Hunted Wild Boar Research Articles

Echinococcus granulosus complex infection in wild boar hunters and auxiliary hunting dogs

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease endemic in Italy, which perpetuates in several intermediate hosts, including wild boars, and dogs as definitive hosts. People living in rural and livestock-raising areas are exposed to E. granulosus s.l. infection, as well as people leading outdoor activities in endemic regions. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the exposure to Echinococcus spp. in wild boar hunters, the role of their hunting dogs as parasite reservoirs, along with hunter's knowledge on the infection risk.From December 2022 to May 2023, wild boar hunters (n = 122) from southern Italy were recruited on volunteer basis for blood and serum sampling and a questionnaire enquiring socio-demographic, anamnestic data and knowledge on CE was also filled out. Sera were tested for Echinococcus spp. IgG by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Euroimmun ELISA®, Germany). In addition, faecal samples from their hunting dogs (n = 208) were screened for Taeniidae eggs by parasitological and molecular approaches.Overall, six (4.9 %) hunters scored either positive or borderline for IgG anti-Echinococcus spp., of which one presented a calcified hepatic cyst at abdominal ultrasonography. In addition, 6.3 % Taeniidae prevalence was recorded in faecal samples (13/208) of hunting dogs, and E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was molecularly identified in two samples. The statistical analysis revealed the risk factors (odds ratio > 1, p < 0.05) associated with parasitic exposure, including the hunter geographical provenience, and the presence of animals around or in the house.The E. granulosus s.l. exposure of hunters herein detected, coupled with the parasite molecular positivity of their hunting dogs and the limited awareness on Echinococcus spp. life cycle/infection risk, highlight the relevance to promote health surveillance and educational programs within the hunting category, for minimizing the cestode circulation in the wildlife-urban premises.

Drivers of wild boar abundance and hunting effectiveness in southern Tunisia

Drivers of wild boar abundance and hunting effectiveness in southern Tunisia

Perceptions and practices of Swedish wild boar hunters in relation to African swine fever before the first outbreak in Sweden

BackgroundThe first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Sweden was detected in 2023 in wild boar. This study was conducted before the first ASF outbreak with the objective of investigating Swedish hunters’ perceptions and practices pertaining to ASF ahead of any potential future outbreak.A mixed-methods interview study with Swedish wild boar hunters, consisting of focus group discussions and a questionnaire, was undertaken between October 2020 and December 2021. Six focus groups were conducted online, and an online questionnaire with questions related to practices and habits concerning hunting, the use of bait and hunting trips was sent to all members of the Swedish Hunting and Wildlife Association. A total of 3244 responses were received.ResultsThree general themes were identified in a thematic analysis of the data from the focus groups: hunters are willing to engage in ASF prevention and control, simplicity and feasibility are crucial for the implementation of reporting, sampling and control measures, and more information and the greater involvement of the authorities are required in ASF prevention and control. Results from the questionnaire showed that the use of bait was common. Products of animal origin were rarely used for baiting; the most common product used was maize. Hunting trips abroad, especially outside of the Nordic countries, were uncommon.ConclusionsHunting tourism and the use of bait do not seem to constitute a major risk for the introduction of ASF to wild boar populations in Sweden. The accessibility of relevant information for each concerned stakeholder and the ease of reporting and sampling are crucial to maintain the positive engagement of hunters.

A methodological framework to characterize the wildlife-livestock interface: The case of wild boar in mainland Spain

