Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are indispensable to life science research and have enabled major breakthroughs in understanding biology, uncovering disease mechanisms, and developing new therapies. Despite the FDA’s recent plans to phase out certain mandatory animal-testing requirements and the European Commission’s preparation of a “Roadmap Towards Phasing Out Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments (Communication C(2023)5041),” animal models remain essential for translating basic scientific discoveries into medical advances and for improving both human and animal health. From the earliest physiological experiments that revealed the beating of the heart and the function of the nervous system, to discoveries that led to antibiotics, vaccines, and gene therapies, laboratory animals have been at the foundation of nearly every medical advance. Their contribution deserves deep appreciation and ethical reflection. The use of animals in scientific inquiry is deeply rooted in human history, from Aristotle’s early dissections to the controlled experimental work of Pasteur and Lavoisier that shaped modern biomedicine. With the advent of preclinical testing, drug discovery, and genetic engineering, animal models have become indispensable for studying disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic safety and efficacy. Laboratorijske živali: počastitev preteklosti in sprejemanje odgovornosti za prihodnost Glodavci, zlasti miši in podgane, so nepogrešljivi v znanstvenih raziskavah in so omogočili ključne preboje pri razumevanju biologije, odkrivanju mehanizmov bolezni ter razvoju novih terapij. Kljub nedavnim načrtom FDA za postopno opuščanje testiranja na živalih ter “Načrta za postopno odpravo testiranja na živalih pri oceni kemijske varnosti (Communication C(2023)5041)” s strani Evropske komisije, živalski modeli ostajajo bistveni za prenos temeljnih znanstvenih odkritij v medicinski napredek ter za izboljšanje zdravja ljudi in živali. Od najzgodnejših fizioloških poskusov, ki so razkrili utripanje srca in delovanje živčnega sistema, do odkritij, ki so vodila do antibiotikov, cepiv in genskih terapij, so laboratorijske živali temelj skoraj vsakega medicinskega napredka. Njihov prispevek si zasluži globoko spoštovanje in etični premislek. Uporaba živali v znanstvenem raziskovanju ima globoke korenine v človeški zgodovini, od Aristotelovih zgodnjih seciranj do nadzorovanih eksperimentalnih del Louisa Pasteurja in Lavoisierja, ki so oblikovala temelje sodobne biomedicine. Z razvojem predkliničnega testiranja, odkrivanja zdravil in gensko-inženirskih pristopov so živalski modeli postali nepogrešljivi za preučevanje mehanizmov bolezni ter ocenjevanje varnosti in učinkovitosti terapij. Ključne besede: miš; podgana; živalski modeli

Campylobacter is a constant concern in ensuring food safety, as it is one of the most common pathogens in food. The main source of Campylobacter species in food is poultry meat, and the primary production of this meat is a critical point where measures need to be taken to reduce its presence in the food chain. Therefore, poultry slaughterhouses are recognized as places where it is necessary to implement measures to control and reduce the number of Campylobacter spp. Food business operators are obliged to ensure greater hygiene on the slaughter line, through the inspection of equipment for each step of slaughter and the application of regular cleaning protocols. Continuous monitoring of the presence and abundance of Campylobacter spp. on the slaughter line provides data on the validity of hygiene control measures in the slaughterhouse, as well as the data needed to assess the microbiological risk in poultry meat. Monitoring the presence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses is a basic activity that is necessary for taking measures to reduce contamination, improve microbiological safety in poultry processing and thus improve the food safety system as a whole. This review aims to highlight the importance of investigating the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry slaughterhouses, but also the importance of applying measures to prevent and control this pathogen both on farms and in slaughterhouses. These measures are necessary to minimize the presence and transmission of Campylobacter in poultry, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Rare Earth Elements (REE), whose usage areas are increasing day by day, are increasing in the amount of mixing with the environment, causing changes in antioxidant enzyme activities by causing oxidative stress in living organisms. In this study, it was aimed to examine the oxidative stress responses induced by the mixture of 4 different REEs (Lanthanum, gadolinium, Lanthanum, Praseodymium) in Dreissena polymorpha. For this purpose, sublethal concentration values were determined by literature review. Experimental application was carried out within 24 and 96 hours. In the analyzes performed to determine biomarker responses, samples taken from living organisms were weighed and homogenization processes were performed for the analysis of samples taken from the experimental groups, including the control group. After homogenization, samples were centrifuged at 4.000 rpm for 15 minutes. Supernatants were kept at -86 °C until measurements were made. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. One-way ANOVA (Duncan’s multiple range test; p < 0.05) was used for comparison of measured parameters among groups. As a result of the application, a decrease in CAT activity and GSH level and an increase in TBARS levels were observed after 96 hours compared to the control group, while no statistically significant difference was detected in SOD and GPx activities.

