Role Of Wild Boar Research Articles

The Role of Wild Boar as Host of Japanese Encephalitis Virus in the Absence of Domestic Pigs.

Pigs are the most common amplifying hosts of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). In 2016, four residents on Tsushima Island who did not own pig farms were diagnosed with JE. Therefore, a serosurvey was conducted to estimate the risk and seroprevalence of JEV after the outbreak. Sera collected from 560 Tsushima Island residents between January and September 2017 were tested for neutralizing antibodies against JEV strains JaGAr01 (genotype 3) and Muar (genotype 5). Sera collected from six wild boars between June and July 2022 were tested. The seroprevalence rates of neutralizing antibodies against JaGAr01 and Muar were 38.8% and 24.6%, respectively. High anti-JEV neutralizing antibody titers of ≥320 were identified in 16 residents, including 3 younger than 6 years with prior JEV vaccination, 2 in their 40s, and 11 older than 70. However, no anti-JEV-specific IgM was detected. Residents who engaged in outdoor activities had higher anti-JEV antibody titers. Sera from wild boars were negative for JEV RNA, but four of six samples contained neutralizing antibodies against JEV. Therefore, JEV transmission continues on Tsushima Island, even in the absence of pig farms, and wild boars might serve as the amplifying hosts.

The Role of Wildlife and Pests in the Transmission of Pathogenic Agents to Domestic Pigs: A Systematic Review.

Wild animals and pests are important reservoirs and vectors of pathogenic agents that can affect domestic pigs. Rapid globalization, anthropogenic factors, and increasing trends toward outdoor pig production facilitate the contact between domestic pigs and wildlife. However, knowledge on the transmission pathways between domestic pigs and the aforementioned target groups is limited. The present systematic review aims to collect and analyze information on the roles of different wild animal species and pests in the spread of pathogens to domesticated pigs. Overall, 1250 peer-reviewed manuscripts published in English between 2010 and 2022 were screened through the PRISMA framework using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 84 studies reporting possible transmission routes of different pathogenic agents were included. A majority of the studies (80%) focused on the role of wild boars in the transmission of pathogenic agents to pig farms. Studies involving the role of rodents (7%), and deer (6%) were the next most frequent, whereas the role of insects (5%), wild carnivores (5%), wild birds (4%), cats (2%), and badgers (1%) were less available. Only 3.5% of studies presented evidence-based transmission routes from wildlife to domestic pigs. Approximately 65.5% of the included studies described possible risks/risk factors for pathogens' transmission based on quantitative data, whereas 31% of the articles only presented a hypothesis or qualitative analysis of possible transmission routes or risk factors and/or contact rates. Risk factors identified include outdoor farms or extensive systems and farms with a low level of biosecurity as well as wildlife behavior; environmental conditions; human activities and movements; fomites, feed (swill feeding), water, carcasses, and bedding materials. We recommend the strengthening of farm biosecurity frameworks with special attention to wildlife-associated parameters, especially in extensive rearing systems and high-risk zones as it was repeatedly found to be an important measure to prevent pathogen transmission to domestic pigs. In addition, there is a need to focus on effective risk-based wildlife surveillance mechanisms and to raise awareness among farmers about existing wildlife-associated risk factors for disease transmission.

The Role of Wild Boars in the Circulation of Tick-Borne Pathogens: The First Evidence of Rickettsia monacensis Presence.

Most wild mammals can serve as hosts both for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) and for the ticks themselves. Among these, wild boars, due to their large body size, habitat and life span, show high exposure to ticks and TBPs. These species are now one of the widest-ranging mammals in the world, as well as the most widespread suid. Despite the fact that certain local populations have been decimated by African swine fever (ASF), wild boars are still considered overabundant in most parts of the world, including Europe. Altogether, their long-life expectancy, large home ranges including migration, feeding and social behaviors, wide distribution, overabundance and increased chances of interactions with livestock or humans make them suitable sentinel species for general health threats, such as antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, pollution and ASF geographical distribution, as well as for the distribution and abundance of hard ticks and also for certain TBPs, such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of rickettsial agents in wild boars from two counties in Romania. Among 203 blood samples of wild boars (Sus scrofa ssp. attila) collected during 3 (2019-2022) hunting seasons (September-February), 15 were found positive for tick-borne pathogen DNA. Six wild boars were positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA presence and nine for Rickettsia spp. The identified rickettsial species were R. monacensis (six) and R. helvetica (three). No animal was positive either for Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp. or Babesia spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of R. monacensis in European wild boars, thus adding the third species from the SFG Rickettsia, in the epidemiology of which this wild species may have a role as a reservoir host.

