Hunted Wild Boar Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella in Hunted Wild Boars from Two Different Regions in Switzerland.

Simple SummaryWild boars are widely distributed in the northern and southern wooded regions of Switzerland and are popular for their meat. Wild boars can carry a variety of parasites, bacteria, and viruses that could infect humans and domestic animals. In this study, we focused on two important pathogens, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the bacterium Salmonella. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests to detect antibodies to these pathogens in diaphragm tissue samples from hunted wild boars from two different regions of Switzerland. While the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was similar for animals from the northern and southern region (29% and 37%, respectively), Salmonella seropositivity was very much higher in wild boars from the northern area (52%) than among animals from the south (5%). This may be related to the wild boar density, which may in turn be a risk factor for domestic animals and humans living in the same area. Pathogens in wild boars are of public health significance as a potential source of meat-borne diseases in humans.Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella are zoonotic foodborne pathogens that may be transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, including game. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Salmonella antibodies in wild boars in two different regions in Switzerland. During the hunting season of 2020, a total of 126 diaphragm muscle samples of hunted wild boars were collected and the meat juice of these samples was analysed for pathogen-specific IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The overall seroprevalences were 35% for T. gondii and 17% for Salmonella, respectively. In general, seropositivity increased with the age of the animals. Seroprevalences of T. gondii were similar for animals from the northern region (29%) to those from the southern region (36.8%), indicating that T. gondii is widespread in the sylvestrian environment. By contrast, Salmonella seropositivity was remarkably higher in wild boars from the north (52%) compared with those from the south (5.3%). The high occurrence of Salmonella may represent a risk of transmission to compatriot domestic animals such free-range farmed pigs as well as to humans. Further, meat of hunted wild boars may present a source of human toxoplasmosis or salmonellosis.

The Association between Palmer Drought Severity Index Data and Tuberculosis-like Lesions Occurrence in Mediterranean Hunted Wild Boars.

Simple SummaryClimate is one of the most influential factors in the dynamics of tuberculosis in the Mediterranean Iberic wildlife population. In this study, we aim to address how drought as a risk factor influences the occurrence of Tuberculosis-like lesions (TBL) in wild boar inspected in the field. With this focus, our study contributes to pointing out the importance of periods of drought in the increased TBL occurrence in wild boars inspected in the field in the subsequent season. The results of our study allow hunting managers to be advised, in advance, on whether they should adopt extra protective measures when they are aware of the presence of periods of drought. This climate trait can become an alert sign for increased TBL occurrence in the following season, allowing for the implementation of a feasible, timely, and effective measures to control TB in the wild boar population.In the Iberian Peninsula, the prevalence of tuberculosis differs for each region and for different wild disease hosts and the region affected by a Mediterranean climate will be the most affected. The Mediterranean Iberic regions have a favourable ecosystem for the development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex agents, where habitat, population dynamics, and climate (especially drought) are important factors affecting the high prevalence of tuberculosis in the wild boar population. Our objective was to study the association between the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the occurrence of tuberculosis-like lesions (TBL) in wild boar during nine hunting seasons (2008/09 to 2016/17) in Idanha-a-Nova County. To this end, statistical analysis revealed a significant association (p < 0.05) between the occurrence of TBL in wild boar in Idanha-a-Nova County and the analysed risk factor—previous season with periods of drought—which indicated that, when one season experiences some periods of drought, the probability of TBL occurrence in wild boars was 1.2 (OR = 1.2) times higher in the next hunting season than when there were no periods of drought. Therefore, our study contributes to the discovery of a positive effect of periods of drought on the transmission of tuberculosis in Iberian wildlife.

Improving Hunted Wild Boar Carcass Hygiene: Roles of Different Factors Involved in the Harvest Phase.

