**1. Introduction**

The purpose of this work was to show the real and potential health risks of the European bison, which have or can influence the general condition of the population and affect the restitution effects of this endangered by extinction species. From the species history, through the old, however recently increasingly re-emerging, threats until the new challenges for the species conservation, we have tried to present the most complete picture of the veterinary aspect of the species protection. Not without significance is also the manner in which these tasks are implemented, i.e., active species protection, not always accepted, but effective, which is best evidenced by the continuous increase in the number of the world's European bison population. Today, when the number of the species exceeded 7000 individuals, it is not of key importance to protect individual European bison at all costs but to improve the welfare of the whole population, e.g., by minimizing the risk of infectious diseases by eliminating sick animals. Health threats can be removed or minimized through implemented prophylaxis and monitoring of pathological conditions in individual populations. Moreover, the exchange of experience and cooperation between breeders at national and international levels is extremely important. Another important

aspect is the sanitary control of the animals in movement, especially of the greatest health threats such as tuberculosis and bluetongue disease and conducting quarantine for the introduced animals. One should also not underestimate the potential health hazards that can be assessed by postmortem diagnostics of fallen and selectively eliminated animals followed by discriminatory laboratory testing. The future of the European bison depends on the wise care of the herd managers and veterinary medicine specialists based on the best scientific and practical knowledge.