High welfare standards for animals used in research is as much an ethical issue as it is a cornerstone of high-quality science. Researchers can improve both animal welfare and data reliability by implementing strategies that reduce stress in experimental animals. One modern and effective approach is to monitor animals within their familiar home-cage environment. Home-cage monitoring (HCM) systems integrate multiple approaches to automatically, continuously, and non-invasively monitor the physiology and behaviour of laboratory animals within their home environments. HCM favours the animals’ natural rhythms and behaviours while reducing stress from various sources and the need for human intervention. In this article, we explore how HCM contributes to the 3Rs framework introduced by Russell and Burch and focus particularly on how to select the most appropriate HCM system for specific research needs. We discuss available resources and practical limitations for system choice, and provide a brief outlook on the evolving role of artificial intelligence to analyse HCM data. We also discuss the opportunities and barriers to HCM adoption, particularly in relation to countries with developing research structure and limited funding in Europe. Our central message is clear: use of HCM technologies supports 3Rs and promotes both better science and better animal welfare. Pametne kletke, večja dobrobit: Podpora načelom 3R v raziskavah na živalih s spremljanjem v domači kletki in ustrezno izbiro sistema Izvleček: Visoki standardi dobrobiti živali v raziskavah niso zgolj etična obveznost, temveč tudi temelj visokokakovostne znanosti. Raziskovalci lahko izboljšajo tako dobrobit živali kot tudi zanesljivost podatkov z uvedbo strategij, ki zmanjšujejo stres pri poskusnih živalih. Eden izmed sodobnih in učinkovitih pristopov je spremljanje živali v njihovem domačem okolju. Sistemi za spremljanje v domači kletki (HCM, angl. home-cage monitoring) združujejo več pristopov za samodejno, neprekinjeno in neinvazivno spremljanje fiziologije in vedenja laboratorijskih živali v njihovem domačem okolju. HCM podpira naravne ritme in vedenja živali ter zmanjšuje stres iz različnih virov in potrebo po posegih človeka. V članku opisujemo, kako HCM prispeva k načelom 3R, ki sta ga uvedla Russell in Burch, s posebnim poudarkom na izbiri najprimernejšega sistema HCM za specifične raziskovalne potrebe. Obravnavamo razpoložljive vire in praktične omejitve pri izviri sistema ter podajamo kratek pogled na razvijajočo se vlogo umetne inteligence pri analizi podatkov HCM. Prispevek obravnava tudi priložnosti in ovire pri uvajanju HCM, zlasti v povezavi z državami z manj razvito raziskovalno infrastrukturo in omejenimi sredstvi v Evropi. Naše osrednje sporočilo je jasno: uporaba tehnologij HCM podpira načela 3R ter spodbuja boljšo dobrobit živali in boljšo znanost. Ključne besede: laboratorijske živali; avtomatsko spremljanje vedenja; izboljšave; kontinuirno zbiranje podatkov; stres

Comparative anatomy, the study of structural similarities and differences between animals and humans, remains one of the oldest and most enduring foundations of veterinary and medical science. From the dissections of Aristotle, Galen, and Vesalius through to the anatomical theatres and museums of the 19th century and beyond, comparative examination has shaped our understanding of the living world. It is no coincidence that the very roots of biology, medicine, and veterinary science are deeply embedded in this discipline. Examining the horse’s limb, the ruminant stomach, or the avian lung not only satisfies scientific curiosity but also provides veterinarians with essential knowledge for diagnosis, surgery, and disease prevention, while at the same time revealing important parallels with human medicine, and vice versa. Ko telo spregovori: primerjalna anatomija kot povezovalna znanost v izobraževanju, raziskovanju in okviru koncepta Eno zdravje Primerjalna anatomija, veda o strukturnih podobnostih in razlikah med živalmi in človekom, ostaja ena najstarejših in najtrdnejših osnov veterinarske in medicinske znanosti. Od disekcij Aristotela, Galena in Vesalija do anatomskih gledališč in muzejev 19. stoletja ter kasneje je primerjalno proučevanje oblikovalo naše razumevanje živega sveta Ni naključje, da so prav v tej disciplini korenine biologije, medicine in veterinarske znanosti. Proučevanje okončine konja, želodca prežvekovalcev ali pljuč ptic ne zadovoljuje le znanstvene radovednosti, temveč veterinarjem zagotavlja temeljno znanje za diagnostiko, kirurgijo in preprečevanje bolezni, hkrati pa razkriva pomembne vzporednice s človeško medicino in obratno. Ključne besede: primerjalna anatomija; izobraževanje; raziskovanje; eno zdravje