A serological survey of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in wild boar in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an infectious swine disease caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV) that results in economic loss to the pig-rearing industry. To study PRRSV infection in wild boars and pigs, we conducted a serological survey in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, from 2020 to 2021. Three out of 453 (0.7%) wild boar sera were positive for PRRSV antibodies in a commercial ELISA. However, given that PRRSV RNA was not detected in these three wild boars and the specificity and sensitivity of the test kit, these are considered as false positives. Although seropositive pigs were found in multiple pig farms in the study area, the role of wild boars as a source of PRRS to pig farms appeared to be minimal.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from free-ranging wild boars in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT: European wild boars (Sus scrofa) are considered exotic invasive species worldwide. Invasions of wild boars are a growing public health concern, as wild boars may represent an important reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Salmonella. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and serovars of Salmonella spp. in free-ranging wild boars legally hunted in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and the susceptibility of those Salmonella spp. to antimicrobials. Fecal samples and mesenteric lymph nodes were acquired from 63 wild boars. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in free-ranging wild boars was 9.5 % (6/63; confidence interval: 4.4 % - 19.2 %). Six serovars were isolated: S. enterica subsp. enterica ser. 4,5,12:-:1,2, S. enterica ser. Cerro, S. enterica ser. Madelia, S. enterica ser. Typhimurium, S. enterica ser. I (4,5,12:i:-) and S. enterica ser. Muenster. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. showed that the majority of serovars were fully susceptible to the tested antimicrobials. Only S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. enterica ser. Muenster showed a resistance pattern to at least one antimicrobial analyzed. To our knowledge, this study is the first report the prevalence and serovars of Salmonella spp. in free-ranging wild boars in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Results indicate a low prevalence with variability of Salmonella serovars, with some pattern of antimicrobial resistance. This study highlights the potential role of wild boars as carriers of Salmonella and could pose a risk to wild and domestic animals as well as humans.

Territorial pattern between outbreaks of ASF among wild and domestic pigs in Ukraine

The article presents the results of the analysis of the epizootic situation in Ukraine regarding African swine fever among domestic and wild pigs from 2012 to 2020 and identifies the main sources of virus spread as well as weak links in the biological safety system of farms. When studying the statistical material of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection regarding animal morbidity, revealed a territorial pattern between the outbreaks of African swine fever among wild boars and domestic pigs of private farms and pig-breeding complexes, and proved the involvement of the European boar in the epizootic process as a natural reservoir and mobile focus of infection. Calculated the number of outbreaks of African swine fever among wild boars and domestic pigs within the same region and district, and studied the sequence of the emergence of foci on limited territories. Analyzed the natural focality of the disease, the probability of infection transmission to the domestic pig farm sector, and the role of infected objects in the spread of the virus among wild animal populations. From 2012 to 2020 inclusive, according to FAO statistics, 537 cases of African swine fever were recorded in Ukraine, 21.7 % of which were associated with wild boars. In 2017 and 2018, the role of the European wild boar in the epizootic process is best reflected, when 10.9 % (2017) and 20.4 % (2018) of outbreaks of African swine fever among domestic animals recorded in the same administrative districts, where during a year this desiase was detected among wild pigs. When analyzing statistical data of the recent years, the effectiveness of introducing more detailed monitoring of African swine fever among wild boars using modern laboratory methods and improving biosafety measures in the private sector and directly on hunting grounds has been proved. Further research is based on predicting the dynamics of the spread of African swine fever in Ukraine and the role of wild boar in this epizootic process. In addition, the role of wild boar in the spread of African swine fever in other countries and the most effective foreign methods of disease control and prevention will be analyzed.