Game meat production strongly differs from that of other meats, as peculiar factors present in the field and in the steps prior to transfer to a game-handling establishment can influence the hygiene of the carcasses and, therefore, of the meat. The effects of such factors were considered in hunted wild boars based on the main hygienic criteria adopted in meat processing. Environmental, animal, and hunting conditions were studied during two selective hunting seasons in Central Italy. A total of 120 hunted wild boar carcasses were sampled after the skinning process and analyzed for aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae count, and Salmonella spp. isolation. The calculated mean values for aerobic colony and Enterobacteriaceae counts were 3.66 and 2.05 CFU/cm2, respectively, in line with the limits set for the meat of other ungulates by EU legislation. Salmonella spp. showed a prevalence of 2.5% (IC 95%: 1.72–3.27%). Statistical analysis of the data performed with the AIC criterion showed that the main parameter to consider for improving the hygienic level of carcasses is to reduce the time in the refrigerator before skinning, followed by hunting on cold days (<10 °C) without rain, hunting animals <60 kg, and reducing the time between shooting and evisceration.

Efficient use of harvest data: a size‐class‐structured integrated population model for exploited populations

Many animal populations are subject to hunting or fishing in the wild. Detailed knowledge of demographic parameters (e.g. survival, reproduction) and temporal dynamics of such populations is crucial for sustainable management. Despite their relevance for management decisions, structure and size of exploited populations are often not known, and data limited. Recently, joint analysis of different types of demographic data, such as population counts, reproductive data and capture–mark–recapture data, within integrated population models (IPMs) has gained much popularity as it may allow estimating population size and structure, as well as key demographic rates, while fully accounting for uncertainty. IPMs built so far for exploited populations have typically been built as age‐structured population models. However, the age of harvested individuals is usually difficult and/or costly to assess and therefore often not available. Here, we introduce an IPM structured by body size classes, which allows making efficient use of data commonly available in exploited populations for which accurate information on age is often missing. The model jointly analyzes size‐at‐harvest data, capture–mark–recapture–recovery data and reproduction data from necropsies, and we illustrate its applicability in a case study involving heavily hunted wild boar. This species has increased in abundance over the last decades despite intense harvest, and the IPM analysis provides insights into the roles of natural mortality, body growth, maturation schedules and reproductive output in compensating for the loss of individuals to hunting. Early maturation and high reproductive output contributed to wild boar population persistence despite a strong hunting pressure. We thus demonstrate the potential of size‐class‐structured IPMs as tools to investigate the dynamics of exploited populations with limited information on age, and highlight both the applicability of this framework to other species and its potential for follow‐up analyses highly relevant to management.

Epidemiological analysis of African swine fever in the European Union (September 2019 to August 2020).

An update on the African swine fever (ASF) situation in the 10 affected Member States (MS) in the EU and in two neighbouring countries from the 1 September 2019 until the 31 August 2020 is provided. The dynamics of the proportions of PCR‐ and ELISA‐positive samples since the first ASF detection in the country were provided and seasonal patterns were investigated. The impact of the ASF epidemic on the annual numbers of hunted wild boar in each affected MS was investigated. To evaluate differences in the extent of spread of ASF in the wild boar populations, the number of notifications that could be classified as secondary cases to a single source was calculated for each affected MS and compared for the earliest and latest year of the epidemic in the country. To evaluate possible risk factors for the occurrence of ASFV in wild boar or domestic pigs, a literature review was performed. Risk factors for the occurrence of ASF in wild boar in Romanian hunting grounds in 2019 were identified with a generalised linear model. The probability to find at least one PCR‐confirmed ASF case in wild boar in a hunting ground in Romania was driven by environmental factors, wild boar abundance and the density of backyard pigs in the hunting ground area, while hunting‐related variables were not retained in the final model. Finally, measures implemented in white zones (ASF‐free zones that are geographically adjacent to an area where ASF is present in wild boar) to prevent further spread of ASF were analysed with a spatially, explicit stochastic individual‐based model. To be effective, the wild boar population in the white zone would need to be drastically reduced before ASF arrives at the zone and it must be wide enough. To achieve the necessary pre‐emptive culling targets of wild boar in the white zone, at the start of the establishment, the white zone should be placed sufficiently far from the affected area, considering the speed of the natural spread of the disease. This spread is faster in denser wild boar populations. After a focal ASF introduction, the white zone is always close to the infection hence pre‐emptive culling measures in the white zone must be completed in short term, i.e. in a few months.