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient in pig production as it plays an important role in many physiological functions. The aim of this study was to determine serum vitamin D concentration and growth performance in pigs reared on organic farms in different seasons. A total of 109 Krškopolje pigs were selected for this study. Pigs were divided into three groups: low altitude outdoor group A (N = 39), high altitude outdoor group B (N = 36) and indoor group C (N = 34). Blood samples and body weights were collected seasonally in 2022 and 2023. Serum vitamin D levels peaked in summer for outdoor groups A (69.3 ±2.6 ng/ml) and B (65.3 ±4.4 ng/ml) and were the lowest in winter (group A 21.5 ±2.2, group B 35.2 ±2.5). Altitude had no significant effect on vitamin D levels except in winter (p

This report describes a case of empty sella syndrome in a 6-month-old male dog that experienced cranial trauma 4 months prior. Clinical signs included behavioural disturbances such as aggression and growth retardation. Clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the absence of the pituitary gland in the sella turcica and possible pituitary insufficiency indicated by decreased IGF-1 levels with TSH below the detection limit of the assay. The dog subsequently developed polyuria and intense polydipsia, raising suspicion of central diabetes insipidus. Persistent aggression led the owners to opt for euthanasia. In humans, empty sella syndrome has been associated with hormonal alterations, although it may be asymptomatic. This report underscores the importance of evaluating brain structures via MRI following cranial trauma and paying attention to the functionality of the endocrine system.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global issue, driven by the nontargeted use of antimicrobials in livestock. Poultry, particularly broilers, may serve as significant reservoirs for resistant Escherichia (E.) coli strains. This study aimed to isolate E. coli from broiler flocks and evaluate their in vitro susceptibility towards β-lactams, cephalosporins, carbapenems, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. Additionally, a multiplex real-time PCR assay was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-encoding genes. A total of 48 commensal E. coli isolates from broiler flocks in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were analyzed. Phenotypic resistance, determined using the disc diffusion method, was observed for ampicillin (87.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5%), cefepime (41.7%), cefoxitin (45.8%), cefotaxime (50.0%), ceftazidime (47.9%), azithromycin (58.3%), ciprofloxacin (66.7%), and tetracycline (72.9%). PCR analysis confirmed blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaCMY genes in 24 isolates (50%), whereas blaSHV and carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48, blaVIM and blaGES) were not detected. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains highlights the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in poultry production. Reducing antibiotic use, promoting alternative disease control measures, and implementing systematic resistance monitoring programs are crucial to reduce AMR in broiler farms and potential spill over to public health.

A 10-year-old spayed female Scottish Straight cat presented with a firm, non-movable mass in the right mandible. Over the past month, it had progressively enlarged, leading to difficulty eating and subsequent weight loss. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed that the mass was confined to the body of the mandible, with a prominent periosteal reaction characterized by a spiculated pattern. The extensive and irregular morphology of the periosteal reaction strongly suggested malignancy. No evidence suggestive of metastasis was identified on physical examination or diagnostic imaging. Surgical resection was prioritized over obtaining a definitive diagnosis, owing to the rapid increase in mass size and associated clinical signs. An extended subtotal mandibulectomy was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, revealing alveolar osteomyelitis. Postoperatively, the patient showed improved masticatory function with no apparent signs of oral pain, indicating a good surgical outcome. During the 16-month follow-up period, the patient remained in good general and physical condition without recurrence of the mass. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting that osteomyelitis can present with an extensive, irregular periosteal reaction with radiating lines (“sunburst” subtype), typically associated with malignant tumors. Additionally, surgical resection may be critical for recovery of masticatory function and alleviation of oral pain, even in cases involving benign mandibular lesions.