Prevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum in dogs from urban areas in Central Poland

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite which causes abortion in cattle as well as reproduction problems and neurological disorders in dogs. To assess the prevalence of the parasite in urban dogs in the Mazovian Voivodeship, Central Poland, serum samples from 257 dogs were analyzed for the presence of specific IgG antibodies. The examined dogs visited three private veterinary clinics located in Warsaw due to control tests, vaccinations, or other reasons not directly connected with neosporosis. Using ELISA and Western blot, antibodies against the parasite were detected in 56 out of 257 dogs, giving a prevalence of 21.7%. A greater prevalence was observed in female dogs than in males, 28% and 17.3%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection within the age groups (p > 0.05). This study indicates the presence of N. caninum in the Mazovian Voivodeship, in dogs which live in urban areas and exposure of these dogs to the parasite. The fact that seropositive dogs had no contact with cattle confirms the important role of dogs in the parasite’s epidemiology

Logistics in services vs. logistic services

Nowadays, companies offer various logistics services to their customers. Diversity of these services is essential for business. The range of services that logistics companies cover depends on various factors; it can be solely transport, but can also be a complex service that includes organisation of raw materials delivery, warehousing, delivery of finished goods to customers and dealing with documents like invoices, waybills and others. The increasing popularity of logistics in services is noticeable. This is connected with global changes. This is a complex phenomenon that connects aspects and features of services and logistics. The three most important areas for logistics in services are: minimisation of waiting time, management of service potential and service delivery. The goal of this article is to reveal the difference between these two subjects and review the literature connected with them. The main conclusions are that logistics services can be seen as belonging to logistics in the services phenomenon. In every area of logistics in services, three phases can be distinguished: supply, production and sales. Germany has the leading position in Europe when it comes to the logistics services market. Dynamic changes in logistics have led to the development of a new classification of logistics enterprises. The European Commission is analysing changes in the sector in order to prepare new strategic objectives