ANIMALIA EXOTICA 2025 PROGRAM
| TIME | TOPIC |
| 9:30-10:00 | Registration and welcome coffee |
| 10:00-10:10 | Opening |
| 10:10-10:20 | Iliana Ruzhanova-Gospodinova (University of Forestry, Bulgaria) – Symbols of the strange: Exotic animals in human culture and imagination |
| 10:20-10:40 | Miloš Vučićević (University of Belgrade, Serbia) – Assessment of oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by endoscopy under general anesthesia in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) |
| 10:40-11:10 | Ana Pešić (University of Belgrade, Serbia) – Dental diseases in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches |
| 11:10-11:30 | Dražen Đuričić (University of Zagreb, Croatia) – Retrospective analysis of reptilian cases at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb |
| 11:30-12:00 | Tsvetan Chaprazov (Trakia University, Bulgaria) – Between life and death. Some oral and gastrointestinal diseases for exotic pets to require emergency surgery |
| 12:00-12:20 | Anani Lyubenov (Bulgarian Falconry Union) – Stress in birds of prey: Effects on physical and mental condition and proper care |
| 12:20-13:10 | Lunch break |
| 13:10-13:30 | Konstantin Aminkov (University of Forestry, Bulgaria) – Challenges in applying regenerative therapies to reptiles |
| 13:30-13:50 | Melinda de Mul (Private Practice ‘Exotic Vet’, Sofia, Bulgaria) – Dental disease in guinea pigs, or why guinea pigs should not be considered ‘small rabbits’ |
| 13:50-14:20 | Ivona Žura Žaja (University of Zagreb, Croatia) – Morphometry of blood cells in amphibians and reptiles |
| 14:20-14:50 | Ana Shek Vugrovečki (University of Zagreb, Croatia) – Characteristics of lizard blood cells |
| 14:50-15:30 | Coffee break & Poster session |
| 15:30-15:50 | Georgi Marinov (University of Forestry, Bulgaria) – Mastering rabbit anesthesia: From basics to clinical practice |
| 15:50-16:10 | Slavko Nikolov (University of Forestry, Bulgaria) – Diagnostic methods for behavioral disorders in game and domestic birds |
| 16:10-16:30 | Seven Mustafa (University of Forestry, Bulgaria) – Inside the serpent: Lessons from celiomic surgery in snakes |
| 16:30-17:00 | Certificates and closing |
 | POSTER SESSION – ANIMALIA EXOTICA 2025 |  |
| 1. Manuka honey-based treatment of bilateral pododermatitis in a captive Grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum); Dražen Đuričić et al., University of Zagreb, Croatia | ||
| 2. Histological tissue preparation in reptiles: practical aspects and challenges; Lucija Devčić et al., University of Zagreb, Croatia | ||
| 3. Tail regeneration in Cuvier’s dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus): A case report; Ana Shek Vugrovečki et al., University of Zagreb, Croatia | ||
| 4. Pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) infection in a rock pigeon (Columba livia): Case description and supportive management; Dwirj Mada, Veterinary clinic “Dobro hrumvane”, Sofia, Bulgaria | ||
| 5. From rooftops to parks: The physiology and ecology of bees in urban landscapes; Magdalina Asenova, Iliana Ruzhanova-Gospodinova, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 6. Veterinary and ecological perspectives in managing urban bee health; Vayana Koleva, Iliana Ruzhanova-Gospodinova, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 7. Respiratory tract infection in a ball python (Python regius): Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges; Rajesh Bathija, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 8. Incisors malocclusion in pet rabbits – a review; Milena Kaneva, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 9. Common household items toxic to parrots: Hidden dangers in domestic environments and their impact on avian health; Joanna-Christin Todorova, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 10. Greek wildlife rescue network: Response, rescue, search missions, care and aftermath of the 2025 wildfires; Marios Koufasimis, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 11. The silent spread: Pathogens shared between rabbits and guinea pigs; Konstantina Chondrogianni, Eleftheria Konstantinidou, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 12. Vitamin A deficiency in captive reptiles: A preventable condition; Silvi Vladova, Mira Naydenova, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
| 13. Microbiological study of pododermatitis in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus); Teodora P. Popova, Andreas Antoniou, University of Forestry, Bulgaria, Attica Zoological Park, Greece | ||
