OCCURRENCE OF FASCIOLOIDOSIS IN RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS) IN BARANJA REGION IN EASTERN CROATIA

Fascioloidosis is a parasitic disease caused by the giant American liver fluke Fascioloides magna (Bassi, 1875). In Croatia, the first report of this disease was in January 2000, in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) from the Tikveš Forestry in Baranja region (east Croatia). The aim of this survey was to determine the geographical distribution of fascioloidosis and the infection prevalence in deer. The survey was carried out in six state hunting grounds that manage with deer game in Baranja region during 2001 – 2004. Parasitological examinations were carried out by qualitative and quantitative faecal exams. The highest prevalence’s (35 – 60%) were found in epizootic focuses of two hunting grounds at flooding – bog land area in east Baranja, Danube forestry. The mean intensity of infection, determined on the basis of the number of eggs per gram (EPG) was 30 – 33 EPG (range 1 – 300). High 86% of examined samples was in category to 50 EPG. The highest prevalence and the biggest EPG number too, were determined during the first year of survey. In the Baranja area fascioloidosis represents a potential danger for other game species, mainly roe deer and wild boars, as for domestic animals

INFLUENCE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS ON HONEY BEE VISITS (Apis mellifera carnica) DURING SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) BLOOMING PERIOD

The objective of the investigation was to determine influence of weather conditions on activity of honey bees during blooming time of six sunflower hybrids. The investigation was carried out in 2002 growing season at Kneževi Vinogradi located in Baranja county, north-eastern edge of Croatia. Honey bees communities were moved to the field trial site inside Langstroth-Rooth\u27s bee-hives. Honey bees visiting sunflower head inflorescence was measured at 100, 200, and 300 meters by counting honey bees four times a day (9.00 am, 11.00 am, 1.00 pm, and 5.00 pm). The influence of weather conditions was analysed by Spearman correlation coefficient. Results of the investigation show significant differences regarding honey-bee visit to the head inflorescences in six hybrids, as well as significant influence of air temperature, humidity, precipitation, minimum and maximum air temperature, as well as wind strength

ANALYSIS OF SUBSIDIES IN CROATIAN BEEKEEPING

Beekeeping in Croatia unlike many other productions was not subsidized until mid nineties. At the time of introduction of first subsidies honey market was very inefficient, and there was hardly any market for other bee products. Several years of implementation enables first analyses. The investigation is based on two complementary data sets, quantitative data on production and subsidies and farmers attitude toward importance of various measures. Croatian beekeepers compared with their colleagues from other transitional countries make business quite well. Major characteristics of Croatian beekeeping are low density (2.7 beehives per km2), relatively high degree of concentration (22.7 beehives per beekeeper) and relatively intensive production (20 kg of honey per beehive and year). Additional importance to the beekeeping gives the export being more than 1/10 of honey production. Introduction of subsidy for honey production in 1998 resulted in 12% increased annual production in 1999. Besides, a number of beehives increased by 11% in 1999, after just one year of beekeeping subsidy. According to HSSC-a in 1997 Croatian beekeepers produced 16000 queens. In 2001 they produced already 38968. Investigation of farmers’ attitude toward influence of various subsidies on their business decisions showed that more than half of beekeepers claimed they were not influenced at all. Subsidies for honey production and queen production had, partially or fully influence on decisions of 25% beekeepers. Subsidy for queen testing had partially or fully influence on decisions of 25% beekeepers. Subsidy for beekeeping was the most important for beekeepers (30.8% of beekeepers were partially or fully influenced), although implementation of this measure was difficult since there is no registry of the beekeepers