Epidemiology of Pig Tuberculosis in Argentina.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease caused mainly by the Mycobacterium bovis and that is endemic to livestock populations in most Latin American countries. Traditionally, bTB control programs are costly and targeted to cattle, largely disregarding other species such as swine and wildlife. According to official services, in Argentina disease prevalence in pigs is comparable to that observed in cattle, suggesting the need for efficient control programs to manage the disease in both species. Additionally, extensive farming systems, which are commonly practiced in Argentina, allow the interaction between livestock and wildlife such as wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is considered a natural host of the disease. Here, we evaluated the bTB pigs- cattle interface, studying the dynamics of M. bovis isolates in the pig population and identifying farm-level epidemiological variables associated with the disease confirmation at slaughterhouses. Additionally, to assess the potential multi-host systems in the transmission of bTB, the molecular characterization of wild boar mycobacterial strains was included in the study, as this interaction has not been previously evaluated in this region. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between farm-level epidemiological variables (location, farm size, and co-existence with cattle and goats) and bTB confirmation in pig tuberculosis-like lesions samples. Results showed that when cattle were present, the odds of bTB in pigs decreased 0.3 or 0.6% for every additional sow when cattle were present or absent in the farm, respectively. Pigs shared 60% (18/30) of the genotypes with cattle and wild boar, suggesting transmission at the interface between pigs and cattle and highlighting the potential role of wild boar in bTB maintenance. These results provide novel information about the molecular diversity of M. bovis strains in pigs in Argentina and proposes the potential relevance of a multi-host system in the epidemiology of bTB in the region. The statistical models presented here may be used in the design of a low cost, abattoir-based surveillance program for bTB in the pig industry in Argentina, with potential extension to other settings with similar epidemiological conditions.

ESBL/AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli in Wild Boar: Epidemiology and Risk Factors.

Simple SummaryAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a complex global issue due to the many factors involved. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC (ESBL/AmpC)-producing Escherichia coli deserves attention for its broad repercussions on public health. Moreover, wild host species are of interest, particularly wild boar. Indeed, the constantly increasing population densities and the limited data on AMR in this species lead to health risks where spatial overlap with humans and domestic animals occurs. Therefore, 1504 wild boar fecal samples were analyzed to investigate ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli and the effects of host-related factors and of human population density on their spread. A high prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli emerged in wild boar, species not treated with antibiotics, supporting that infection may be acquired through environmental contamination, whether of human or animal origin. Young animals were more colonized than older ones, demonstrating higher susceptibility as seen in domestic animals. Moreover, a positive association recorded between frequency of the TEM resistance gene and human population density suggests that spatial overlap may influence the infection in wild boar. Further analyses would be desirable to investigate the origin of the recorded environmental contamination, although a role of wild boar as a maintenance host of AMR strains emerged.The complex health problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) involves many host species, numerous bacteria and several routes of transmission. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC (ESBL/AmpC)-producing Escherichia coli are among the most important strains. Moreover, wildlife hosts are of interest as they are likely antibiotics free and are assumed as environmental indicators of AMR contamination. Particularly, wild boar (Sus scrofa) deserves attention because of its increased population densities, with consequent health risks at the wildlife–domestic–human interface, and the limited data available on AMR. Here, 1504 wild boar fecal samples were microbiologically and molecularly analyzed to investigate ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli and, through generalized linear models, the effects of host-related factors and of human population density on their spread. A prevalence of 15.96% of ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli, supported by blaCTX-M (12.3%), blaTEM (6.98%), blaCMY (0.86%) and blaSHV (0.47%) gene detection, emerged. Young animals were more colonized by ESBL/AmpC strains than older subjects, as observed in domestic animals. Increased human population density leads to increased blaTEM prevalence in wild boar, suggesting that spatial overlap may favor this transmission. Our results show a high level of AMR contamination in the study area that should be further investigated. However, a role of wild boar as a maintenance host of AMR strains emerged.

Prevalence of selected tick-borne pathogens in wild ungulates and ticks in southern Spain.

