Katarina Nenadović

Unowned free-roaming cats represent an important challenge for animal welfare, veterinary public health, and urban population management. The aim of this study was to describe selected caretaking practices among a clinic-based sample of people caring for unowned free-roaming cats in Belgrade, Serbia. A questionnaire survey included 65 caretakers who visited the study clinics for issues related to cats under their care. Participants were classified as independent caretakers (N = 26), members of neighborhood-based informal groups (N = 22), or members of non-governmental organizations (N = 17). Together, they cared for 428 cats. All participants provided food. Although 72% of caretakers had neutered at least one cat, only 34% of all cats were neutered. Overall, 37% of caretakers had vaccinated at least one cat against feline infectious diseases during their caretaking activity, while 7% of cats under their care were reported as vaccinated at the time of data collection. None of the cats was reported to be vaccinated against rabies or microchipped. Rehoming was reported by 52% of caretakers, with 79 cats rehomed during their caretaking activity. These findings indicate that informal caretakers may represent a relevant but currently non-institutionalized stakeholder group for free-roaming cat welfare and population management. Their education and integration into structured veterinary and municipal programs could contribute to more systematic management of unowned cats in Belgrade. Cite this article as: Drašković, V., Hajzler, I., Nenadović, K., Vučinić, M., & Vučićević, M. (2026). Caretaking practices for unowned free-roaming cats in Belgrade: a clinic-based descriptive study. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0136, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.26136.

Canine filariosis is an emerging vector-borne parasitic disease of veterinary and public health importance, caused primarily by D. immitis and D. repens. The present study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic performance of different methods, and molecular characteristics of filarial infections in dogs from the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Blood samples from 418 dogs collected between 2020 and 2024 were examined using a modified Knott test, antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Overall, 21.3% of dogs were positive for at least one filarial species. D. repens was the most prevalent species (13.40%), followed by D. immitis (10.8%) and A. reconditum (1.4%). Coinfections with D. immitis and D. repens were detected in 3.35% of dogs, while triple infections occurred in 0.5%. Several individual and environmental factors were associated with an increased risk of infection, including poor body condition, mixed-breed status, inadequate parasite control, and specific movement histories. PCR showed the highest diagnostic performance for all detected species, outperforming both microscopy and antigen testing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic diversity among the detected isolates and demonstrated their relationship to strains previously reported from other European countries. These findings confirm the endemic presence of canine filarial infections in the Republic of Srpska and emphasize the importance of molecular diagnostics, surveillance programs, and preventive measures for effective disease control.

Senior dogs represent a vulnerable population among companion animals, often affected by age-related health conditions, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline. Despite these challenges, patterns and sources of senior dog adoption remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to identify adoption channels and examine associations with demographic characteristics of adopted senior dogs in Belgrade, Serbia. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a structured web-based survey (N = 375), including owners who had adopted senior dogs across three five-year periods (2010–2014, 2015–2019, and 2020–2024). Data on time of adoption, acquisition channels, and canine demographic characteristics (breed type, size, and sex) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, adjusted standardized residuals, and Cramer’s V. Within the study sample, the largest proportion (35%) originated from municipal shelters, whereas the smallest proportion (15%) comprised stray dogs adopted directly from public spaces. Significant associations were identified for breed type (p < .001, V = .22) and source of adoption (p < .001, V = .21). Post-hoc analysis indicated increased representation of mixed-breed dogs (z = 4.22) and acquisitions from previous owners (z = 4.95), alongside a decrease in the proportion of municipal shelter adoptions (z = −3.26) in the final study period. In contrast, size (p = .408) and sex (p = .894) did not show significant variation. These findings indicate changes in acquisition pathways, with increasing prominence of informal rehoming networks. The decreasing proportion of shelter-based adoptions within the sample, despite the expansion of shelter capacity, may inform future research and the development of evidence-based rehoming strategies for senior dogs. Cite this article as: Racić, M., Stepanović, P., Nenadović, K., Vučićević, M., & Vučinić, M. (2026). A retrospective analysis of senior dog adoption patterns and acquisition sources in belgrade (2010–2024). Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0022, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.26022.

