Soaring over open waters: horizontal winds provide lift to soaring migrants in weak thermal conditions.

BACKGROUND: For soaring birds, the ability to benefit from variable airflow dynamics is crucial, especially while crossing natural barriers such as vast water bodies during migration. Soaring birds also take advantage of warm rising air, so-called thermals, that allow birds to ascend passively to higher altitudes with reduced energy costs. Although it is well known that soaring migrants generally benefit from supportive winds and thermals, the potential of uplifts and other weather factors enabling soaring behavior remains unsolved. METHODS: In this study, we GPS-tracked 19 Red Kites, Milvus milvus, from the Central European population that crossed the Adriatic Sea on their autumn migration. Migratory tracks were annotated with weather data (wind support, side wind, temperature difference between air and surface-proxy for thermal uplift, cloud cover, and precipitation) to assess their effect on Red Kites' decisions and soaring performance along their migration across the Adriatic Sea and land. RESULTS: Wind support affected the timing of crossing over the Adriatic Sea. We found that temperature differences and horizontal winds positively affected soaring sea movement by providing lift support in otherwise weak thermals. Furthermore, we found that the soaring patterns of tracked raptors were affected by the strength and direction of prevailing winds. CONCLUSION: Thanks to modern GPS-GSM telemetry devices and available data from online databases, we explored the effect of different weather variables on the occurrence of soaring behavior and soaring patterns of migratory raptors. We revealed how wind affected the soaring pattern and that tracked birds could soar in weak thermals by utilizing horizontal winds, thus reducing energy costs of active flapping flight over vast water bodies.

Highly variable vancomycin-resistant enterococci in the north-eastern part of the Czech Republic.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial pathogens of increasing medical importance. This study involved 121 VRE selectively obtained from a representative set of 1464 samples collected from various sources in the north-eastern part of the Czech Republic. In total, 119 VRE belonged to Enterococcus faecium and two to Enterococcus faecalis. All isolates of E. faecium were resistant to at least three antibiotic classes. The resistance genes vanA, erm(B), tet(M), tet(L), aac(3)-IIIa and aac(6')-aph(2'') were detected. We assigned the E. faecium to sequence types ST5, ST18, ST38, ST64, ST92, ST273, ST549 and ST640. In E. faecium isolates, we identified the presence of replicases rep20p LG 1 , rep2p RE 25 , rep17p RUM , rep21p VEF 1/2 and rep14p RI 1 , as well as relaxases relp EF 1 , relp LG 1 , relp CIZ 2 , relp RE 25 and relp RUM . The presence of the toxin-antitoxin system axe-txe was detected mainly among isolates of hospital origin. The A and D types of transposon Tn1546 were those occurring most frequently. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first extensive study of vancomycin-resistant enterococci of diverse origin in a single well-defined area of the Czech Republic. The isolates were investigated for their antibiotic resistance, epidemiological characteristics and plasmid characteristics. Based on the results obtained, we can make assumptions as to the ways that vancomycin resistance is disseminated throughout the environment including humans and animals.

Occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. recovered from Corvus brachyrhynchos and Corvus corax roosting in Canada.

The spread of antimicrobial resistance from human activity derived sources to natural habitats implicates wildlife as potential vectors of antimicrobial resistance transfer. Wild birds, including corvid species can disseminate mobile genetic resistance determinants through faeces. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates obtained from winter roosting sites of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and common ravens (Corvus corax) in Canada. Faecal swabs were collected at five roosting sites across Canada. Selective media isolation and multiplex PCR screening was utilized to identify PMQR genes followed by gene sequencing, pulse-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing to characterize isolates. Despite the low prevalence of E. coli containing PMQR (1·3%, 6/449), qnrS1, qnrB19, qnrC, oqxAB and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes were found in five sequence types (ST), including E. coli ST 131. Conversely, one isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae contained the plasmid-mediated resistance gene qnrB19. Five different K. pneumoniae STs were identified, including two novel types. The occurrence of PMQR genes and STs of public health significance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from corvids gives further evidence of the anthropogenic derived dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants at the human activity-wildlife-environment interface. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study examined large corvids as possible vector species for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in indicator and pathogenic bacteria as a means to assess the anthropogenic dissemination of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Although rare, PMQR genes were found among corvid populations across Canada. The clinically important Escherichia coli strain ST131 containing aac(6')-Ib-cr gene along with a four-class phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern as well as one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain containing a qnrB19 gene were identified in one geographical location. Corvids are a viable vector for the circulation of PMQR genes and clinically important clones in wide-ranging environments.