A survey study was carried out to assess the occurrence of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBP) in wild ungulates in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain. Spleen samples were collected from 1,132 wild ungulates, including 578 red deer, 269 wild boar, 135 mouflon, 121 fallow deer and 29 roe deer, between 2009 and 2015. Eighty-nine ticks collected from TBP-positive animals were also analysed. Samples were tested by PCR and sequenced whenever possible. TBP DNA was detected in 127 of 863 wild ruminants (14.7%; 95% CI: 12.4-17.3) including the following: Anaplasma phagocytophilum (9.2%), Babesia divergens (2.9%), Theileria sp. OT3 (1.7%), Borrelia afzelii (0.7%) and Theileria capreoli (0.2%), but no positive samples were detected in wild boar (0/269). All the strains from mouflon were identified as Theileria sp. OT3, while B.divergens and T.capreoli were mainly found in red deer. Co-infection with A.phagocytophilum and B.divergens, and A.phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. was detected in red deer and mouflon, respectively. The risk factor analysis showed that the prevalences of A.phagocytophilum and piroplasms were species-related. Eighty-nine tick specimens collected from ungulates found to be infected with the selected TBP were identified as Hyalomma lusitanicum (95.5%) and Ixodes ricinus (4.5%). Thirty ticks were positive for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. (33.7%), 25 for Babesia/Theileria (28.1%) and two for B.burgdorferi s.l. (2.3%). Eleven specimens showed co-infections with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and Babesia/Theileria (10.1%) or Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and B.burgdorferi s.l. (2.3%). The estimated prevalences obtained in the present study suggest the possible contribution of wild ruminants to the maintenance of some selected TBP in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain, while the role of wild boar in the epidemiology of these pathogens seems to be limited in this region.

О МЕХАНИЗМЕ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ЭНЗООТИЧНЫХ (ЭНДЕМИЧНЫХ) ЗОН ПО АФРИКАНСКОЙ ЧУМЕ СВИНЕЙ НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ РОССИИ

The Russian Federation is suffering from African swine fever since november 2007. The main problem with African swine fever on the territory of the Russian Federation is determined by the formed enzootic zones and partially external cases of the disease on the administrative territories of the non-enzootic zones. Despite the measures taken, the disease tends to spread annually. For the period 2007-2020, 1840 outbreaks of this disease were registered in Russia, including 1077 domestic pigs and 737 wild boars. From our opinion, Russia has a unique opportunity in natural conditions to study the stages of the formation of the enzootic zone in the North Caucasus region. This territory is compactly located: the Chechen Republic, the Republic of Ingushetia, the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, the Republic of Adygea, where population, with the exception of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, confess the Islamic religion, which prohibits pork consumption. In this article, based on the analysis of the epizootic situation from 2007-2020. an opinion was expressed on the mechanism of the formation of enzootic zones for African swine fever, as well as on the establishment of zones where the disease appears in order to introduce restrictive and prohibitive measures. The position on the role of wild boars in the formation of enzootic zones and the spread of infection was determined. The understanding of the mechanism of formation of enzootic zones is the basis for the development of effective measures to eradicate African swine fever in Russia.

Role of Wild Boar in the Spread of Classical Swine Fever in Japan.

Since September 2018, nearly 900 notifications of classical swine fever (CSF) have been reported in Gifu Prefecture (Japan) affecting domestic pig and wild boar by the end of August 2019. To determine the epidemiological characteristics of its spread, a spatio-temporal analysis was performed using actual field data on the current epidemic. The spatial study, based on standard deviational ellipses of official CSF notifications, showed that the disease likely spread to the northeast part of the prefecture. A maximum significant spatial association estimated between CSF notifications was 23 km by the multi-distance spatial cluster analysis. A space-time permutation analysis identified two significant clusters with an approximate radius of 12 and 20 km and 124 and 98 days of duration, respectively. When the area of the identified clusters was overlaid on a map of habitat quality, approximately 82% and 75% of CSF notifications, respectively, were found in areas with potential contact between pigs and wild boar. The obtained results provide information on the current CSF epidemic, which is mainly driven by wild boar cases with sporadic outbreaks on domestic pig farms. These findings will help implement control measures in Gifu Prefecture.

Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Livers and Muscle Tissues of Wild Boars in Italy.

