Phylogenetic pattern of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina: lessons learned to optimize future molecular and epidemiological approaches

This is the first report of molecular and epidemiology findings from Bosnia and Herzegovina related to ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 epidemic. Whole genome sequence of four samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks was done in two laboratories in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Veterinary Faculty Sarajevo and Alea Genetic Center). All four BiH sequences cluster mainly with European ones (Italy, Austria, France, Sweden, Cyprus, and England). The constructed phylogenetic tree indicates possible multiple independent introduction events. The data presented contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 in the current reemergence of the disease

Reproduksjonproblemer hos storfe i Bosnia-Herzegovina

The bovine industry represents the most important and the fastest growing branch of agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). Thus, this industry has experienced significant changes over the past twenty years regarding increased production and exports, as well as aligning its regulatory mechanisms with those in the European Union (EU). There are numerous challenges and limiting factors that affect the profitability and competitiveness of the cattle production in BH. Infectious causes/diseases of bovine reproduction are recognised not only as a limiting factor in the total production but also as a veterinary public health issue worldwide. However, the extent and epidemiological characteristics of reproductive disorders in cattle are largely unknown in BH. Hence, this PhD thesis aimed to fill some of the information gaps regarding the four infectious agents (Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii; Neospora caninum) known to cause reproductive disorders in cattle and their links to management factors, as well as describing and evaluating the general reproductive indicators in commercial dairy farms in BH. This was achieved through three specific objectives which were our planned publications.Storfenæringa representerer den viktigste og raskest voksende grenen av landbruket i BosniaHercegovina (BH). Denne næringa har gjennomgått betydelige endringer de siste tjue årene med hensyn til økt produksjon og eksport, samt en viss harmonisering med reguleringsmekanismer i EU. Det er mange utfordringer og begrensende faktorer som påvirker lønnsomheten og konkurranseevnen til storfeproduksjonen i BH. Smittsomme sjukdommer og andre reproduksjonsproblemer blir ikke bare anerkjent som en begrensende faktor i totalproduksjonen, men også som et dyrehelseproblem over hele verden. Imidlertid er omfanget og de epidemiologiske særtrekkene ved reproduksjonssykdommer hos storfe stort sett ukjent i BH. Denne doktorgradsavhandlingen har forsøkt å fylle noen av informasjonshullene angående fire viktige smittestoff (Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Neospora caninum) kjent for å forårsake reproduksjonslidelser hos storfe og også påvirker måten storfenæringa drives. I graden tos sikte på å beskrive og evaluere de generelle reproduksjons indikatorene i kommersielle melkebedrifter i BH. Dette ble undersøkt gjennom tre publikasjoner.The Norwegian Quota Program (Lånekassen) Norwegian University of Life Sciences University of SarajevopublishedVersio

Reproductive problems in cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The bovine industry represents the most important and the fastest growing branch of agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). Thus, this industry has experienced significant changes over the past twenty years regarding increased production and exports, as well as aligning its regulatory mechanisms with those in the European Union (EU). There are numerous challenges and limiting factors that affect the profitability and competitiveness of the cattle production in BH. Infectious causes/diseases of bovine reproduction are recognised not only as a limiting factor in the total production but also as a veterinary public health issue worldwide. However, the extent and epidemiological characteristics of reproductive disorders in cattle are largely unknown in BH. Hence, this PhD thesis aimed to fill some of the information gaps regarding the four infectious agents (Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii; Neospora caninum) known to cause reproductive disorders in cattle and their links to management factors, as well as describing and evaluating the general reproductive indicators in commercial dairy farms in BH. This was achieved through three specific objectives which were our planned publications

The serostatus of Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum in cattle in three cantons in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dairy production in Bosnia and Herzegovina exhibits limited productivity, which may partly, be explained by extensive reproductive problems of non-infectious and infectious origin. Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum are common infectious causes of decreased reproductive outcomes in cattle worldwide. Little is, however, known about the disease status of herds with reduced reproductive performances. A cross-sectional study was designed to document the status of these pathogens in dairy cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 1970 serum samples were collected from cattle in farms located in three cantons (regions). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays were used to screen for seropositivity against four selected pathogens