Collyriclosis in Red-backed Shrikes Lanius Collurio from Israel and Czech Republic.

One juvenile Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) with a cutaneous cyst of Collyriclum faba under its beak was observed in Israel on 13 October 2016. Another Red-backed shrike (adult female) with multiple cutaneous cysts around the vent was observed in Pruhonice, Czech Republic on 19 June 2017. A third Red-backed shrike (adult male) with three cutaneous cysts around the vent was observed in Mariánské Radcice, Czech Republic on 16 July 2017. In the Israeli case, two adult trematodes C. faba were found in the cutaneous cyst. In the two Czech cases, C. faba was identified indirectly by analysing the cutaneous cyst morphology. C. faba had never been recorded previously in Israel.

Prevalence, characterization and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella isolates in large corvid species of europe and north America between 2010 and 2013.

It is well understood that Salmonella is carried by animals and in majority of cases as asymptomatic hosts. Surveillance efforts have focused on the role of agriculture and contamination points along the food chain as the main source of human infection; however, very little attention has been paid to the contribution of wildlife in the dissemination of Salmonella and what effect anthropogenic sources have on the circulation of antibiotic resistant Salmonella serovars in wildlife species. A purposive survey was taken of large corvids roosting yearly between November and March in Europe and North America. Two thousand and seven hundred and seventy-eight corvid faecal specimens from 11 countries were submitted for Salmonella spp. culture testing. Presumptive positive isolates were further serotyped, susceptibility tested and analysed for antibiotic resistance genes. Overall, 1.40% (39/2778) (CI = 1.01, 1.90) of samples were positive for Salmonella spp. Salmonella Enteritidis was the most prevalent serovar followed by S. Infantis, S. Montevideo and S. Typhimurium. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in the proportion of Salmonella recovered in Europe versus North America. The most variability of serovars within a site was in Kansas, USA with five different serovars recovered. European sites were significantly more likely to yield Salmonella resistant to more than one antibiotic (OR 71.5, P < 0.001, CI = 3.77, 1358) than North American sites, where no resistance was found. Resistance to nalidixic acid, a quinolone, was recovered in nine isolates from four serovars in four different sites across Europe. Large corvids contribute to the transmission and dissemination of Salmonella and resistance genes between human and animal populations and across great distances. This information adds to the knowledge base of zoonotic pathogen prevalence and antibiotic resistance ecology in wild birds.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in turkey meat production farms in the Czech Republic: national survey reveals widespread isolates with bla(SHV-12) genes on IncFII plasmids.

AIM: The occurrence and epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in the environment of turkey farms in the Czech Republic were studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates were found on 8 (20%) of 40 turkey farms surveyed. A total of 200 environmental smears were examined, and a total of 25 ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated. These isolates were analysed using XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and divided into nine pulsotypes. Most of the isolates harboured the gene bla(SHV-12) on a 40-kb plasmid of the IncFII group with an identical EcoRV restriction profile. Indistinguishable or clonally related SHV-12-producing isolates belonging to the same pulsotypes were found at some unrelated farms. CONCLUSIONS: Widespread occurrence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates with bla(SHV-12) carried on IncFII plasmids in meat production flocks in the Czech Republic was demonstrated. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Results indicate vertical transmission of ESBL-producing E. coli within the turkey production pyramid. The study shows the risk of multiresistant ESBL-producing bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes being transmitted to humans via the food chain.