BackgroundThe representation of wildlife-livestock interface (WLI) at an accurate spatial resolution poses several challenges. Furthermore, there is a lack of published material providing detailed descriptions of geospatial techniques for the purpose of producing visual results that are interpretable and contrastable for epidemiological analysis. ObjectivesOur aim is to develop a standardized, applicable, and scalable methodological framework for describing and characterizing the WLI across a large spatial extent. Subsequently, we aim to employ this framework to depict specific WLI based on different epidemiological scenarios determined by the abundance of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and domestic ungulates as an illustrative case, specifically focusing on mainland Spain. MethodsTo establish a methodological framework, we merged data from both wild and domestic sources into a hexagonal grid. We utilized data on wild boar hunting and the locations of pig, cattle, sheep, and goat farms in mainland Spain. New variables were derived from this combined dataset to illustrate the overlapping abundance between wild boar and domestic species. Finally, a cluster analysis of the generated variables was carried out, with the aim of distinguishing and characterizing various scenarios of the wild boar-domestic ungulate interface in mainland Spain. ResultsThe hexagonal grid proved appropriate to represent and evaluate the WLI at fine spatial resolution over such broad extent. Despite the inability to ascribe a dominant livestock type and production system to a specific region, we were able to identify fifteen main areas of interest in terms of overlap. As for extensive livestock, normally at the highest risk of interaction with wild boar, the primary regions in Spain were those with dehesa agroecosystem and the Atlantic areas. Certain scenarios were particularly relevant in terms of risk for interaction and subsequent transmission of disease, namely, the case of extensive pig production in south western Spain (dehesa agroecosystem), which is especially concerned about the potential introduction of African Swine fever (ASF) in the Country. Discussion and conclusionsWe provide a basis for visualizing and understanding of different WLI scenarios, which is extensible to other regions and interfaces, and automatable where precise source of data from wildlife and livestock are available. This spatial statistics framework enables the utilization of high-resolution data, ensuring consistency on uniform grids. This aligns with the needs of high-resolution disease dissemination models based on wildlife behaviour. Such aspects are crucial for developing risk assessment and improving strategies for the prevention, control, and eradication of shared priority emerging diseases at national and international levels, such as ASF.

Brucella spp. in Wildlife of the Lombardy Region, Northern Italy.

Surveillance data collected in the period 2017-20 for Brucella spp. in wildlife of the Lombardy Region in northern Italy were used to describe the exposure of the wildlife species to Brucella spp. in wild boar (Sus scrofa), European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), fallow deer (Dama dama), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Among the tested species, wild boar (n=6,440) showed the highest percentage of seropositive samples (5.9%). Notably, wild boars of perifluvial area of the Po River showed higher percentages of positivity than those of the pre-Alpine district. In addition, during the hunting season in 2018, 95 organs (uterus or testes, spleen, and submandibular lymph nodes) from wild boar of the perifluvial area of the Po River were collected for bacteriological examination. Brucella suis was isolated in culture from 18.9% of tested lymph nodes. These serological and microbiological results highlight the presence of B. suis in wild boar and suggest the importance of wild boar as a reservoir for B. suis. Comparison of the spatial distribution of Brucella-seropositive wild boars with the location of backyard swine farms revealed a higher chance of contact between the two populations only in the areas where the lower percentage of seropositive samples was observed. Conversely, the high percentage of seropositive samples observed in the Po River area coupled with positive microbiological cultures suggest a greater risk of infection for the humans directly or indirectly involved in wild boar hunting activity. These results may serve as a basis to establish sound wildlife management and to adopt education campaigns aimed at reducing the risk of human infection in people involved in wild boar hunting related activities.

Motivation and Habits of a Wild Boar-Hunting Community.

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widespread ungulate, the populations of which have recently increased throughout most of its range. This increase has caused negative impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and society. Nowadays, the wild boar is considered both a valuable game and a pest. Wildlife managers need to know the habits and motivations of wild boar hunters, a key stakeholder group, for effectively managing this controversial mammal. We carried out face-to-face interviews with 134 wild boar hunters in the Evros Prefecture, in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, northern Greece to determine their hunting habits and their motivation for hunting. Most hunters owned a hunting dog (84.3%), hunted in groups of eight to nine people for 48 days, traveled 60 km, stayed outdoors for 4 nights, and spent weekly EUR 61 on average in each hunting season. Two motivations for wild boar hunting were prominent among the hunters (assessed on a 5-point scale; 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree): a strong recreation motivation (hunting as a recreational activity; mean score 4.159 ± 1.144 SD) and a considerable utility motivation (hunting for its use values; 3.404 ± 1.11). Both recreation and utility motivations were positively associated with the preference for further increases in wild boar populations. Sociodemographic characteristics and hunting habits variously affected motivations and preferred future population trends. The findings revealed specific habits and strong motivations among hunters. Such findings will be useful for designing and implementing education and outreach programs for informing hunters about the negative impacts of wild boars and the need for their control. The participation of hunters in the management process will be critical for its success.