Crop damage by wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) depending on the crop composition in Central-Eastern Poland

The aim of this study was to analyse the damage caused by wild boar Sus scrofa to crop fields located in the central-eastern Poland in relation with the crop composition. A significant increase in the grassland area and in the area under cultivation of total cereals, vegetables, fruit, and root crops (p ≤ 0.05) was revealed on the study area. The volume of damage caused to legumes, industrial plants, vegetables, and fruit increased simultaneously with the increase in the surface area under these plant groups (p ≤ 0.05). The compensation payment has markedly positively correlated with the damaged area of grassland, cereals, maize, root crops, legumes and an increase in the total damage (p ≤ 0.05). The number of compensations has a significant effect on the number of wild boars harvested on the studied areas (p ≤ 0.05). The number of wild boars and the number of harvested wild boars were strongly negatively correlated with the area of maize cultivation (p ≤ 0.05). The level of wild boar hunting increased markedly simultaneously with the increase in the damage caused by these animals (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, it was shown that the number of harvested wild boars increased considerably with the increase in the number of wild boars on the study area (p ≤ 0.05). The level of damage to cereals, maize, and industrial plants decreased significantly with an increase in the total area and forest area in the study territory (p ≤ 0.05). Keywords: Sus scrofa, impact on crops, damage, recommendations

Presence and Characterization of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in Wild Boar Hunting Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Tuscany (Italy).

Simple SummaryWildlife is an important reservoir for several zoonotic pathogens, and wild animals can contribute to disease transmission to humans or domestic animals via direct or indirect contact. In the One Health approach, the role of wildlife and the wild environment in the maintenance and spread of zoonoses has great importance. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) employed in wild boar hunts may be a good indicator to evaluate this. This investigation reports the presence of Leptospira spp. and antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica in wild boar hunting dogs in the Tuscany region (Italy). The results obtained suggest that wildlife may be the source of pathogens detected in dogs; indeed, all pathogens may be carried by wild animals, in particular wild boar. This investigation highlights the possible risk for dogs connected to work activities. Furthermore, considering that humans could be exposed to the same pathogens during outdoor activities, constant monitoring seems necessary to evaluate the transmission risk.Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) used for wild boar (Sus scrofa) hunting may represent incidental hosts for several zoonotic pathogens. This investigation aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence of Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, and Listeria monocytogenes in sera and rectal swabs collected from 42 domestic hunting dogs in the Tuscany region (Italy). Regarding Leptospira, 31 out of 42 serum samples (73.8%) were positive and serogroup Pomona was the most detected (71.4%) at titers between 1:100 and 1:400. Four Salmonella isolates (9.52%) were obtained, all belonging to serotype Infantis; two of them showed antimicrobial resistance to streptomycin, while pipB and sopE presence was assessed in all but one isolate. Concerning Yersinia enterocolitica, seven isolates (16.7%) were obtained, six belonging to biotype 1 and one to biotype 4. Resistance to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, cephalothin, and ampicillin was detected. Biotype 4 presented three of the virulence genes searched (ystA, ystB, inv), while isolates of biotype 1 showed only one gene. No Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from dog rectal swabs. The results suggest that hunting dogs are exposed to different bacterial zoonotic agents, potentially linked to their work activity, and highlight the possible health risks for humans.