In industrialized countries, hepatitis E is now recognized as an emerging zoonosis. Autochthonous cases have been increased over recent years in Europe and are mainly associated with HEV-3 infections. Pigs and wild boars are considered the main reservoirs of the zoonotic HEV-3 and HEV-4 genotypes. Over the past decade, the number of wild boars has drastically increased in Europe. Due to habitats closer to humans and domestic animals, the role of wild boar as a reservoir of the zoonotic HEV is considered to be an emerging issue. In this study, we investigated the presence of HEV RNA by a real-time RT-PCR assay in paired liver and muscle samples collected from 196 wild boars (Sus scrofa) hunted in the two areas of Central and Southern Italy. Twenty animals (10.2%) were HEV RNA positive in livers, 11 of which were also positive in muscles. The ORF2 and ORF1 partial viral sequences were obtained for nine paired livers and muscles, and when aligned were identical to each other. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed detection of different HEV-3 subtypes: 3c, 3f, 3i and some that were not assigned to any subtypes that have so far been identified. Results need further investigation because they are based on analyses of sequences of short genome regions. Nevertheless, we observed that the same strains were circulating in the wild boar populations from the two investigated areas, confirming persistence of the same HEV strains in the wild boar population over time.

Роль кабанов в распространении африканской чумы свиней на территории Владимирской области

Роль кабанов в распространении африканской чумы свиней на территории Владимирской области

Wild Boar: A Reservoir of Foodborne Zoonoses.

Wild boar populations around the world have increased dramatically over past decades. Climate change, generating milder winters with less snow, may affect their spread into northern regions. Wild boars can serve as reservoirs for a number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which are transmissible to humans and domestic animals through direct interaction with wild boars, through contaminated food or indirectly through contaminated environment. Disease transmission between wild boars, domestic animals, and humans is an increasing threat to human and animal health, especially in areas with high wild boar densities. This article reviews important foodborne zoonoses, including bacterial diseases (brucellosis, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, and yersiniosis), parasitic diseases (toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis), and the viral hepatitis E. The focus is on the prevalence of these diseases and the causative microbes in wild boars. The role of wild boars in transmitting these pathogens to humans and livestock is also briefly discussed.

Seroprevalence of Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, and Q Fever in a Wild Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Population Kept in a Fenced Reserve in Absence of Contact with Livestock

Wildlife health is of interest for public and animal health because wild animals have been identified as important sentinels for the surveillance for zoonotic pathogens. This work investigated Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, and Leptospira spp. infection seroprevalence in a free-ranging red deer population. The study was conducted in a fenced reserve with controlled hunting activity in central Spain with animals that did not have any contact with livestock. Sampling was performed at two time points before and 5 years after the implementation of new management measures, including a reduction in the red deer population in the reserve. In addition, the presence of Leptospira DNA was tested in placental and fetal samples from seropositive pregnant animals. Antibodies against Brucella and Coxiella were not detected in any sample. The seroprevalence of Leptospira was 9.4% (13/137) in the first sampling for serovars Canicola and Panama. Five years later, the prevalence rose to 38.5% (97/252) with Pomona, the only serovar detected. Animals older than 2 years (50%; 70/140) were more likely to be Pomona seropositive than animals ≤2 years old (25.2%; 27/107; p < 0.001). Leptospira DNA was not detected in any sample tested. In conclusion, wild red deer in this area without contact with livestock seem not to play an important role in Brucella spp. and C. burnetii maintenance. The high seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. serogroup Pomona could indicate a risk for people with narrow contact with these animals, but the carrier status was not assessed. Consequently, it is unknown if red deer would represent a risk for human infection. Considering that wild boar could be the source of infection to red deer, the role of wild boar in the spread of leptospirosis and the risk for human infection should be investigated.

Animal tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in Eurasian wild boar from Morocco

Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) is widespread in the northern third of Morocco, Northern Africa. We aimed to investigate the presence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in wild boar and to generate information on the possible host status in this region. M. bovis was isolated in six of 43 wild boars. Culture-positive samples yielded spoligotype number SB1627. Sixty percent of lung tissue specimens or tracheobronchial lymph node samples yielded positive culture. Two thirds (64 %) of the wild boar submitted for histopathology revealed tuberculosis-compatible lesions. These lesions were particularly frequent in lymph nodes (63 %) and in lung tissue samples (43 %). Ziehl-Neelsen staining did not identify acid-fast bacilli, indicating paucibacillary infections. Our results confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) infection in Moroccan wild boar. Regarding the host status of wild boar in this region, the often generalized lesion pattern suggests a possible role of wild boar as a component of the MTC maintenance host community. However, our information was limited to 43 wild boars from one specific region. Thus, further research is needed to assess the host status of wild boar in Morocco.