Pathogenic profile and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli, Escherichia marmotae and Escherichia ruysiae detected from hunted wild boars in Sardinia (Italy)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of E. coli in hunted wild boars in Sardinia (Italy) and to further characterize the isolates with Whole Genome Sequencing to assess the genetic relatedness and the presence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Samples were taken from 66 wild boars between 2020 and 2022 slaughtered in five hunting houses. A total of 181 samples were tested, including 66 samples from mesenteric lymph nodes, 66 samples from colon content and 49 samples from carcass surface. Isolates referable to Escherichia species were detected in all of the wild boars sampled. On a selection of 61 isolates, sequencing was conducted and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested. Among these, three isolates were confirmed to be two Escherichia marmotae (cryptic clade V) and one Escherichia ruysiae (cryptic clade III). E. coli pathotypes identified were UPEC (13 %), ExPEC-UPEC (5.6 %) and ETEC (3.7 %). Moreover, 3/6 E. marmotae isolates had typical ExPEC genes. Genetic similarity was observed in isolates collected from animals slaughtered in the same hunting house; this suggests epidemiological links deriving from the presence of animals infected with closely related strains or the result of cross-contamination. Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in three non-pathogenic E. coli isolates: one isolate had sul2, tet(B), aph(6)-ld and aph(3″)-lb resistance genes and two had the fosA7 gene. This study confirmed that wild boars can act as reservoirs and spreaders of pathogenic Escherichia species and it provides information for future comparative genomic analysis in wildlife. Although isolates showed a limited resistome, the detection of resistance in non-pathogenic isolates underlines the need to monitor antimicrobial resistance in the wild boar population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detection of E. mamotae and E. ruysiae isolates in wild boars in Italy and the presence of this pathogen in wildlife and livestock need to be investigated further.

Epidemiological analysis of African swine fever in the European Union during 2023.

In 2023, 14 Member States were affected by African swine fever (ASF), including Croatia and Sweden where ASF emerged (wild boar outbreaks only) and Greece where ASF re-emerged after being free since 2021. The number of ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs in the EU was five times higher than in 2022, reaching a similar magnitude to that in 2019. This was predominantly driven by the introduction and subsequent spread of ASF in Croatia and its resurgence in Romania, representing 96% of the EU outbreaks. ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs were clearly seasonal in all countries, with 88% of outbreaks reported between July and October. Most of the ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs were detected through clinical suspicion (94%), followed by tracing from affected establishments (3%), and the weekly testing of at least two dead pigs in establishments (3%). In wild boar, a 10% increase in the number of notified outbreaks was observed in the EU in comparison with 2022, with considerable variations between countries. A winter peak was observed only in Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The epidemiological situation in wild boar improved in Germany and Hungary, as suggested by the decrease in the number of outbreaks and in the proportions of PCR-positive samples from dead wild boar. Overall, 31% of wild boar carcasses found during passive surveillance tested positive by PCR, representing 69% of the ASF outbreaks in wild boar in the EU. In contrast, 0.4% of hunted wild boar tested positive, representing 31% of the outbreaks. Despite the introduction of ASF into new countries and the increase in the number of outbreaks, the size of restricted zones in the EU remained stable, due to the highly clustered outbreaks in Croatia, and the reduction of restricted zones in Poland, Slovakia and Bulgaria (in domestic pigs), and Hungary (in wild boar).

Rabies Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies in Free-Ranging Invasive Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Brazil.

