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A combined congenital heart defect of aortic stenosis and mitral dysplasia was diagnosed in three Black Russian Terrier puppies two months old. The aortic stenosis component included both fixed and dynamic obstructions. The fixed obstruction was subvalvularly located at the entrance to the left ventricular outflow tract. The dynamic obstruction was caused by the septal leaflet of the mitral valve protruding into the left ventricular outflow tract. Mitral dysplasia resulted in mitral insufficiency leading to regurgitation through the mitral valve closer to the septal side. The maximum pressure gradient across the aortic valve amounting to 103 mmHg measured in one puppy was consistent with the most severe grade of stenosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy in all three puppies that were males and originated in one litter, so genetic influences are supposed.

Study of the intrarenal arterial pattern of kidney by a corrosion cast method was carried out on 10 kidneys of wolves. The left renal artery was longer than the right one. The renal arteries divided into two dorsal and one ventral branches. The dorsal branches were longer and thinner than the ventral one. Both dorsal and ventral branches gave off the interlobar, arcuate and interlobular arteries, respectively. The right dorsal branch gave off 5-7 segmental arteries, the right ventral branch 4-5 segmental arteries, the left dorsal branch 6-9 segmental arteries and the left ventral branch 7-8 segmental arteries. No anastomoses were observed between the renal arteries and their branches.

Avian tuberculosis was diagnosed histopathologically and microbiologically in two pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and two peafowl (Pavo cristatus) kept in the same aviary. The incidence of avian tuberculosis in the aviary was 6%. Non-mineralized caseogranulomas were present in the liver (3 cases), spleen (3 cases), intestine (2 cases), lung (2 cases), and cloaca (1 case). Granulomas in the lung were present only in peafowl. The presence of granulomas in the lung of both infected peafowl suggests that peafowl were exposed to the agent via the respiratory route rather than the alimentary route. Histopathologic findings were typical of avian tuberculosis, including acid fast bacilli and centrally located caseo-necrosis surrounded by epitheloid macrophages, lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium was isolated from tissue samples of all infected birds.

A geographic information system was used for the analysis of ecological conditions of distribution of natural foci of brucellosis in the European hare (Lepus europaeus) and their long-term persistence in the Czech Republic. The European hare is a reservoir host of Brucella suis biotype 2. A close correlation was found between the geographic distribution and numbers of natural foci of brucellosis in the Czech Republic in 1971 to 1985 and 1986 to 2000 (r = 0.65, n = 814, P = 0.01). Natural foci of brucellosis were persistent, but not stationary, over the period of 30 years. Natural foci of brucellosis were most abundant in habitats of beech forests and the mosaic of fields and forests (x_b = 3.19 and 2.95, respectively), geographic areas of 201-400 m of elevation above sea level (x_b = 2.53), 0.0-2.0°C of mean annual air temperature (x_b = 3.62), 1 401-1 800 mm of mean annual precipitation (x_b = 4.52), 1 601-1 800 h of mean annual sunshine duration (x_b = 2.64), and areas of the European hare population density of 51-100 individuals per 10 km² (x_b = 3.33). Natural foci of brucellosis seem to be independent of the population density of European hare.

The aim of this paper was to register the domestic animals appearing in the iconography of Christian saints and to explain their association. The source of knowledge was literature dealing with hagiographies of saints, sacral iconography and liturgy along with visiting churches, monasteries and museums throughout Croatia. After research in sacral literature and works of art lasting several years, it was observed that the following domestic animals appear as accompanying about seventy Christian saints: bees, bull, camel, cow, dog, donkey, goose, dove, horse, lamb, pig, sheep, steer. Reasons and explanations of their association are most often in practical relations (the animal serves and helps the man). However, in the animal, the most varied symbolic, especially ethical and morality messages are personified very often. Especially interesting are saints honoured as patrons of particular animals and of professionals occupied with animals. In human medicine, they are most frequently protectors from zoonoses, too. In some cases, animals are attributed to saints because of the linguistic association resulting from similarity of the names of animals and saints. In the same way, domestic animals are present in sacral art as a part of ambient decoration, too. In addition, it can also be interesting from the historical and ethnic veterinary point of view. Presented examples show how, by interdisciplinary approach to sacral art and tradition, we can come to other numerous findings surpassing mere religious messages. In this case, these are contributions to the history of veterinary medicine in the widest sense.