No evidence for African swine fever virus DNA in haematophagous arthropods collected at wild boar baiting sites in Estonia.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly pathogenic viral disease affecting all Suidae, with Ornithodoros moubata complex soft ticks acting as the biological arthropod vectors of the causative agent, African swine fever virus (ASFV). While ASFV is also transmissible via direct contact, pig products and fomites, other arthropods may be involved in virus transmission and persistence. Therefore, we checked various groups of blood-feeding arthropods collected during summer 2017 in wild boar habitats on the Estonian Island of Saaremaa for the presence of ASFV. Saaremaa had the highest ASF infection prevalences in Estonia in 2017, with an incidence of 9% among hunted wild boar. In addition to ASFV, we tested for other selected pathogens. In total, 784 ticks, 6,274 culicoid biting midges, 77 tabanids and 757 mosquitoes were tested as individuals or pools. No ASFV-DNA was found in any of them although about 20% of the tick samples tested positive for swine DNA. By contrast, tick-borne encephalitis virus-RNA was detected in one out of 37 tick pools (2.7%) and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.-DNA in 20 individual ticks and 17 tick pools (25.2% of all samples). No Schmallenberg virus was detected in the Culicoides specimens. In conclusion, we found no evidence for Ixodes ricinus ticks, Culicoides punctatus and Obsoletus complex biting midges, Aedes spp., Anopheles spp. and Culiseta annulata mosquitoes, and Haematopota pluvialis tabanids playing a role in ASFV transmission in the wild boar population in Estonia.

Disentangling Individual Phases in the Hunted vs. Farmed Meat Supply Chain: Exploring Hunters' Perceptions in Italy.

The growing body of literature concerning the hunted wild game meat (HWGM) supply chain is mainly focused on the final consumer, while little is known about upstream production processes. Even though the hunter plays a central role here, it is not well understood how hunters themselves perceive their role in the various phases of the production process. The present study explores Italian hunters’ perception of the HWGM supply chain and compares it to their perception towards the conventional farmed meat supply chain. We distinguish several phases of this production process and find that the final phase related to on-site game dressing is considered problematic, perhaps because hunters perceive themselves as less skilled than professional butchers. The results, in fact, show that hunters prefer hunted products over farmed meat, but that they consider hunted wild boar meat less safe compared to farmed pork. Findings from this study provide a rare glimpse from the inside of the supply chain and reveals the needs for a broad risk assessment analysis on the Italian game meat supply chain. Considering the development of the Italian emerging market of the HWGM, our results also highlight the relevance of training activities on hunters in order to increase the safety and quality of the final product.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from the State of São Paulo, Brazil: Serology, molecular characterization, and hunter's perception on toxoplasmosis.

The consumption of wild boar meat, common in many countries, became popular in Brazil after the hunting of these animals was authorized in 2013. The meat of these animals is often consumed by hunters and their social groups, and their offal is occasionally used as supplemental food in the diet of hunting dogs. Given the high frequency of foodborne diseases related to wild boar meat consumption in other countries, including toxoplasmosis, knowledge on these diseases is essential for risk assessment and elaboration of education campaigns for the exposed public. Thus, this study aimed diagnosing, isolating, and genotyping Toxoplasma gondii in hunted wild boars. For that, we obtained samples of serum and tissues (brain, tongue, diaphragm, and heart) from 26 wild boar hunted in three areas in São Paulo State, Brazil, based on convenience sampling strategy. The serum samples were submitted to the indirect immunofluorescence reaction test (IFAT) test while the tissue samples (n=22) were used to perform a bioassay in mice to isolate the parasite. The isolated samples were genetically characterized by PCR-RFLP with SAG1, 5' and 3' SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico markers. Questionnaires were also formulated and applied to wildlife hunters to assess knowledge about toxoplasmosis. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 76.9% (20/26), with titers ranging from 16 to 1024. Viable parasites accounted for 4.5% (1/22) of the samples. The ToxoDB #6 genotype of TgJava1 alone was detected. Most interviewed hunters, 84.2% (16/19) consume game meat and a few of them (15.7%; 3/19) prefer undercooked meat. Also, 15.7% (3/19) of the hunters reported supplementing their hunting dogs' diet with wild boar meat and/or offal. As antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 76.9% (20/26) of the studied wild boars, we concluded that infection by T. gondii is frequent in wild boars used for human and animal consumption in the studied areas. Although genotype #6 is commonly found in Brazil in domestic animals, wild animals, and humans, causing everything from mild clinical symptoms to death, this study found, for the first time, the detection of this genotype in wild boars. These results also reaffirm the importance of these animals as a possible source of T. gondii infection for humans and domestic animals.