Rabies, one of the most lethal global zoonoses, affects all mammals. It remains circulating worldwide in sylvatic cycles through terrestrial and airborne reservoirs, and in Brazil, bats are currently the main reservoirs and source of transmission. Wild boars, an important invasive alien species in Brazil, are a proven food source for hematophagous bats and may participate in the Brazilian sylvatic cycle of rabies. We evaluated the presence of this pathogen in hunted wild boars from the São Paulo state using histopathology, the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), viral isolation in cell culture (VICC), the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results of histopathological, DFA, VICC, and RT-qPCR analysis were negative for all samples; seven serum samples tested positive in the RFFIT, and titers ranged from 0.13 IU/mL to 0.5 IU/mL. The presence of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies in the studied wild boars suggests the circulation of the virus in these animals. Educative actions directed at hunters should include information on the prevention of this important zoonosis.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from hunted wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Switzerland.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli (STEC) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens of significant public health importance. While ruminants are considered the main reservoir, wild animals are increasingly acknowledged as carriers and potential reservoirs of STEC. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of STEC in a total of 59 faecal samples of hunted wild boars (Sus scrofa) from two different regions in Switzerland (canton Thurgau in northern Switzerland and canton Ticino in southern Switzerland), and to characterise the isolates using a whole genome sequencing approach. After an enrichment step, Shiga-toxin encoding genes (stx) were detected by real-time PCR in 41 % (95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) 0,29 - 0,53) of the samples, and STEC were subsequently recovered from 22 % (95 %CI 0,13 - 0,34) of the same samples. Seven different serotypes and six different sequence types (STs) were found, with O146:H28 ST738 (n = 4) and O100:H20 ST2514 (n = 4) predominating. Subtyping of stx identified isolates with stx1c/stx2b (n = 1), stx2a (n = 1), stx2b (n = 6), and stx2e (n = 6). No isolate contained the eae gene, but all harboured additional virulence genes, most commonly astA (n = 10), hlyE (n = 9), and hra (n = 9). STEC O11:H5, O21:H21, and O146:H28 harboured virulence factors associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), and STEC O100:H20 and O155:H26 possessed sta1 and/or stb and were STEC/enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) hybrid pathotypes. Our results show that wild boars are carriers of STEC which may be distributed in the environment, possibly leading to the contamination of agricultural crops and water sources. The serogroups included STEC O146 which belongs to the most common non-O157 serogroups associated with human illness in Europe, with implications for public health. Since Stx2e-producing STEC have frequently been reported in swine and pork, STEC O100:H20 harbouring stx2e in faeces of wild boars may be relevant to free-range systems of pig farming because of the potential risk of transmission events at thewildlife-livestock interface.

Does hunted wild boar meat meet modern consumer nutritional expectations?

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of hunted wild boar (WB) meat and compare them with those of meat from analogous domestic animals (pigs) reared in two different rearing systems: indoor-intensive (PI) and outdoor-extensive (PO). WB meat showed a lower amount of lipid content compared to pork and a higher antioxidant activity compared to PI and PO. The comparison of the fatty acid composition of WB and domestic pig reveals significant differences in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with WB having the highest PUFA level and the lowest SFA level. The omega 6/omega 3 (n-6/n-3) PUFA ratio, PUFA/SFA, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (AI and TI), as well as the hypocholesterolemic/ hypercholesterolemic index (h/H), were calculated. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was higher in pork independently of the rearing system. The PUFA/SFA ratio of WB meat was above the minimum ratio of 0.40 recommended to contribute to a reduction in the risk of coronary diseases in pork from both rearing systems. AI and TI were lower in WB meat compared to commercially reared pigs, while h/H was higher in WB in comparison with pork meat. WB meat shows good nutritional quality; therefore, the use of game meat as a food source could be appropriate and could benefit contemporary consumers looking for "green" and high-nutritional products.

The Effect of the Wild Boar Hunting System on Agricultural Damages: The North-East of Italy as a Case Scenario.

Hunting is a method commonly used in several European countries to reduce crop damages by wild boar Sus scrofa. However, results are still controversial and poorly treated. Using data on official claims (i.e., damages to crops) and wild boar local counts and hunting bags collected from 2019 to 2022, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of the hunting system (divided into eradication and non-eradication areas) carried out in the north-east of Italy on the number of agricultural damages. The spatio-temporal distribution of wild boar hunting, density and damages as well as the effect of hunting, were evaluated through the hotspot analysis and the zero-inflated models, respectively. The results obtained revealed no clear spatial overlap among wild boar hunting, wild boar density and damages to agriculture in both the eradication and non-eradication areas. Moreover, the current level of harvesting did not significantly affect the number of agricultural damages. A multifaceted approach focused on the numeric control of the species based on accurate local counts and oriented towards more age classes in a similar percentage should be preferred to mitigate damages to cultivars.

Dreadful fun or environmental management? Agreements and disagreements around wild boar hunting in Uruguay

ABSTRACT This work constitutes an approach to hunting management in Uruguay. We have focused on wild boar hunting, the most widespread form of recreational hunting in this country. We explored the connections and discrepancies between the different actors based on a qualitative study conducted with conservationists, animal rights groups, nature managers, and hunters. The informality of hunting and the lack of population studies on wildlife were the main concerns raised while hunting with dogs was the most controversial issue. These results allowed us to propose some potential management actions to improve hunting management: issuing a hunting license, regulating hunting with dogs, developing collaborative wildlife monitoring, promoting new technologies within the framework of ethical hunting, and developing a realistic and effective poaching control.

Trichinella spp. detection in hunted wild boar (Sus scrofa) diaphragm biopsies in Central Italy.

