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Effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is crucial for combating the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in veterinary medicine. Educational programs targeting veterinary students can play a significant role in shaping their knowledge and attitudes toward antimicrobial use and stewardship. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of educational programs on the knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS among veterinary students in Serbia. A structured educational program on AMS was implemented for veterinary students at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad. Pre- and post-symposium assessments were conducted to measure changes in students’ knowledge and attitudes. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and focus groups, to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The study resulted in significant short-term improvements in students’ knowledge of AMS principles and their attitudes toward responsible antimicrobial use. Participants demonstrated a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance and the importance of adhering to stewardship guidelines. Qualitative feedback indicated increased awareness of the consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use and a stronger commitment to applying stewardship practices in their future careers. The educational programs effectively enhanced immediate veterinary students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS. These findings underscore the importance of integrating targeted educational programs into veterinary curricula to promote responsible antimicrobial use and combat resistance in veterinary practice.

Maintaining respiratory tract health is crucial for layers, impacting gut health, laying performance, and egg quality. Viral diseases and standard vaccinations can compromise tracheal epithelium function, leading to oxidative stress. This study assessed the impact of a blend of feed additives, predominantly lysozyme (L), essential oils (EO), and vitamins (VIT) (referred to as L + EO + VIT), on young layers during an oral vaccination schedule. The supplementation significantly enhanced antibody titers for Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) after vaccination, trachea functionality and intestinal health in the jejunum, increased egg production, and exhibited a trend toward higher egg weight. Although feed intake showed no significant difference, egg quality remained consistent across experimental groups. Moreover, L + EO + VIT supplementation elevated total phenolic content in eggs, improving oxidative stability in both fresh and stored eggs, particularly under iron-induced oxidation. Notably, it substantially reduced yolk lipid peroxidation and albumen protein carbonyls. In conclusion, water supplementation with L + EO + VIT may enhance humoral immune response to IBV and NDV, positively impacting hen productivity. These findings indicate improved tracheal function and enhanced oxidative stability, emphasizing the potential of this blend in promoting overall health and performance in layers.

This experiment was performed to investigate the protective eff ect of a new combined adsorbent (bentonite + yeast cell wall extract) previously tested in vitro, on the occurrence of pathological lesions in broilers fed a diet contaminated with afl atoxin B1 until 21 days of age. A total of 96 one-day old Ross 308 hybrid broiler chickens were divided into four groups: group I (control), group II (5 g/kg adsorbent), group III (5 g/kg adsorbent + 2 mg/kg afl atoxin B1), and group IV (2 mg/kg afl atoxin B1). Grossly, AFB1 and AFB1+adsorbent fed birds showed enlargement, friable texture of liver and enlargement and pallorness of kidneys. Spleen revealed size reduction. No gross-pathological changes were observed in control and group II. Histopathologically, lesions were observed in afl atoxicated groups. Liver revealed vacuolar cell degeneration, periportal and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells. Kidneys revealed mild to moderate degree of haemorrhages, tubular epithelial necrosis and infiltration of mononuclear cells along with heterophils. In group IV, catarrhal enteritis characterized by desquamation of epithelial cells were found in the duodenum. A milder form of gross and histopathological lesions was seen in group III. In conclusion, the present study revealed that supplementation of a new combined toxin binder product in the concentration of 5 g/kg could not completely ameliorate afl atoxicity in broilers, although it met the stringent European regulation requirements for the minimum of 90% afl atoxin binding efficiency in in vitro study.

Coccidiosis is a significant poultry disease caused by the Eimeria species. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. on broiler farms in Vojvodina, along with the identification of parasite species, and assess the implemented biosecurity measures. The study was conducted on 100 broiler chicken farms (28 small-sized; 34 medium-sized; 38 large-sized farms) from June 2018 to December 2021. One pooled sample of faeces was collected from three to six-week-old chickens from each farm, and assessment of biosecurity measures was carried out using a questionnaire. Using the PCR method, DNA of Eimeria was found in 59 samples (59%), while 41 samples (41%) were negative. Four species of Eimeria were identified, and their prevalence was the following: E. acervulina (37%), E. maxima (17%), E. mitis (25%) and E. tenella (48%). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was established in the number of oocysts in flocks from small-sized farms compared to medium-sized farms. It was found that regular implementation of disinfection, disinsection and deratisation measures, as well as all the biosecurity measures, can significantly reduce the occurrence of coccidiosis. These results will help to develop better strategies for the control and prevention of coccidiosis on farms.