Insect ectoparasites on wild birds in the Czech Republic during the pre-breeding period.

Wild passerine birds (Passeriformes) from the northeastern part of the Czech Republic were examined for ectoparasites during the pre-breeding period in 2007. Two species of fleas of the genera Ceratophyllus and Dasypsyllus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), and 23 species of chewing lice belonging to the genera Ricinus, Myrsidea, Menacanthus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), Brueelia, Penenirmus, and Philopterus (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) were found on 108 birds of 16 species. Distribution of insect ectoparasites found on wild birds during pre-breeding was compared with previous data from the post-breeding period. There was no difference in total prevalence of chewing lice in pre-breeding and post-breeding periods. Higher prevalence of fleas and slightly higher mean intensity of chewing lice were found on birds during the pre-breeding period. There was a significant difference in total prevalence but equal mean intensity of chewing lice on resident and migrating birds.

Antibiotic resistance in faecal bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp.) in feral pigeons.

AIMS: To determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant faecal Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in feral pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) in the Czech Republic. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cloacal swabs of feral pigeons collected in the city of Brno in 2006 were cultivated for antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Resistance genes, class 1 and 2 integrons, and gene cassettes were detected in resistant isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The samples were also cultivated for enterococci. Species status of enterococci isolates was determined using repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR. Resistance genes were detected in resistant enterococci by PCR. E. coli isolates were found in 203 of 247 pigeon samples. Antibiotic resistance was recorded in three (1·5%, n(E. coli) =203) isolates. Using agar containing ciprofloxacin, 12 (5%, n(samples) =247) E. coli strains resistant to ciprofloxacin were isolated. No ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were detected. A total of 143 enterococci were isolated: Ent. faecalis (36 isolates), Ent. faecium (27), Ent. durans (19), Ent. hirae (17), Ent. mundtii (17), Ent. gallinarum (12), Ent. casseliflavus (12) and Ent. columbae (3). Resistance to one to four antibiotics was detected in 45 (31%) isolates. Resistances were determined by tetK, tetL, tetM, tetO, aac(6')aph(2''), ant(4')-Ia, aph(3')-IIIa, ermB, pbp5, vanA and vanC1 genes. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic-resistant E. coli and Enterococcus spp. occurred in feral pigeons in various prevalences. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Feral pigeon should be considered a risk species for spreading in the environment antimicrobial resistant E. coli and enterococci.

Herpesvirus-associated papillomatosis in a green lizard.

Papillomatous skin lesions from a green lizard (Lacerta viridis) were examined histologically, using electron microscopy and DNA was isolated from the lesions for herpes-viral DNA detection. Histology confirmed the lesions to be squamous epithelial papillomas. Using electron microscopy, no virus particles were detected. The specific sequence of herpesviral DNA-directed DNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.7) was amplified using degenerate primers in a nested format. The 235-base-pair (bp) sequence was sequenced and compared with previously published DNA-directed DNA polymerase sequences from various reptile herpesviruses. The sequence from the green lizard showed significant similarity with sequence of fibropapilloma-associated turtle herpesviruses from sea turtles.

Antimicrobial-resistant faecal Escherichia coli in wild mammals in central Europe: multiresistant Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in wild boars.