Exposure of extensively farmed wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa) to selected pig pathogens in Greece

Background: Increased density and distribution of wild boar populations are likely to promote interactions and transmission of certain pathogens, not only among wild boar but also from wild boar to livestock or humans and vice versa.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine seroprevalence against seven selected pathogens in wild boar living in four different areas in Greece.Animals and methods: In total, 359 serum samples were collected from extensively farmed wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) originating from four distinct geographical areas throughout Greece from April 2012 to August 2013. Samples were tested for antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, African swine fever virus (ASFV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Prevalence was compared among the four regions using Fisher's exact test.Results: Low overall seropositivities of 2.4% and 5.6% were detected for E. rhusiopathiae and PRRSV, respectively, higher ones for ADV (32.0%) and the highest (72.5% and 90.5%) for M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae, respectively. All sera tested were found negative for antibodies directed against CSFV and ASFV.Conclusions: This is the first report of exposure of wild boars to selected pig pathogens in Greece. These results are indicative of the circulation of these pathogens in Greece with the exception of CSFV and ASFV and suggestive of the potential role of wild boars on their maintenance and transmission to their domestic counterparts and vice versa.

First Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in Serum of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Northern Portugal by Nested-PCR.

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne zoonosis in the northern hemisphere. Several vertebrates are crucial in the epidemiological cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, but the role of wild boar as a reservoir is still unknown. Sera were collected from 90 wild boars shot in the Trás-os-Montes region, Northern Portugal (hunting season 2011/2012). In this study, Borrelia DNA was detected for the first time by nested-PCR in three different sera, suggesting that the wild boar may be a potential reservoir for this spirochete. Sequencing results show 100% similarity with Borrelia afzelii. Further studies are needed to evaluate the public health risks associated with boar hunting.

Molecular epidemiology of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from outbreaks of enzootic pneumonia in domestic pig and the role of wild boar

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the major cause of enzootic pneumonia (EP) in domestic pigs, a disease with low mortality but high morbidity, having a great economic impact for producers. In Switzerland EP has been successfully eradicated, however, sporadic outbreaks are observed with no obvious source. Besides the possibility of recurrent outbreaks due to persisting M. hyopneumoniae strains within the pig population, there is suspicion that wild boars might introduce M. hyopneumoniae into swine herds. To elucidate possible links between domestic pig and wild boar, epidemiological investigations of recent EP outbreaks were initiated and lung samples of pig and wild boar were tested for the presence of specific genotypes by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Despite generally different genotypes in wild boar, outbreak strains could be found in geographically linked wild boar lungs after, but so far not before the outbreak. Recurrent outbreaks in a farm were due to the same strain, indicating unsuccessful sanitation rather than reintroduction by wild boar. In another case outbreaks in six different farms were caused by the same strain never found in wild boar, confirming spread between farms due to hypothesized animal transport. Results indicate the presence of identical lineages of wild boar and domestic pig strains, and possible transmission of M. hyopneumoniae between wild boar and pig. However, the role of wild boar might be rather one as a recipient than a transmitter. More important than contact to wild boar for sporadic outbreaks in Switzerland is apparently persistence of M. hyopneumoniae within a farm as well as transmission between farms.

The role of wild boars in spore dispersal of hypogeous fungi

Wild boars (&lt;em&gt;Sus scrofa&lt;/em&gt; L.) are well-known for soil disturbance in natural and cultivated truffières but their role in spore dispersal is poorly investigated. In the present work we studied the occurrence of hypogeous fungal spores in faecal contents of 14 wild boars randomly hunted in “Parco dei Gessi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa” Regional Park (North of Italy) where truffle production has been previously investigated for three years. Six methods for spore analysis in faeces were compared and the suspension of faeces in ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; (70%) solution resulted to be the most reliable. Hypogeous fungal spores, including &lt;em&gt;Tuber magnatum&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Tuber aestivum&lt;/em&gt; spores, were detected in 9 animals. This result suggests that the detection of fungal spores in faeces of wild boars may provide information on the presence of hypogeous fungi in an area. However, the poor abundance of spores suggests that the wild boar can be considered an opportunistic mycophagist, ingesting truffles only occasionally, as a seasonal source of food. Considering the magnitude of wild boar movements during seasonal migrations, it is possible to speculate that they play a key role in truffle long distance dispersal.