp. strains play a crucial role in inducing respiratory diseases in cattle.

Introduction: Mycoplasma bovis is one of the main pathogens involved in cattle pneumonia. Other mycoplasmas have also been directly implicated in respiratory diseases in cattle. The prevalence of different Mycoplasma spp. in cattle affected by respiratory diseases and molecular characteristics of M. bovis field strains were evaluated. Material and Methods: In total, 713 nasal swabs from 73 cattle herds were tested. The uvrC gene fragment was amplified by PCR and PCR products were sequenced. PCR/DGGE and RAPD were performed. Results: It was found that 39 (5.5%) samples were positive for M. bovis in the PCR and six field strains had point nucleotide mutations. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis of 20 M. bovis field strains tested with RAPD showed two distinct groups of M. bovis strains sharing only 3.8% similarity. PCR/DGGE analysis demonstrated the presence of bacteria belonging to the Mollicutes class in 79.1% of DNA isolates. The isolates were identified as: Mycoplasma bovirhinis, M. dispar, M. bovis, M. canis, M. arginini, M. canadense, M. bovoculi, M. alkalescens, and Ureaplasma diversum. Conclusion: Different Mycoplasma spp. strains play a crucial role in inducing respiratory diseases in cattle.

Introduction: This article presents the analysis of the correlation between the category and health status of calves and the results of their rearing and levels of selected blood parameters.

Introduction: This article presents the analysis of the correlation between the category and health status of calves and the results of their rearing and levels of selected blood parameters.Material and Methods: The study included 105 Polish Holstein-Friesian and beef (Limousine, Charolaise and Hereford) crossbred calves. Young bulls were purchased at the age of two to four weeks. The animals underwent quarantine, were dehorned, and 46 young bulls were castrated. The germ horns were removed by burning out. Castration was carried out with a bloodless method using a rubber band. The calves were kept in groups and fed a milk replacer administered via teats from automated milk-feeding stations. After the period of milk feeding, the calves were fed grass silage ad libitum and a concentrate at 2.5 kg/animal/day. The calves were weighed every two weeks. Blood for analyses was sampled at 43 d of age.Results: After the rearing period finished at the age of six months, young bulls and steers had similar body weights (176.17 and 176.55 kg) and approximate average daily weight gains from birth (0.756 and 0.767 g/day). The healthy calves at six months of age weighed 180.47 kg, whereas the animals which at least once suffered from some diseases during rearing were lighter by approx. 30 kg (P ≤ 0.01). A statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01) difference was found for the count of red blood cells and white blood cells. In comparison with healthy individuals, the diseased animals had less RBC (8.33 and 9.42 10¹²/L respectively) and more WBC (27.03 and 12.26 10⁹/L respectively).Conclusion: Castration of young bulls did not have any impact on the results of rearing and health status of the calves. The magnitude of the analysed parameters depended on the health status of the calves. Thus RBC and WBC parameters may be used to predict the health status of calves during rearing.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in the Augustów Primeval Forest (north-eastern Poland), with particular regard to zoonotic parasites.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in the Augustów Primeval Forest (north-eastern Poland), with particular regard to zoonotic parasites.Material and Methods: Intestines from 53 raccoon dogs and 66 red foxes were examined with the use of sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). Samples of faeces from 51 red foxes and 50 raccoon dogs were examined with the use of flotation method.Results: Parasitic helminths were found by SCT in 98.5% of red foxes and 96.2% of raccoon dogs. Both species were infected with: Alaria alata (93.9% and 94.3%, respectively), hookworms (68.2% and 83.0%), Apophallus spp. (7.6% and 15.1%), Mesocestoides spp. (57.6% and 24.5%), Taenia spp. (40.9% and 1.9%), and Toxocara/Toxascaris nematodes (33.3% 15.1%). Echinococcus multilocularis was detected only in red foxes (6.1%), but trematodes Echinostomatidae and nematodes Molineus spp. only in raccoon dogs (18.9% and 41.5%, respectively). Additionally, Capillaria spp. eggs were detected by flotation method in 78.4% of foxes and 20.0% of raccoon dogs.Conclusion: The study showed a very high percentage of red foxes and raccoon dogs infected with intestinal helminths in the Augustów Primeval Forest. Moreover, dangerous zoonotic parasites also were found, which should be taken into consideration in the assessment of infection risk for humans in this region.

The aim of the study was to assess the changes of blood parameters in 12 three-week-old Polish Merino sheep subjected to experimental jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) infection.

The aim of the study was to assess the changes of blood parameters in 12 three-week-old Polish Merino sheep subjected to experimental jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) infection.Material and Methods: Haematological (WBC with leukocyte subpopulations: GRA, LYM, MID, and RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, HGB, HCT, PLT, and MPV) and biochemical blood parameters (acid/base balance, cation/anion content, and gasometry) were determined in blood samples collected one month after JSRV infection, then at four-week intervals for five consecutive months.Results: A decrease in RBC, HCT, MCV, PLT, MPV, and LYM values in comparison with controls was found in the last month of observation. On the other hand, at the same time, an increase in HGB, MCH, MCHC, WBC, MID, and GRA indices was observed. Moreover, at the end of experiment blood gasometric indices such as pCO₂, HCO₃, and tCO₂, and Na and K ion concentrations were higher in the affected lambs than in the healthy animals. The pH values of the challenged animals exhibited less alkaline character than in the case of controls, which was associated with a decrease in O₂% saturation. However, the majority of differences between JSRV inoculated and control groups was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The observed changes in the examined blood parameters can be considered as prodromal symptoms in the preclinical phase of adenocarcinoma development associated with JSRV infection.