AIMS: To determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant faecal Escherichia coli in populations of wild mammals in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rectal swabs or faeces collected during 2006-2008 from wild mammals were spread on MacConkey agar and MacConkey agar containing 2 mg l(-1) of cefotaxime. From plates with positive growth, one isolate was recovered and identified as E. coli. Susceptibility to 12 antibiotics was tested using the disk diffusion method. Resistance genes, class 1 and 2 integrons and gene cassettes were detected in resistant isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were further characterized by DNA sequencing, macrorestriction profiling and determination of plasmid sizes. Plasmid DNA was subjected to EcoRV digestion, transferability by conjugation and incompatibility grouping by multiplex PCR. The prevalence of resistant isolates was 2% in small terrestrial mammals (rodents and insectivores, n(E. coli) = 242), 12% in wild ruminants and foxes (n(E. coli) = 42), while no resistant isolates were detected in brown bears (n(E. coli) = 16). In wild boars (Sus scrofa) (n(E. coli) = 290), the prevalence of resistant isolates was 6%. Class 1 and 2 integrons with various gene cassettes were recorded in resistant isolates. From wild boars, five (2%, n(rectal smears) = 293) multiresistant isolates producing ESBL were recovered: one isolate with bla(CTX-M-1) + bla(TEM-1), three with bla(CTX-M-1) and one with bla(TEM-52b). The bla(CTX-M-1) genes were carried on approx. 90 kb IncI1 conjugative plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic-resistant E. coli occurred in populations of wild mammals in various prevalences. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Wild mammals are reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant E. coli including ESBL-producing strains which were found in wild boars.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep in the Czech Republic.

In the Czech Republic, serum from 547 sheep coming from nine farms was examined for antibodies against parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum by screening ELISA. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 325 sheep (59%) with prevalence ranging from 11% to 96% in different farms. Antibodies against N. caninum were found in 63 sheep (12%) with prevalence ranging from 4% to 21% in different farms. Mixed infections were found in 53 sheep (10%). It was the first evidence of N. caninum antibodies in sheep from the Czech Republic.

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolates with integrons and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in surface water and sympatric black-headed gulls.

AIM: To examine surface water from a pond in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic and young black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) nesting on the same pond for the presence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella and Escherichia coli. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 16% (n = 87) of water and 24% (n = 216) of gull samples yielded Salmonella. Salmonella Enteritidis PT8 and PT4 were the most prevalent. Antibiotic resistance was found in 12% (n = 14) of water and 28% (n = 51) of gull salmonellae. Escherichia coli were found in 83 (95%) and 213 (99%) of pond water and gull samples, respectively. Totals of 18% (n = 83) of water and 28% (n = 213) of gull E. coli isolates were resistant to antimicrobial agents tested. Class 1 integrons were found in 21% (n = 14) of water and 15% (n = 60) of gull antibiotic-resistant E. coli isolates. Class 2 integrons and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates (with bla(CTX-M-1), bla(CTX-M-15)-like, bla(SHV-2) and bla(SHV-12)) were found in 13% (eight positive, n = 60 gull-resistant E. coli isolates) and 3% (seven positive, n = 216 gull E. coli isolates) of gull isolates, respectively. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli isolates with identical pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were found in either gulls or water, but not both. Salmonellae of the same serotype and PFGE profile were found in both gulls and water. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant salmonellae and E. coli were found in both pond water and in sympatric black-headed gulls. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Intensive contamination of pond surface water by antibiotic-resistant E. coli and salmonellae was documented. Black-headed gulls were identified as important reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant salmonellae and E. coli, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates.

Lawsonia intracellularis in rodents from pig farms with the occurrence of porcine proliferative enteropathy.

AIM: Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium causing proliferative enteropathy in certain species of domestic, laboratory and captive animals. The aim of our study was to detect L. intracellularis in free-living rodents from pig farms in the Czech Republic. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lawsonia intracellularis was demonstrated, using nested polymerase chain reaction, in the intestinal mucous membranes of 107 (36%) out of 296 small terrestrial mammals collected. In rodents, the bacterium was detected in 91 of 213 house mice, one of six brown rats, eight of 51 striped field mice, three of 12 yellow-necked mice and three of nine common voles. Moreover, one of one tested lesser white-toothed shrew (Insectivora) was positive. In 17 out of 69 (25%) rodents tested, serum IgG antibodies against L. intracellularis were detected using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. All seropositive animals were house mice. CONCLUSIONS: Free-living rodents may be serving as host or reservoir species and may be playing a role in the spread of L. intracellularis both within pig farms and in its transmission between farms and into the natural environment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first detection of L. intracellularis in free-living small mammalian terrestrial species.

Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli isolates in cattle and house sparrows on two Czech dairy farms.

Rectal smears of calves, cows and young bulls, as well as cloacal smears of house sparrows (Passer domesticus), from farms at the villages of Sumice and Troskotovice, Czech Republic, were examined for E. coli resistant to 12 antimicrobials. The resistant isolates were tested for antimicrobial-resistance genes and integrons. Totals of 40% (n=183), 3% (n=95), 0% (n=33), and 9% (n=54) of Escherichia coli isolates from calves, cows, young bulls and house sparrows, respectively, were antimicrobial resistant. The following genes were identified in cattle E. coli isolates: tetA, tetB (isolates resistant to tetracycline), bla(TEM) (beta-lactams), strA, aadA (streptomycin), sul1, sul2 (sulphonamides), and cat, floR (chloramphenicol). Seven of 16 antimicrobial-resistant calf isolates from the Sumice farm possessed class 1 integrons with the aadA1 gene cassette integrated, 1 kb in size. On the Troskotovice farm, eight of 57 antimicrobial-resistant calf isolates possessed class 1 integrons. Integrons of 1.5kb with the dhfr1- aadA1 gene cassette were found in four isolates, followed by a 1kb integron with the aadA1 gene found in three isolates, and a 1.7kb integron with the dhfr17-aadA5 gene cassette and the phenotype ASSuTSxtNaCipCCfG. The prevalence of resistant E. coli in calves compared to adult cattle was much higher and probably was influenced by oral antimicrobial usage in calves, feeding with milk and colostrum from treated cows, as well as mechanisms unrelated to antimicrobial drug selection. Although house sparrows lived together with the cattle and came into contact with cattle waste on the farm, they were not infected by resistant E. coli isolates with the same characteristics as those found in cattle.

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) on chickens (Gallus gallus) from small backyard flocks in the eastern part of the Czech Republic.

One hundred and sixty chickens (Gallus gallus) from 31 small, private backyard flocks in the eastern part of the Czech Republic were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera). At least one species of chewing lice was found on every bird examined. Seven species of chewing lice were identified in all; they had the following prevalences and mean intensities: Goniocotes gallinae (100%; 110 lice), Menopon gallinae (88%; 50), Menacanthus stramineus (48%; 17), Lipeurus caponis (35%; 12), Menacanthus cornutus (12%; 9), Cuclotogaster heterographus (1%; 4) and Goniocotes microthorax (1%; 3). Just two birds from a single flock were heavily infested with the ischnoceran species G. gallinae.

Insect ectoparasites from wild passerine birds in the Czech Republic.

Wild passerine birds (Passeriformes) from northeastern part of the Czech Republic were examined for ectoparasites. Three species of louse-flies of the genus Ornithomya (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), two species of fleas of the genera Ceratophyllus and Dasypsyllus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), and 15 species of chewing lice belonging to the genera Myrsidea, Menacanthus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), Brueelia, Penenirmus, Philopterus (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) were found on 82 birds of 23 species. New chewing louse-host records are Hippolais icterina for Menacanthus currucae; Motacilla cinerea for Menacanthus pusillus; Turdus philomelos and Motacilla cinerea for Brueelia merulensis; and Sylvia atricapilla for Menacanthus eurysternus. Brueelia neoatricapillae is cited for the first time for the Czech Republic. Parasitological parameters such as prevalence, intensity and abundance are also discussed.

Antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella in Russian rooks (Corvus frugilegus) wintering in the Czech Republic.