Trichinellosis is a globally diffused foodborne parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the Trichinella complex. During evolution, guided by ecological interactions, natural selection, and biochemical "intelligence", these parasites developed admirable strategies to infect the host's organism. One of the most fascinating is represented by the nurse cell formation in muscular tissue (e.g., diaphragm, skeletal muscle, extrinsic ocular muscles, etc.). This strategy allowed the parasite to adapt and conquer the wider host species spectrum, including ungulates and humans. Consumption of undercooked meat from infected wild ungulates constitutes the most important source of infection for the human species. In this study, we show the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in hunted wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Central Italy. During the hunting season 2021/2022 in the province of Rieti, 554 wild boar diaphragm biopsies were collected for Trichinella spp. screening, in accordance with Regulation EU 1375/2015. An artificial digestion method was used for the detection of Trichinella spp. larval forms. The results revealed a positivity of 0.18% (1/554), and molecular biology identification demonstrated the presence of Trichinella britovi in the positive sample. This species is the most diffused in wild ungulate populations in Central Italy and the most frequently isolated in human patients with trichinellosis from this area, showing a close epidemiological relation between Homo sapiens and Sus scrofa for Trichinella spp. diffusion in an ecosystem. Epidemiological surveillance, in receptive animal species destined for human consumption and at any One Health level, represents the main "winning" strategy in the control of this worldwide, widespread foodborne parasitic disease.

First Serologic Survey of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in Wild Boars Hunted for Private Consumption in Portugal.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a relevant zoonotic infectious agent causing swine erysipelas (SE) in wild boar. In Portugal, there is no information on its occurrence. For this reason, this study aims to perform a first serosurvey of SE in hunted wild boars in Portugal. During the 2019/2020 hunting season, 111 sera from hunted wild boar were collected and analysed serologically in the laboratory with a commercial ELISA kit. No animals were eviscerated and examined after the hunt. The hunters took it all for private consumption. The results identified 18 animals that were exposed to SE, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 16.2% (95% CI: 19.9-24.4%). No statistical significance was observed on the effect of gender and age on seropositivity. However, wild boar hunted in Pinhel County, had five times more likely to be seropositivity (p-value < 0.05; OD = 5.4). Apart from its potential debilitating capacity and chronicity in the wild boar population, SE is also a very serious occupational zoonosis. Thus, the result of this first serosurvey in Portugal should raise awareness and alert competent national veterinary authorities and those involved in the hunting sector, especially hunters who directly handle these carcasses. Further studies should be conducted to better understand the role of wild boar as a reservoir and spillover of this disease to other animals and humans.

African Swine Fever in Wild Boar: German Hunters' Perception of Surveillance and Control-A Questionnaire Study.

Since the first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar in Germany in 2020, the disease has primarily affected the wild boar population in the eastern part of the country close to the border with Poland. Local hunters play a crucial role in implementing surveillance and control. To evaluate their perceptions of existing control measures and analyze regional differences between hunters from ASF-affected and non-affected regions, a questionnaire study was conducted among the German hunting community. Hunters from non-affected areas held a more optimistic view regarding the effectiveness of control measures compared to hunters from affected areas. However, control measures that hinder hunting were generally perceived as ineffective. Measures that collided with hunters' understanding of fair hunting practices were regarded as controversial. Financial incentives and reducing bureaucracy were the most favored approaches to increase hunters' participation. Moreover, the possibility of eating or selling the meat of hunted wild boar and the provision of infrastructure for implementing ASF control were considered motivating. Thus, this study highlights the importance of compensating hunters and addressing their concerns to maintain their engagement in ASF control. To enhance compliance with controversial measures, thoughtful communication and raising awareness are essential.

Interactions of Artistic Expressions with Spatial Contexts in the Isolo Performance of Sentani Tribe, Putali Village, Indonesia

