Occurrence of Resistance-breaking Populations of Root-knot Nematodes on Tomato in Greece

Nine populations of Meloidogyne spp. from Greece have been identified as M. javanica or M. incognita using either isozyme phenotypes or the sequence characterized amplified region-polymerase chain reaction (SCAR-PCR) technique. Virulence against the Mi resistance gene was assayed by pot experiments in controlled conditions and revealed the ability of five populations of M. javanica and one population of M. incognita to reproduce on tomato cultivars containing that gene. A resistance-breaking population of M. incognita is reported for the first time in the country; the M. javanica populations constitute new records for the Greek mainland.     

Effect of storage on microcytosis observed in dogs with portosystemic vascular anomalies

Microcytosis is a common laboratory finding in dogs with iron deficiency and congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA), however artefactual changes due to blood storage may occur which could mask this feature. This study evaluated the effects of storage on microcytosis in dogs with congenital PSVA. Full haematological parameters were measured on the day of sampling and following 24h storage at room temperature, in unaffected dogs (n=13) and in dogs affected with PSVA (n=24). Storage for 24h resulted in significantly higher MCV values in both groups of dogs (P<0.01). The percentage increase in MCV was greater in the control dogs (median 8.07%, range 5.64-9.31%) compared to affected dogs (median 6.05%, range 3.12-15.21%) (P<0.02). Storage of 1ml EDTA blood samples at ambient temperature for 24h prior to analysis, as occurs when samples are posted to external laboratories, will have significant effects on MCV and may mask microcytosis in dogs with PSVA.     

Evaluation of a West Nile virus surveillance and early warning system in Greece,based on domestic pigeons

In the summer of 2010 an epidemic of West Nile virus (WNV) occurred in Central Macedonia, Greece, with 197 human neuroinvasive disease (WNND) cases. In the following years the virus spread to new areas, with a total of 76 WNND cases in 2011, and 109 WNND cases in 2012 (14 and 12 WNND cases, respectively, in Central Macedonia). We established a surveillance system based on serological testing of domestic pigeons, using cELISA confirmed by serum neutralization test. In Central Macedonia, pigeon seroprevalence was 54% (95% CI: 49–59%) and 31% (95% CI: 24–37%) at the end of the 2010 and 2011 epidemic seasons, respectively. One serum was positive for neutralizing antibodies directed against Usutu virus. Pigeon WNV seroprevalence and incidence rates of human WNND after the 2010 epidemic were positively correlated (ρ = 0.94, at the regional unit level), while in 2011 the correlation (ρ = 0.56) was not statistically significant, possibly due to small number of human WNND cases recorded. To evaluate the efficacy of the system at alerting upon WNV enzootic circulation before the onset of human cases, we tested 270 pigeons in 2011 and 240 pigeons in 2012. In Central Macedonia, the first seroconversions in pigeons were recorded 44 and 47 days, respectively, before the first human WNND cases. Pigeon surveillance was used successfully for identification of areas with WNV enzootic transmission and for early warning. Timely diffusion of information to health authorities facilitated the implementation of preparedness plans to protect public health.     

Modelling nesting habitat as a conservation tool for the Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) in Dadia Nature Reserve, northeastern Greece

The Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a globally endangered species, vulnerable in Europe and endangered in Greece. We modelled its nesting preferences in Dadia reserve, northeastern Greece using logistic models at multi-scale level combined by Bayesian statistics. Compared with the random sites, the vultures nested at trees with greater diameter (DBH), lower height, and lower total number of trees around the nest tree, steeper slopes and greater distance from forest roads. Our results indicate that conservation and management guidelines for black vultures must aim: (1) to preserve old, isolated mature trees in the reserve, (2) to maintain the zones of strict protection as vulture sanctuary, including most of the suitable nesting habitat, (3) to protect the apparently suitable but still unused habitat in the rest of the reserve from disturbance and logging, (4) to monitor any changes in habitats and use our models to evaluate and predict their effect on vulture nesting in the reserve.