The aim of our work was to survey private farms in the Poltava region on the prevalence of Chlamydia-like organisms Waddlia chondrophila and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. Materials and methods: The PCR research was conducted in 2018-2019 at the Institute of Pig Breeding and Аgro-industrial production of the NAAS. The study materials were 300 vaginal scrapings of cows and 28 samples of clinical material of pigs and boars with a suspicion of a chlamydial infection, which were selected at private farms in the Poltava region. Results: Chlamydia-like bacteria Waddlia chrondophila DNA was detected in 132 (44%) samples taken from cows and 8 (28.6%) samples from pigs and boars. Parachlamydia acanthamoebae DNA was not detected in pig samples. However, 43 (14.3%) clinical samples taken from cows were found to be Parachlamydia acanthamoebae – positive. 9 (3%) cows and 2 (7.14%) pigs turned out to be Chlamydia spp. – positive (the samples contained DNA of bacteria of the family Chlamydiaceae). Сonclusions: Our data indicate a relatively high prevalence of Chlamydia-like bacteria in problematic as to chlamydial infection farms in the Poltava region. Chlamydial infection carry a zoonotic threat, therefore it is necessary to observe safety and personal hygiene measures when working with animals. In addition, it is necessary to carry out periodic screening among the population with reproductive disorders and in occupational risk groups, periodic monitoring in livestock farms, to avoid the consuming the unpasteurized milk, and thermally unprocessed meat.

(1) Background: African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Ukraine for more than ten years (2012–2022). The purpose of our study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the spread of ASF to assess the role of wild boar in the epizootic expansion in Ukraine. (2) Methods: Statistical materials were collected and the epizootic situation of ASF from 2012 to 2022 was examined. The potential sources of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) and transmission factors were analysed. The main factors exerting negative impacts on domestic pig production were also analysed. (3) Results: Consequently, from the results of the retrospective analysis of ASF outbreaks in Ukraine, the probability ratio of ASF outbreaks in the wild boar and domestic pig populations was determined. The data show a direct relationship between ASF outbreaks among wild boar and domestic pigs with the observed decay of wild boar outbreaks across the entire territory of Ukraine. At the same time, an increase in the number of wild boars has been observed in the Mykolaiv region, with a parallel spillover of outbreaks in domestic pigs. (4) Conclusions: The epidemiological situation observed for ASF in the wild boar population may suggest an endemic form of the disease. This may further complicate eradication programs and the protection of domestic pig farms from ASF outbreaks. An additional and major reason to control the ASF epizootic is the continuing military Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Annually, 30,000-45,000 cases of rabies in animals and humans are reported worldwide. The aim of the study was to present data on the incidence of rabies among humans and animals in central and north-eastern regions of Ukraine (Poltava and Sumy) between the years 2007 and 2020. The statistical data were obtained from the anti-epizootic measures division at the Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine of the State Food and Consumer Service in the Poltava and Sumy regions of Ukraine. Between 2012 and 2020, the largest number of bite cases in the Poltava region were recorded in 2012 (4,234 cases), and the lowest in 2018 (1,951 cases). The vast majority of bites were caused by dogs and cats that had an owner. During the successive years, the number of rabies cases increased. Between 2017 and 2019, over 50% of rabies cases in the Sumy region occurred in domestic animals. Although combating rabies among dogs through vaccination, as well as extermination of homeless animals, may reduce the incidence of rabies in humans, rabies in dogs is still not uncommon in the Poltava and Sumy regions of Ukraine. Moreover, rabid dogs in these two regions still account for over 90% of rabies cases and 99% of deaths due to rabies among humans. The red fox was the leader in the incidence of rabies among wild animals between 2009 and 2019. In the Poltava region, the highest number of rabies cases occurred in 2017 (10 cases), whereas in the Sumy region the peak if infections was observed in 2010 (42 cases). Rabies in animals tended to decrease due to the oral immunization of free-ranging animals. It is difficult, however, to assess the overall global situation of rabies using data solely on human mortality. Rabies is not a purely human disease. It is rather a disease that occurs in wild and domestic animals, from which it may be transferred to humans. Therefore, a more accurate prediction of its impact should include an assessment of its prevalence in animal populations, especially pets, and the costs associated with preventing the spread of rabies from animals to humans. Effective measures for prevention and eradication of rabies, as well as better knowledge, are crucial to check further spread of the disease. Obligatory preventive measures should include vaccination of pets and oral immunization of red foxes.