Age- and sex-dependent vigilance behaviour modifies social structure of hunted wild boar populations

Abstract Context Human activities in general, and hunting in particular, often have significant impacts on the behaviour of wildlife through the anti-predator behaviours they evoke. Wild boar populations are rapidly expanding worldwide and their population densities are increasing. Aims To examine hunting effects in combination with different land-use factors on the behaviour and social structure of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Israel. Specifically, to examine differences in vigilant behaviour and social structure in agricultural areas (hunting permitted) and nature reserves (hunting prohibited). Methods Motion-triggered cameras were installed to record wild boars’ social structure and vigilance behaviour along movement trails. Age and sex of individual wild boars were identified, as were the size and structure of their social groups, and hunting in each of the studied areas was quantified. Key results Results indicated significant differences in the vigilance behaviour of wild boars between agricultural areas and nature reserves. In agricultural areas, adult females were significantly more vigilant (P &lt; 0.001) compared with adult males (P = 0.150). Additionally, in these areas there were significantly more adult males and fewer females leading family groups (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, male yearlings were significantly more vigilant in agricultural areas (P &lt; 0.001) compared with female yearlings (P = 0.164). Male yearlings tended to roam significantly more with family groups in agricultural areas compared with nature reserves, where they tended to roam alone or in groups (P = 0.029, P = 0.035). Conclusions These results indicate social and behavioural differences in wild boars between agricultural areas and nature reserves, suggesting that hunting may have a substantial impact on their social structure and behaviour. Implications Overall, the findings support the behavioural and social consequences of human hunting. Long-term implications of altered behavioural and social responses should be considered in management and conservations strategies. For instance, the high proportion of male yearlings in family groups in agricultural areas in autumn (October–December, mating season) may offer young males early access to reproductive females, even within the same social group. This may eventually lead to an increase in the reproductive potential of female wild boars.

Improving models of wild boar hunting yield distribution: new insights for predictions at fine spatial resolution

ENETWILD consortium has developed methodologies for modelling wild boar abundance distribution based on hunting yield (HY) data. Although the methodologies reached an acceptable reliability, when models were downscaled to higher spatial resolution the predictions of absolute numbers of hunted animals tended to overprediction. Some important issues such as HY-surface relationship and the spatial autocorrelation of HY data or the accuracy of downscaled predictions were not fully addressed yet due to the complexity of dealing with huge datasets at a European scale. In this report we (i) explored the use of hunted wild boar densities (numbers of hunted wild boar relative to surface) instead of raw counts (numbers of hunted animals) as response variable, and (ii) introduced intrinsic Conditional Auto-Regressive models (iCAR) taking into account spatial autocorrelation. Using simulations and actual wild boar data, these new actions were aimed to produce high resolution predictions (2x2 km grid) with higher accuracy. We assessed model fitting in two different regions in Europe with high quality resolution HY data: Aragón autonomous region (North East Spain, belonging to South Bioregion as defined by ENETWILD) and the whole country of Slovenia (East Bioregion). We found that the marked overprediction, as observed in previous reports when models were downscaled, was now controlled by using hunted wild boar densities as response variable. Additionally, higher accuracy in model predictions was reached when iCAR approach was used to control for spatial autocorrelation. This high accuracy was maintained even when high resolution predictions were aggregated and compared to actual wild boar HY. These approaches should be considered in future models and represent an important step forward to model the distribution of wild boar abundance and other wildlife at high resolution over Europe.