AIMS: To characterize antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolates in rooks wintering in the Czech Republic. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-three faeces samples from rooks were examined for antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Altogether 13.7%E. coli isolates were resistant to antimicrobial agents tested. The dominant type of resistance was to tetracycline. Resistant E. coli isolates were examined for antibiotic resistance genes and class 1 integrons. Five of 29 antibiotic resistant isolates possessed the int1 gene. Nine Salmonella isolates (2.5%) were found in rook faeces. All the isolates belonged to serotype Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type PT8 and PT23. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that rooks can be infected by antibiotic resistant E. coli and Salmonella isolates, probably reflecting the presence of such isolates in their sources of food and/or water in the environment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Rooks can serve as reservoirs and vectors of antibiotic resistant E. coli and Salmonella isolates and potentially transmit these isolates over long distances.

High prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant genes and integrons in Escherichia coli isolates from Black-headed Gulls in the Czech Republic.

AIMS: To carry out an assessment of the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobials in Escherichia coli that has been isolated from young Black-headed Gulls in three nesting colonies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 257 isolates were tested for sensitivity to eight antibacterial substances by disk diffusion method. The polymerase chain reaction was used for detecting specific genes of antibacterial resistance and class 1 integrons in resistant E. coli isolates. A total 75 (29.9%) of 257 isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. The dominant type of resistance was to tetracycline, detected in 49 (19.1%) isolates. Resistance to ampicillin was detected in 30 (11.7%), cephalothin in 11 (4.3%), streptomycin in 24 (9.3%), sulphonamides in 20 (7.8%) and chloramphenicol in 5 (1.9%) isolates. Nine isolates carrying integrons were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that young Black-headed Gulls are an important host reservoir of resistant E. coli strains, probably reflecting the presence of such strains in their sources of food and/or water. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Although Black-headed Gulls do not naturally come into contact with antibiotics, these birds can be infected with resistant E. coli and potentially serve as their reservoirs, vectors and bioindicators in the environment.

Prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild ruminants from the countryside or captivity in the Czech Republic.

In the Czech Republic, sera from 720 wild ruminants were examined for antibodies to Neospora caninum by screening competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT); the same sera were also examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by IFAT. Neospora caninum antibodies were found in 14% (11 positive/79 tested) roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 14% (2/14) sika deer (Cervus nippon), 6% (24/ 377) red deer (Cervus elaphus), 1% (2/143) fallow deer (Dama dama), 3% (3/105) mouflon (Ovis musimon), and none of 2 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in 50% (7/14) sika deer, 45% (169/377) red deer, 24% (19/79) roe deer, 17% (24/143) fallow deer, 9% (9/105) mouflon, and 1 of 2 reindeer. In 42 samples of wild ruminants that tested positive for N. caninum antibodies, 28 (67% of the positive N. caninum samples) reacted solely to N. caninum. This is the first evidence of N. caninum infection in mouflon, the first N. caninum seroprevalence study in farmed red deer, and the first survey of N. caninum in wild ruminants from the Czech Republic.

Where in Europe should we look for sources of the cutaneous trematode Collyriclum faba infections in migrating birds?

Cutaneous cysts with trematodes of Collyriclum faba have been found in birds during their spring and post-breeding migrations in the Czech Republic. During spring migrations, C. faba was found in one dunnock Prunella modularis, two European robins Erithacus rubecula, three common nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos, one song thrush Turdus philomelos and one great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus. During post-breeding migration, the same parasite was found in one garden warbler Sylvia borin, one whitehroat S. communis, three goldcrests Regulus regulus and one Eurasian treecreeper Certhia familiaris. The newly identified hosts of C. faba are dunnock, common nightingale, song thrush, great reed warbler and Eurasian treecreeper. Geographical areas of the birds' infection were identified from an analysis of reports on ringed birds of the same species, the time necessary for the development of cutaneous cysts with C. faba and the time of their survival, and hitherto known geographical areas of endemic occurrence of C. faba. It is presumed that birds trapped during spring migrations were infected in some montane and submontane regions in south-western Europe (the Alps, the Apennines). Birds infected during autumn migration or post-breeding vagrancy could have been infected in the Central European Carpathians, the region of C. faba endemic occurrence. For migrating birds, the impact of C. faba infections has not been hitherto assessed.