The studies aimed at monitoring development of phagocytic and bactericidal activity in carps in the course of their ontogenetic development. The studies were performed using the techniques described by Mantur et al. (1986a, b), adapted to fish. Results were expressed in thrombocyte phagocytic index (Ipt), percentage of phagocyting thrombocytes (%tp), percentage of ingested bacteria (%bp) and in the index of intracellular killing by thrombocytes (Ibt). Number of thrombocytes was also examined using the technique of Dessi. Results of testing thrombocyte capacity to ingest the standard Staphylococcus aureus 209P strain showed that Ipt and %tp increased gradually in carps between the age of 3 and 17 months. In older carps, 19 to 29 months of age, as well as in spawners the growth in activity paralelled the ontogenetic development within Ipt values while %tp values remained at a similar level. Phagocytic activity of thrombocytes expressed in Ipt was reflected also by %bp values, which was particularly evident in fish aging 23 months to 5 years. In the case of Ibt, values of the index were not related in any way to stage of ontogeny or sex of the fish. Number of thrombocytes in carps aged 3 months to 5 years was increasing in parallel to their ontogenetic development.

The post-eradication incidence of bovine tuberculosis in seven Central European Countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) was studied between 1990 and 1999. The majority of cattle to the age of 24 months were screened by tuberculin skin test on annual basis. Tuberculous lesions observed during meat inspection at abattoirs were further laboratory examined by direct microscopy, cultivation and histology for the presence of mycobacteria. Data describing the incidence of the disease in animals for the whole period were obtained from all countries except Bosnia and Herzegovina, where data were obtained after the year 1995. Between the years 1990 and 1999, bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed in a total of 1 084 cattle herds. Nine hundred and seventy five (89.9%) outbreaks of the disease were reported in small herds (10 cows) and 109 (10.1%) outbreaks in large cattle herds (>10 cows). The last outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was diagnosed in Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993, 1993, 1995, 1999 and 1999, respectively. Bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed under proper quarantine in Slovenia in 37 fattening bulls imported from two European countries before animals were introduced to the targeting farms.

The aim of this work was to find out how repeated low doses of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T-2 toxin would influence the Chinese hamster and if the amplifying of these effects would occur with the application of both toxins together. The animals were treated with 10 ml/kg of 7% dimethylsulfoxid (DMSO) in the control group (C), 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1 in group A, 1.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin in group T2, and 1.0 mg/kg of AFB1 + 1.0 mg/kg of T-2 toxin in group T2/A. All mycotoxins were dissolved in 10 ml/kg of 7% DMSO. These doses were administered intragastrically twice a week for a period of three weeks. General health condition, histological picture of some internal organs, some biochemical blood serum indicators of liver and kidney functions, and leucogram were monitored. No differences in prosperity or weight gains appeared during the course of the experiment. The histological examination did not show any changes in the investigated organs in any experimental group. On the contrary, differences were found in the biochemical blood serum profile. ALT and AST activities decreased significantly in T2/A group animals compared with the other medicated groups (T2 - 24.46 µkat/l; 45.18 µkat/l; A - 18.17; 41.84; T2/A - 4.74; 14.21). A similar decrease appeared in GMT activity as well, but it was significant only in comparison with the T2 group (T2 - 0.6 µkat/l; T2/A - 0.25). ALP activity was increased in the experimental groups compared with the control, significantly in the T2 group (C - 5.0 µkat/l; T2 - 6.92). LDH activity was lower in the T2 and T2/A groups, significantly when the T2/A group was compared with the A group (A - 94.05 µkat/l; T2/A - 37.48). The cholesterol level was significantly increased in group A compared with the C and T2 groups. A smaller increase in the T2/A group was significant when compared with the T2 group as well (C - 3.05 mmol/l; T2 - 2.85; A - 3.59; T2/A - 3.27). Total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations decreased in group order A - C - T2 - T2/A, when differences among the A, T2 and T2/A groups were significant (T2 - 1.0 mmol/l; 0.36 mmol/l; A - 2.36; 0.85; T2/A - 0.69; 0.21). A glycemia decrease in medicated groups was significant in the T2/A group, while it approached a significant level in the T2 group (C - 10.46 mmol/l; T2 - 9.01; T2/A - 8.91). The main liver condition indicators seemed to be influenced by the T-2 toxin and AFB1 combination more than by individually applied toxins. We assume the amplification of the mycotoxin effects on proteosynthesis. The ALT activity especially was probably influenced more than in the additive manner. All the medicated groups showed a significant increase in the monocyte percent count (T2 - 9.8%; A - 9.62; T2/A - 8.85; C - 6.65). The differences observed in other leucocyte types were not significant. There were no differences in the effects of individual mycotoxins and their combination on the leucogram level.