Background: While traditional pasture-based systems offer sheep natural living conditions and freedom, barn farming provides greater environmental control and protection. The choice of farming system is a crucial factor directly affecting the physical and mental health of the animals. Aim: This study evaluated welfare indicators and parasite prevalence in different sheep management systems, examining the impact of parasitic infections on ewe welfare. Methods: Conducted from November 2025 to April 2026 across 26 farms (13 confined and 13 pasture), the study individually assessed a sample of 1192 ewes aged 2–7 years. Animal-based welfare indicators were assessed using the AWIN protocol for sheep, while parasitic infections were determined from fecal sampling. Results: The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the systems. Pasture farms showed a higher prevalence of soiled fleece (60.14%), skin lesions, ocular and nasal discharge (6.35%; 31.22%), respiratory issues (16.75%), fecal soiling (16.23%), borderline anemia (16.23%), and excessive itching (16.23%). In contrast, confined systems exhibited higher prevalence of fleece loss (36.00%), hoof overgrowth (20.96%), udder asymmetry (1.44%), and wool pulling (8.32%). Identified parasites included Eimeria spp., gastrointestinal strongyles, Trichuris ovis, Dictyocaulus filarial, Muellerius capillaris, Protostrongylus rufescens, Moniezia spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum spp., and Giardia intestinalis. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) were found between certain welfare indicators and parasite infections in confined systems, such as between thin body condition score and Eimeria spp., and between fleece quality and fecal soiling with gastrointestinal strongyles, while in pasture systems, thin BCS, nasal discharge, and respiration quality correlated with Muellerius capillaris, borderline anemia with Trichuris ovis and Dictyocaulus filaria, and fecal soiling with Eimeria spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Conclusions: This data underscores the critical need to improve ewe welfare and implement targeted parasite control strategies in both farming systems.

In Serbia, a growing demand for donkey milk is driving an increase in dairy donkey farms. This paper describes the demography and management practices at dairy donkey farms in Serbia using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with their owners. Additionally, microbiology of raw donkey milk was conducted to assess its hygienic quality and safety. The results show that most owners were male, aged over 51, who had not participated in dairy farming training courses (8/9; 88.89%). Most of the farms were located in North Serbia; they were family-run, with more than 20 animals in the herd. At the farms, straw was predominantly used as bedding material. Inadequate bedding hygiene and shelter dustiness were reported in 22.22% and 55.56% of the farms, respectively. Only two owners reported undertaking disinfection procedures for shelters or stables. All donkeys were fed hay supplemented with corn or oats, while wheat bran was provided at two farms. Healthcare measures such as vaccination and dental care were not carried out at the investigated farms, while deworming had never been performed on four of them (44.44%). The most common reported health problems were sudden death, abortion, stillbirth, and laminitis. Fore-milking was not performed on any of the farms. The post-milking procedure involved filtering through cotton gauze, packing in plastic bottles, and then refrigerating and/or freezing the milk, to be later sold at the farm. Presence of food-borne pathogens in raw donkey milk was not detected. Our results could help identify the key problems in country-specific donkey dairy management.

Due to the intensification of livestock production and global climate challenges, the ability to timely recognize disruptions in animal health status and comfort is becoming a key prerequisite for sustainable farm management. This paper analyzes the transformative path from raw data collection to decision-making in the function of health, protection, and sustainable improvement of animal welfare. The focus is on transitioning from traditional, reactive observation to continuous, non-invasive real-time monitoring through the application of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), thereby overcoming the limitations of human labor and the unfavorable farmer-to-animal ratio. The synergy of various digital systems enables the collection of high-frequency data and its translation into an objective evaluation of the physiological and behavioral needs of animals. The implementation of electronic identification (RFID) and global navigation satellite positioning (GPS/GNSS) establishes the foundation for an individualized approach to care, optimization of space utilization, and early detection of anomalies in movement and grazing. Data from wearable biosensors (accelerometers, pedometers, and microphones) and pressure-sensing mats allow for continuous monitoring of activity, rest, and vocalization, ensuring the early detection of stress, pain, and lameness. A specific contribution to health protection is provided by infrared thermal cameras and embedded temperature sensors, which monitor body temperature fluctuations in a contactless and non-invasive manner, successfully identifying inflammatory processes (such as mastitis), estrus, and heat stress, without inducing the handling stress characteristic of conventional rectal thermometry. Simultaneously, environmental IoT sensors (temperature, humidity, noise levels, and harmful gas concentrations) combined with automated feeding systems (AFS) and intelligent integrated washing and disinfection systems, utilize the collected environmental parameters to automatically adjust ambient conditions, directly reducing heat stress, competition, aggressive behavior, and the presence of pathogens in the environment. It is concluded that digital technologies successfully translate data into direct and precise protection measures, minimizing pain, stress, and injuries. Automation and intelligent management based on real-time data enable timely decision-making, which sets the foundation for long-term, economically viable, and sustainable improvements in the health and overall welfare of animals in modern smart agriculture.