| 14. Endoparasitic status of pet lizards in Bulgaria: A 2025 survey; Evmorfiya Ivanova, Polina Petrova, University of Forestry, Bulgaria | ||
Prof. Tsvetan Chaprazov, PhDDepartment of Veterinary Surgery in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Trakia University (Stara Zagora) |
 Prof. Tsvetan Chaprazov has over 22 years of academic and scientific experience and, since 2024, has held the position of Professor at the Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. He developed and leads the elective course “Exotic Animal Surgery”. His scientific interests are focused on surgery in small, exotic, and wild animals, as well as diagnostic imaging and 3D bioprinting in exotic and laboratory species. Prof. Chaprazov is the author of numerous scientific publications on exotic animals and the books “Surgery of Exotic Animals” (2022) and “Radiography and Computed Tomography in Exotic Animals” (2023) in bulgarian. Contact information: tsvetan.chaprazov@trakia-uni.bg |
Assoc. Prof. Ivona Žura Žaja, PhDDepartment of Physiology and Radiobiology in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Zagreb, Croatia |
 Assoc. Prof. Ivona Žura Žaja is one of the leading scientists at the faculty, with over 800 citations and an h-index of 15. Her research has significantly contributed to the understanding of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in different animal species, and in recent years – particularly in reptiles. She is also actively engaged in international academic mobility, having been a visiting professor at the Agricultural University of Tirana (2023/2024) and the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest (2024/2025). She is a key figure in the organization of the international meeting “Reptilia” in Zagreb, serving on its committees since 2018 and currently Vice-President of the Organizing Committee. Contact information: izzaja@vef.unizg.hr |
Assoc. Prof. Miloš Vučićević, PhDDepartment of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Belgrade, Serbia |
 Assoc. Prof. Miloš Vučićević is the author of more than 40 scientific publications, with over 400 citations and nearly 22,000 reads on ResearchGate. His research combines molecular techniques, pathology, and clinical diagnostics, aiming to improve the understanding and management of animal health and welfare. He places particular emphasis on applying molecular methods for diagnosing diseases in exotic species. “Every patient reminds me of the value of life and the joy of giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.” Contact information: vucicevic@vet.bg.ac.rs |
Assoc. Prof. Ana Shek Vugrovečki, PhDDepartment of Physiology and Radiobiology in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Zagreb, Croatia |
 Ana Shek-Vugrovečki is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb. Her research focuses on hematology and animal physiology, with a growing interest in reptile species. She has published extensively and has been invited to present her work at numerous international conferences, bridging the gap between fundamental physiological research and its clinical applications. Beyond her research, Assoc. Prof. Shek Vugrovečki is deeply engaged in veterinary education, curriculum development, and international collaboration. She has also played an important role in organizing the “Reptilia” scientific meetings – as a committee member in 2018 and vice-president in 2021 and 2024. Contact information: ashek@vef.unizg.hr |
Assoc. Prof. Konstantin Aminkov, PhDDepartment of Surgery, Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Forestry |
 Assoc. Prof. Konstantin Aminkov graduated from Veterinary Medicine in 2015, and in 2016 he joined as an Assistant in FVM. In 2019, he successfully defended his PhD Thesis in the field of regenerative medicine, and since 2024 he has held the academic title of Associate Professor in Surgery. He is co-owner of the veterinary clinic AMI VET in Sofia, combining academic work with active clinical practice. His main clinical and scientific interests are focused on surgery and on the development, application, and establishment of regenerative therapies in the treatment of surgical diseases in small animals. Assoc. Prof. Aminkov has also participated in numerous specialized courses and workshops in surgery and regenerative medicine, including training with world-renowned experts such as professors Bruno Peirone, Luka Vezzoni, and Stefano Grolli. Contact information: kaminkov@ltu.bg |
