In June 2024, a 26-year-old man from North Macedonia returned home from a family visit to Switzerland with an unwelcome souvenir—Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE). This vaccine-preventable disease highlights the risks faced by travelers visiting endemic areas without proper precautions.

A recent study led by Zbigniew Zając from the Medical University of Lublin uncovers the prevalence and genetic diversity of Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks from southeastern Poland, highlighting its potential as an emerging public health threat. Published in the Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, the study focuses on this Gram-negative bacterium, which can cause febrile illnesses often misdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms.

A recent study in Pathogens highlights a case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in a two-year-old Serbian child returning from Switzerland. The report underscores the growing relevance of TBE vaccination for Serbian travelers, particularly given the virus's prevalence in certain European regions. Researchers emphasize the importance of awareness, prevention strategies, and vaccination to mitigate risks associated with TBE exposure during international travel.

A study published in Heliyon successfully established the first animal model for Rickettsia helvetica infections in C3H/HeN mice, advancing research on this tick-borne pathogen. Although the infection had a 100% prevalence, classic signs of spotted fever were absent, offering new insights into its pathology. The study highlighted the limited susceptibility of Ixodes ricinus ticks, commonly found in Europe, to R. helvetica. This research sets the stage for future investigations into disease mechanisms, host responses, and vaccine development for tick-borne illnesses.

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of zoonotic parasites, specifically Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) and Dirofilaria repens, in dogs and humans within the hyperenzootic region of Thrace, northeastern Greece. The research was carried out within the "One Health" framework and involved collecting 604 blood samples from dogs and 625 serum samples from humans residing in the Thrace region.

New study by Banović et al. has highlighted the complex epidemiology of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Serbia and North Macedonia, two countries with diverse ecosystems that support various tick species capable of transmitting TBDs. Conducted in 2022, this observational study focused on human-biting ticks and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) among individuals from Novi Sad, Serbia, and Skopje, North Macedonia.

This manuscript examines occurrence of tick paralysis in Cyprus. Tick paralysis, caused by neurotoxins from tick salivary glands, results in a flaccid, ascending paralysis that can be fatal if untreated. The most potent tick is Ixodes holocyclus in Australia, but 73 species worldwide can cause paralysis. In Cyprus, cases are primarily in the Akamas peninsula, with periodic 3- and 7-year cycles. Ixodes gibbosus is identified as the causative tick. Affected animals, especially free-ranging small ruminants, show severe symptoms but recover quickly after tick removal. Prevention includes acaricides and movement restriction during high-risk periods. t

This comprehensive manuscript examines the threat posed by the red-poultry mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, a significant pest in the poultry industry and a potential vector for various pathogens affecting both poultry and humans. It details the mite's biology, host preferences, and its role in transmitting bacterial and viral pathogens, including Salmonella, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi, and several others. The study employs molecular techniques to identify D. gallinae specimens collected from a household infestation in Serbia, linking them to potential disease transmission. Furthermore, it discusses the clinical manifestations of D. gallinae infestation in humans and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to manage this emerging threat effectively.

The manuscript investigates the potential connection between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to COVID-19. It begins by discussing the role of blood group antigens in immune response to pathogens. The study analyzes ABO blood group distribution among convalescent COVID-19 plasma (CCP) donors and regular blood donors during the pandemic in Serbia, comparing it with pre-pandemic data. Results indicate that individuals with blood group A are more likely to become CCP donors, while those with blood groups B, O, and AB are less likely. Notably, blood group O individuals seem more resistant to symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The discussion explores possible mechanisms behind these associations, including the role of blood group antigens and anti-ABO antibodies. The findings suggest implications for public health measures and personalized healthcare strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand these connections.

Climate change and conflicts are making disasters involving animals’ health more common. We studied how the Greek media covered the major flood in Thessaly, September 2023. We looked at how people felt about animal health and disease risks. This study found that crisis plans did not focus enough on animals and on communication. Our research also showed that (i) people rely on each other for health information rather than experts during a crisis, and (ii) media often sensationalize animal deaths. This highlights the need for better crisis management (with the use of social media listening tools) in veterinary education and practices to handle disasters.