Svinjarstvo u Republici Srbiji predstavlja jedan od najznačajnijih sektora stočarske proizvodnje, kako po obimu proizvodnje, tako i po zastupljenosti svinjskog mesa u ishrani stanovništva. Tokom poslednje decenije ovaj sektor suočio se sa velikim izazovima usled pojave i širenja afričke kuge svinja ka centralnoj i jugoistočnoj Evropi. U intenzivnim sistemima proizvodnje, biosigurnost predstavlja ključni element u sprečavanju unošenja i širenja uzročnika zaraznih bolesti. S obzirom na to da u Republici Srbiji ne postoji sveobuhvatna zakonska regulativa koja obavezuje vlasnike farmi na primenu definisanih biosigurnosnih mera, njihovo sprovođenje se u najvećoj meri zasniva na preporukama i dobrovoljnoj primeni. Cilj ovog rada bio je da se analiziraju i uporede odgovori upravnika, doktora veterinarske medicine i radnika o primeni biosigurnosnih mera na farmi svinja, kako bi se stekao uvid u razlike u percepciji nivoa implementacije biosigurnosti među zaposlenima, utvrdili razlozi zašto se navedene razlike javljaju, kao i da bi se identifikovale mogućnosti za unapređenje biosigurnosne prakse. Istraživanje je sprovedeno 2019. godine na četiri farme svinja različitog kapaciteta (manje od 500, 1000, 1500 i preko 1500 krmača) i različitih biosigurnosnih nivoa u Republici Srbiji. Podaci su prikupljeni putem strukturisanih intervjua sa upravnicima, doktorima veterinarske medicine i radnicima na farmama, korišćenjem upitnika koji je obuhvatio 56 pitanja. Za procenu percepcije prisustva ili odsustva implementacije biosigurnosnih mera i saglasnosti odgovora između ispitanika primenjena je kvalitativna deskriptivna analiza uz tabelarni prikaz kodiran bojama. Analizom odgovora anketnog istraživanja uočen je izostanak potpune saglasnosti među ispitanicima u pogledu percepcije primene pojedinih biosigurnosnih mera, naročito između upravljačkog i operativnog nivoa. Dok su odgovori koji se odnose na tehničke i infrastrukturne biosigurnosne mere uglavnom bili usaglašeni, najveće razlike uočene su u proceni mera čija primena zavisi od svakodnevnog ponašanja zaposlenih i doslednog sprovođenja radnih procedura. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da ljudski faktor, organizacija rada i kvalitet interne komunikacije predstavljaju ključne faktore koji određuju efikasnost primene biosigurnosnih mera na farmama svinja. Istovremeno, nalazi istraživanja sugerišu da bi kontinuirana edukacija zaposlenih, uz aktivniju ulogu veterinara u nadzoru i sprovođenju biosigurnosnih procedura, mogla značajno doprineti njihovoj boljoj implementaciji. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata može se zaključiti da je, u cilju unapređenja biosigurnosti na farmama svinja, neophodno uspostaviti jasan regulatorni okvir na nacionalnom nivou koji bi obezbedio ujednačenu i doslednu primenu biosigurnosnih mera u praksi.