Reproductive Performance in a Selected Sample of Dairy Farms in Una-Sana Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background. The production of milk and dairy products and their placement on the market represent a constant profit for the farmers/producers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). The profitable operation of the dairy farms is influenced by the reproductive performance of the lactating animals. This study assessed individual animal reproductive characteristics in selected dairy farms and described their reproductive performance indicators. Results. The median age at first insemination was 493 days (5th–95th percentile range 429–840), while the age at first calving was 802 days (5th–95th percentile range 708–1168). The median pregnancy proportion at first insemination was 40% (5th–95th percentile range 17–62), while the cumulative pregnancy rate calculated at day-60, day-80, day-100, and day-120 showed that approximately 64% of all pregnancies happened before day-120. The calculated interservice intervals showed that approximately 69% of the repeat breeding animals came back to the oestrus in the period of 18 to 24 days. This is an indication of very good oestrus detection in selected dairy farms. The mean number of services per pregnancy was 2.61 (range 1–12). The median calving-to-first-insemination interval was 62.5 days (5th–95th percentile range 16–408). The calving-to-conception interval was 101 day (5th–95th percentile range 36–506). Finally, the calving interval was 385 days (5th–95th percentile range 329–773). Conclusions. There is a need for an organised, regular, and more comprehensive recording system for the reproduction of dairy cattle among dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton. The calculated reproductive measures indicated an undulant trend in reproductive performance among selected dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton. Knowing the apparent reproductive indicators described in this study, the farmers and veterinary authorities may identify and correct areas in their management that contribute to the reproductive underperformance

Reproductive performance in a selected sample of dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The production of milk and dairy products and their placement on the market represent a constant profit for the farmers/producers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). )e profitable operation of the dairy farms is influenced by the reproductive performance of the lactating animals. )is study assessed individual animal reproductive characteristics in selected dairy farms and described their reproductive performance indicators. Results. )e median age at first insemination was 493 days (5th–95th percentile range 429–840), while the age at first calving was 802 days (5th–95th percentile range 708–1168). )e median pregnancy proportion at first insemination was 40% (5th–95th percentile range 17–62), while the cumulative pregnancy rate calculated at day60, day-80, day-100, and day-120 showed that approximately 64% of all pregnancies happened before day-120. )e calculated interservice intervals showed that approximately 69% of the repeat breeding animals came back to the oestrus in the period of 18 to 24 days. )is is an indication of very good oestrus detection in selected dairy farms. )e mean number of services per pregnancy was 2.61 (range 1–12). )e median calving-to-first-insemination interval was 62.5 days (5th–95th percentile range 16–408). )e calving-to-conception interval was 101 day (5th–95th percentile range 36–506). Finally, the calving interval was 385 days (5th–95th percentile range 329–773). Conclusions. )ere is a need for an organised, regular, and more comprehensive recording system for the reproduction of dairy cattle among dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton. )e calculated reproductive measures indicated an undulant trend in reproductive performance among selected dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton. Knowing the apparent reproductive indicators described in this study, the farmers and veterinary authorities may identify and correct areas in their management that contribute to the reproductive underperformance

Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax outbreaks in the hotspot districts of Northern Tanzania: An unmatchedcase-controlstudy

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Additional file 1: of The serostatus of Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum in cattle in three cantons in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Softic_BMC_raw_dataset; The raw dataset used in this study. (XLSX 147 kb

First evidence of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever virus circulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick‐borne zoonosis with reported detection of virus and/or virus‐specific antibodies from over 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and is endemic in the Balkans. Detection of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) antibodies in domestic ruminants has been important in providing initial evidence of virus circulation and in localising CCHFV high‐risk spots for human infection. Objectives The present study investigated the possible exposure of sheep to CCHFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Methods To investigate the presence of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera (n = 176) were tested using multi‐species double antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive sera were further complementary tested by adapted commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using FITC‐conjugated protein G instead of anti‐human immunoglobulins. Results CCHFV specific antibodies were detected in 17 (9.66%) animals using ELISA test. All negative sera were determined as negative by both tests, while 13 out of 17 ELISA‐positive reactors were also determined as unambiguously positive by IFA test. The age group with the highest proportion of seropositive rectors were the oldest animals. Conclusions This is the first report of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep from B&H providing the evidence of CCHFV circulation in the country's sheep population. So far, these findings indicate the circulation of the virus in the westernmost region of the Balkans and point to the potential CCHFV spread further out of this endemic area