Senior Assist. Prof. Georgi Marinov, PhDDepartment of Surgery, Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Forestry |
 Senior Assist. Prof. Georgi Marinov is the author and co-author of over 25 scientific publications and three reference guides, and has been nominated three consecutive years (2023–2025) for the Rector’s Annual Award for contribution to scientific research at the University of Forestry. He is a co-founder and organizer of VPF - Veterinary Parasitology Forum, held annually since 2019., and of VET Medical EXPO – a national veterinary exhibition launched in 2024 under the auspices of the University of Forestry. Dr. Marinov is practicing veterinarian in St. George Veterinary Clinics in Bulgaria and Greece, and his professional focus Includes soft tissue and regenerative surgery, anesthesiology, and diagnostic imaging. Contact information: surg.georgimarinov@gmail.com |
Assist. Prof. Dražen Đuričić, , PhDDepartment of Poultry Diseases with Clinic in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Zagreb, Croatia |
 Assist. Prof. Dražen Đuričić, PhD is lecturer at the University of Zagreb and works at the Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals with many years of experience in the field of exotic animal medicine, reproduction in domestic animals, oxidative stress, climatic impacts on animal health, and alternative therapies. Author of over 200 scientific and professional papers and several academic textbooks, Dr. Đuričić is actively engaged in national and international research projects and serves on the editorial boards of several peer-reviewed veterinary journals. Member of Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH), World Veterinary Association (WVA), European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction (ESDAR), and (European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians) EAZWV. Contact information: drazen.djuricic@vef.unizg.hr |
Assist. Prof. Slavko Nikolov, PhDDepartment of Anatomy, Physiology and Animal Sciences in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Forestry |
 Assist. Prof. Slavko Nikolov has been involved in the breeding and reproduction of ornamental and exotic bird species. In 2024, he defended his PhD Thesis at the Trakia University – Stara Zagora, focused on diseases of game birds raised in hunting farms. His research interests include avian pathology, ornithology (classification, systematics, and taxonomy of Aves), ethology, and behavioral disorders in captive wild birds, as well as physiological and morphological characteristics of eggs from different bird species. Dr. Nikolov is the author of numerous scientific publications, has participated in national and international research projects, and is a frequent guest lecturer at veterinary seminars and forums on parasitic, infectious, and behavioral disorders in birds. Contact information: snikolov@ltu.bg |
Assist. Prof. Ana Pešić, PhDDepartment of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Belgrade, Serbia |
 Dr. Ana Pešić is an assistant and research trainee at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. She works at the faculty’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, with professional interests focused on internal medicine and dentistry in small mammals. She has completed multiple externships in exotic animal clinics and zoos, including those in Abu Dhabi, Lisbon, and Moscow. Dr. Pešić has published several papers on small mammals and reptiles, covering topics from pathology and behavior to animal welfare. Contact information: ana.pesic@vet.bg.ac.rs |
Dr. Melinda de Mul, , DVMVeterinarian in “Exotic Vet”, Sofia |
 Dr. Melind de Mul runs her own practice ”Exotic Vet” in Sofia, works as a freelancer at BulVet and Zayvet clinics, and serves as a veterinary consultant for the Zoos of Sofia and Plovdiv. Her education began with Biology at Utrecht University (2000–2002) and continued with Veterinary Medicine in Vienna (2002–2009). Her professional journey includes impressive internships at internationally recognized centers and organizations, such as the Owl & Raptor Rescue Center Haringsee (Austria), Seal Sanctuary Pieterburen (Netherlands), Rotterdam Zoo, Green Balkans (Bulgaria), and the Avian & Reptile Clinic Dr. Britsch in Karlsruhe (Germany). Contact information: info@exoticvet.bg ; https://www.facebook.com/BG.Vet.Melinda |