We have examined 35 samples of fine cottage cheese, 14 samples of whole winter "bryndza", 29 samples of Ondava cheese, 18 samples of skim kephir milk, 18 samples of whole acidophilous milk, 5 samples of yoghurt milk with strawberry flavour and 50 samples of fresh butter (Rajo) for the presence of staphylococci focusing onStaphylococcus aureus. All samples intended for microbiological analysis were taken directly from market establishments. None of the examined samples of yoghurt milk complied with the Codex Alimentarius because they contained Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the level of 100, 65, 5, 75, and 60 CFU/ml. The other analysed food products satisfied the current standards with regard to the presence of staphylococci.

EC Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General recently published an important document based on papers and reviews discussed by members of TSE/BSE ad hoc group. In this review the Executive Summary and Tables of Contents of Part I and II are printed with permission. For full text and references see the web page mentioned in references.

Ten autoaggregating vaginal Lactobacillus strains (five of these strains were selected among isolates from sows' vaginal swabs and the other five among isolates from cows' vaginal swabs) were investigated for their ability to bind type Icollagen (Cn-I). All 10 autoaggregating strains in the range of A_570nm readings 0.118-1.806 bound to immobilised Cn-I (at concentration of 100 μg/ml) in wells of microtitre plates, however, Lactobacillus acidophilus SV31 was much more adherent than the rest of the tested strains. The influence of culture medium on Cn-I binding was confirmed only in 50% of the tested strains when agar-grown cells bound significantly more Cn-I than broth-grown cells. The specificity of the binding was confirmed since the Cn-I binding by lactobacilli was abolished after their preincubation with this protein. The effect of heparan sulphate and hyaluronic acid was tested on 5 vaginal strains displaying the best Cn-I binding in microtitre plates after their cultivationon MRS agar plates. Both selected inhibitors significantly (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01) reduced Cn-I binding by the majority of strains. The presence of the gene coding APF (aggregation-promoting factor) was detected in seven strains (all five sows' and two cows' Lactobacillus strains) by PCR.

Distribution of leukocyte types present in virgin bovine mammary glands was analysed in dot plots obtained by flow cytometry (FACS) of samples collected from 10 non-pregnant heifers after induction of leukocyte influx. Changes of percentage of leukocyte types during development and resolution of induced influx in comparison with blood leukocyte pattern allow identification of these cell types on FACS dot plot. The positions of mammary gland granulocyte and lymphocyte regions were identical with those of the corresponding peripheral blood cells. Two basic morphologically distinct types occupying separate regions in dot plots were observed in the population of mononuclear phagocytes (MoP): non-vacuolised monocyte-like macrophages (MoMAC) and vacuolised macrophages (MAC). Influx resolution was characterised by a marked shift of the MoMAC region towards that of MAC recognisable in dot plots by a separate region of intermediate MoP forms. The study provides a pattern of dynamics of percentages of mammary gland leukocyte types during influx development and resolution as imaged by FACS.

In the Slovak Republic during the years 1996-2000, total 30 278 blood samples from sheep and 4 756 from goats were examined serologically by the method of a complement fixation. The IgG antibodies against Chlamydia psittaci in sheep and goats according to individual years were as follows: 1996 - 6.37% sheep/3.94% goats, 1997 - 9.25%/10.02%, 1998 - 9.57%/2.96%, 1999 - 7.91%/3.69%, 2000 - 10.99%/6.08%, respectively. In most clinically healthy animals, the low levels of IgG antibodies in dilution of 1 : 16 to 1 : 32 were detected. In sheep during the years of 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 the high levels of IgG antibodies 1 : 256 to 1 : 1 024 were caught unambiguously testify to the chlamydial abortion in sheep. In goats, the high titres were caught in 1997 and 2000 - 1 : 256 to 1 : 512, also confirm the chlamydial aetiology of the infectious process.