This study examines the connection between the artistic expression of Isolo and the spatial context of the Sentani Tribe of Putali Village, Papua, Indonesia. The analysis focuses on revealing the mutual influence between the artistic expression of Isolo and the spatial context of the Sentani Tribe of Putali Village and how the artistic elements in Isolo contain important values in the local cultural system. It employs a qualitative case study methodology. Observation of the 2023 Lake Sentani Festival at Khalkote Pier, Papua, interviews with Sentani Tribal cultural experts and local government officials, and visual documentation of performances were used to collect data. It employs Rapoport's concept of Environment Behavior Study (EBS) and Barthes' concept of semiotics. The research findings demonstrate, among other things, that Isolo's artistic expression and the spatial context of Putali Village have a reciprocal relationship. The artistic expression of the Sentani Putali Tribe derives from the symbolization of cultural, social, and environmental factors. In the meantime, Isolo's artistic expression can inspire social change by establishing and enhancing art studios and strengthening internal and external social relations. Second, it demonstrates that Isolo's artistic expression at the Lake Sentani Festival in 2023 reflects the cultural identity of the Sentani Tribe of Putali Village and carries on the tradition of sustainable wild boar hunting. As the cultural identity of the Sentani Tribe, Isolo's artistic expression reflects the cultural values of unity, brotherhood, environmental preservation, and simplicity. These findings can be used to improve awareness of how individuals perceive their local spatial context.

Risk of African swine fever incursion into the Netherlands by wild boar carcasses and meat carried by Dutch hunters from hunting trips abroad

After the first introduction of African swine fever (ASF) in the European Union in 2014, the ASF virus (ASFV) has steadily spread in the European Union. The virus has occasionally been transmitted over unexpectedly large distances that are believed to be related to human-mediated spread. Hunting tourism has been mentioned as a potential contributor to these long-distance jumps, although evidence is lacking. In this study, the possible role of hunters carrying ASFV-contaminated wild boar products (WBP) from hunting trips in affected countries was evaluated. A quantitative risk model was developed to estimate the expected annual number of ASF exposures of wild boar and domestic pigs in the Netherlands via this introduction route. Main input data into the model were the ASF prevalence in hunted wild boar, the number and destination of hunting trips of Dutch hunters, and the probabilities that hunters take WBP home and dispose leftovers such that wild boar or domestic pigs have access. The model indicated that the total expected annual number of exposures (wild boar and domestic pigs together) in the Netherlands is 0.048 (95% uncertainty interval 7.5 × 10−3 – 0.15). Model results were most sensitive to uncertainty on leftovers fed to domestic pigs (swill feeding), which is an illegal practice. Uncertainties on the ASF prevalence of hunted wild boar and the probabilities that hunters take WBP home also impacted model results. Default model results were based on the 2019 situation. Alternative scenarios were run with the model to account for the change of ASF status of Belgium (recovery of ASF-free status) and Germany (ASF-infected) in 2020. Results indicated that especially the presence of ASF in Germany increased the incursion risk. However, this increase might be counteracted by a change in travel behavior of hunters.

Eleven Years of Health Monitoring in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy).

In recent years, the growth of wild ungulates has increased the focus on their health monitoring. In particular, the health status of wild boars is relevant for the economic impact on the pig industry. The Emilia-Romagna region activated a wildlife monitoring plan to better evaluate the health status of the wild boar population. Between 2011 and 2021, samples of found dead and hunted wild boar have been examined for trichinellosis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, african swine fever, classical swine fever, Aujeszky's disease, swine vesicular disease, and swine influenza A. Trichinella britovi was identified in 0.001% of the examined wild boars; neither M. bovis nor M. tuberculosis were found in M. tuberculosis complex positive samples; 2.3% were positive for Brucella suis; 29.4% of the sera were positive for Aujeszky's disease virus; and 0.9% of the samples were positive for swine influenza A virus. With an uncertain population estimate, the number of animals tested, the number of positives, and the sampling method do not allow us to make many inferences but suggest the need to implement and strengthen the existing surveillance activity, as it seems to be the only viable alternative for safeguarding animal and human health.

Do Seropositive Wild Boars Pose a Risk for the Spread of African Swine Fever? Analysis of Field Data from Latvia and Lithuania.

In 2020, ASF occurred in wild boars throughout Latvia and Lithuania, and more than 21,500 animals were hunted and tested for the presence of the virus genome and antibodies in the framework of routine disease surveillance. The aim of our study was to re-examine hunted wild boars that tested positive for the antibodies and negative for the virus genome in the blood (n = 244) and to see if the virus genome can still be found in the bone marrow, as an indicator of virus persistence in the animal. Via this approach, we intended to answer the question of whether seropositive animals play a role in the spread of the disease. In total, 2 seropositive animals out of 244 were found to be positive for the ASF virus genome in the bone marrow. The results indicate that seropositive animals, which theoretically could also be virus shedders, can hardly be found in the field and thus do not play an epidemiological role regarding virus perpetuation, at least not in the wild boar populations we studied.