In winter 2016/2017, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 was detected in backyard poultry in Serbia for the first time. The second HPAI outbreak case in backyard poultry was reported in 2022, caused by subtype H5N1. This is the first study that documents the laboratory identification and pathology associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Serbia during the first and second introduction waves. In both cases, the diagnosis was based on real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The most common observed lesions included subepicardial hemorrhages, congestion and hemorrhages in the lungs, and petechial hemorrhages in coelomic and epicardial adipose tissue. Histologically, the observed lesions were mostly nonpurulent encephalitis accompanied by encephalomalacia, multifocal necrosis in the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys, pulmonary congestion, and myocardial and pulmonary hemorrhages. In H5N8-infected chickens, immunohistochemical examination revealed strong positive IHC staining in the brain and lungs. Following these outbreaks, strict control measures were implemented on farms and backyard holdings to prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease. Extensive surveillance of birds for avian influenza virus did not detect any additional cases in poultry. These outbreaks highlight the importance of a rapid detection and response system in order to quickly suppress outbreaks.

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease of poultry characterized by high morbidity and variable mortality. ILT is caused by Gallid alpha herpesvirus-1 (GaHV-1), which is transmitted horizontally and most susceptible are chickens older than 4 weeks. After almost two decades since last appearance of this disease in Vojvodina, an outbreak occurred from April 2020 to August 2021 on five laying hen farms and one broiler breeder flock farm. Clinical signs were mild to severe respiratory symptoms, unilateral or bilateral head swelling, serous nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and increased tearing. There was a decrease in feed consumption (2.1–40.0%) and egg production (2.7–42.0%), weight loss and mortality increased (0.8–31.5%). Pathomorphological changes were localized in the upper respiratory tract. Total of 200 carcasses were examined; 40 pooled samples were analyzed by PCR, and 40 by bacteriological analysis. ILT virus was confirmed in tracheal tissue samples. Infected flocks were not vaccinated against this disease. Five flocks had coinfection with Avibacterium paragallinarum. Three-to-four weeks after the first reported case in the flock, clinical symptoms had ceased. Future control and prevention strategies will involve the procurement of flocks vaccinated by recombinant vaccine or the registration of live attenuated vaccines and their use during the rearing period.

The avian influenza virus (AIV), traditionally confined to avian hosts, has recently been detected in various mammal species, raising significant concerns for both animal and public health, necessitating efficient and accurate methods for virus detection and characterization. This study presents a sequencing protocol combined with a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline designed for the sequencing and analysis of AIV genomes. The presented streamlined approach encompasses whole genome PCR-amplification of the viral genome, enabling the genome characterization and detection of viral mutations with high precision. An amplicon-based MiniSeq sequencing workflow based on a set of PCR primers targeting all genome segments was developed. Three samples from H5 high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in Serbia were sequenced using the MiniSeq platform. The protocol involves optimized sample preparation, tailored specifically for AIV, library preparation and sequencing. This is complemented by a robust bioinformatics pipeline that includes quality control, read mapping, consensus genome generation, subtyping and pathotyping, as well as statistical sequencing data. The pipeline efficiently processes raw sequencing data, ensuring high-quality genome assemblies and accurate identification of viral strains. The protocol was used on AIV samples from various avian species, demonstrating its applicability and reliability. The results highlight the protocol’s capability to generate comprehensive genomic data, which is crucial for monitoring viral evolution and informing public health interventions. The described integrated approach offers a powerful tool for AIV surveillance and research, facilitating timely and informed decision-making in response to avian influenza outbreaks. This protocol can be readily adapted for use in various laboratory settings, contributing to global efforts in combating avian influenza and enhancing our understanding of its genomic landscape.