Intenzivna stočarska proizvodnja suočava se sa sve većim izazovima u kontroli infektivnih bolesti usled visokog intenziteta proizvodnje, povećane gustine naseljenosti životinja i prisustva brojnih izvora mikrobiološke kontaminacije u zatvorenim proizvodnim objektima. Bioaerosoli, koji obuhvataju bakterije, viruse, gljivice i sitne čestice prašine koje mogu sadržati patogene mikroorganizme, predstavljaju značajan put prenosa uzročnika bolesti između životinja, ali i potencijalni rizik za zdravlje zaposlenih i životnu sredinu. Efikasna kontrola bioaerosola postaje važna komponenta savremenih biosigurnosnih protokola, naročito u uslovima povećanog rizika od pojave i širenja respiratornih infekcija i zoonoza. Aerosolna dezinfekcija, odnosno primena dezinfekcionih sredstava u obliku tople i hladne magle, poslednjih godina privlači sve veću pažnju kao dopunska mera za smanjenje mikrobiološkog opterećenja vazduha i teško dostupnih površina u objektima za uzgoj životinja. Savremeni pristupi zasnovani na primeni preparata na bazi vodonik-peroksida, persirćetne kiseline, kao i drugih oksidacionih agenasa omogućavaju ravnomerniju distribuciju dezinfekcionog sredstva i efikasniju dekontaminaciju prostora u poređenju sa konvencionalnim metodama. Brojna istraživanja ukazuju da primena aerosolne dezinfekcije može doprineti smanjenju koncentracije mikroorganizama u vazduhu, redukciji kontaminacije površina, ograničavanju horizontalnog prenosa pojedinih patogena i poboljšanju higijenskog statusa proizvodnih objekata, posebno u živinarskoj i svinjarskoj proizvodnji. Ipak, dostupni naučni podaci istovremeno potvrđuju da aerosolna dezinfekcija ne predstavlja zamenu za ostale biosigurnosne mere. Njena efikasnost u velikoj meri zavisi od prethodno sprovedenog mehaničkog čišćenja, izbora odgovarajućeg dezinfekcionog sredstva, veličine aerosolnih čestica, vremena kontakta, ventilacionog sistema na farmi, prisustva organske materije, kao i pravilne organizacije proizvodnog ciklusa. Zbog toga se aerosolna dezinfekcija posmatra kao deo integrisanog pristupa biosigurnosti koji uključuje kontrolu ulaska ljudi i vozila, sanitaciju opreme, upravljanje kretanjem životinja, kontrolu prašine i kontinuirano sprovođenje higijenskih procedura, kao i pravovremenu zdravstvenu zaštitu životinja. Cilj ovog rada je da prikaže aktuelna naučna saznanja o ulozi aerosolne dezinfekcije u kontroli patogena na farmama, analizira prednosti i ograničenja različitih tehnologija aerosolne primene dezinfekcionih sredstava, kao i da razmotri njihov značaj u okviru savremenih biosigurnosnih strategija zasnovanih na konceptu „One Health“. Poseban akcenat biće stavljen na rezultate istraživanja sprovedenih u živinarskoj i svinjarskoj proizvodnji, kao i na mogućnosti primene aerosolne dezinfekcije u prevenciji širenja respiratornih i drugih infektivnih bolesti od ekonomskog i javnozdravstvenog značaja. Očekuje se da integracija aerosolne dezinfekcije sa ostalim biosigurnosnim merama može doprineti unapređenju zdravstvenog statusa zapata, povećanju održivosti stočarske proizvodnje i smanjenju rizika od širenja zoonotskih patogena.

Disinfectants play a crucial role in ensuring hygiene and biosafety in aquaculture and the production of foods of animal origin; however, their intensive use may have significant negative impacts on the environment. This paper aims to analyze the pathways through which disinfectants enter aquatic ecosystems, as well as their direct and indirect effects on aquatic organisms. Particular attention is given to disinfection by-products (DBPs), including trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which are formed through reactions between disinfectants and natural organic matter and may exhibit toxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic properties. The study also examines the role of these compounds in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, including mechanisms such as selection of resistant bacteria and horizontal gene transfer. Factors influencing DBP formation, such as pH and temperature, as well as their persistence and fate in the environment, are also discussed. Furthermore, the paper highlights potential mitigation strategies, including optimization of disinfection processes, improvement of wastewater treatment, and implementation of regulatory frameworks. It is concluded that an integrated approach is necessary to achieve a balance between effective disinfection and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

Rodents (order Rodentia) represent a key component of biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem functioning through soil aeration and the improvement of soil structure, the dispersal of seeds and fruits that enable natural vegetation regeneration, and the creation of habitats for other species through the construction of complex underground burrow systems and dams. In the Republic of Serbia, numerous species from this order are classified as protected and strictly protected, which is why their control requires the implementation of ecological management measures based on continuous monitoring and preventive action instead of conventional pest control (deratization). The application of these methods enables effective control and establishes a necessary balance between the undisturbed conduct of human activities and the preservation of the health and survival of protected and strictly protected species.