African swine fever in the Lithuanian wild boar population in 2018: a snapshot

The first cases of African swine fever (ASF) were detected in the Lithuanian wild boar population in 2014. Since then, the disease spread slowly through the whole country, affecting both, wild boar and domestic pigs. In the other Baltic states, which both are also affected by ASF since 2014, the recent course of ASF prevalence suggests that the countries might be well under way of disease elimination. In contrast, in Lithuania the epidemic seems to be still in full progress. In the present study, we aimed to extend a previous prevalence study in Lithuania. Looking at ASF virus (ASFV) and seroprevalence estimates of wild boar in all months of 2018 and in all affected municipalities in Lithuania, the course of ASF was evaluated on a temporal and spatial scale. A non-spatial beta-binomial model was used to correct for under- or overestimation of the average prevalence estimates. Within 2018 no big differences between the prevalence estimates were seen over time. Despite of the lower sample size, highest ASFV prevalence estimates were found in dead wild boar, suggesting higher detection rates through passive surveillance than through active surveillance. Accordingly, with the maximum prevalence of 87.5% in May 2018, the ASFV prevalence estimates were very high in wild boar found dead. The number of samples originating from hunted animals (active surveillance) predominated clearly. However, the ASFV prevalence in those animals was lower with a maximum value of 2.1%, emphasizing the high value of passive surveillance. A slight increase of the seroprevalence in hunted wild boar could be seen over time. In the center of Lithuania, a cluster of municipalities with high ASFV and seroprevalence estimates was found. The results of the study indicate that ASFV is still circulating within the Lithuanian wild boar population, constituting a permanent risk of disease transmission into domestic pig holdings. However, additional, more recent data analyses are necessary to re-evaluate the course of ASF in Lithuania and thus, to be able to make a statement about the stage of the ASF epidemic in the country. This is of huge importance for Lithuania for evaluating control measures and their efficacy, but also for neighbouring countries to assess the risk of disease spread from Lithuania.

Evolution of the ASF Infection Stage in Wild Boar Within the EU (2014-2018).

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important emerging transboundary diseases of pigs, causing trade restrictions, and a health impact on susceptible pigs. Nine countries in the continental European Union (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, Romania, and Hungary) have been affected by ASF from 2014 to 2018 and it keeps spreading despite the efforts to control it. For a number of years, we have witnessed high case-fatality rates in wild boar found dead particularly in new infected areas, which is typical of the peracute and acute forms of the infection at the beginning of an ASF epidemic. Experimental evidence with currently circulating strains indicates that some infected animals can remain asymptomatic and might even survive the infection. An increased presence of virus of moderate virulence can complicate ASF diagnosis as well as the mitigation and control of the disease. We analyze the ASF surveillance data in wild boar in the four EU countries where ASF has been present for longer, comparing the spatial density of antibody positive notifications with the time ASF has been present per region. Results indicate an increasing annual distribution of notifications based on antibodies over nucleic acid detection in hunted wild boar in Estonia, Latvia and Poland. Potentially, Lithuania, and Poland seem to have experienced more acute forms in 2017 and 2018 than Latvia and Estonia. Overall there was a positive statistical correlation between time with infection (TWI) and antibody positive density, with some variations in certain regions, particularly of Lithuania and Estonia. The increasing trend in potential survivors (hunted wild boar with confirmed PCR negative and antibody positive results) enhances the importance of surveillance design to sample and test shot wild boar. In conclusion, surveillance data based on ASFV detection by PCR and serology can be used to assess the status of the epidemic in wild boar.

Polymorphism of the alpha-1-fucosyltransferase (FUT1) gene in several wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in France and link to edema disease

Background:In 2013, an outbreak of edema disease in a population of wild boars (Sus scrofa) took place. This was the first described case as reported worldwide. An enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (presenting the Stx2e and F18 virulence factors) is the main pathogen for this disease in wild boar. The alpha-1-fucosyltransferase gene (FUT1) has been identified as the gene regulating the expression of the receptor for E. coli stx2e F18 bacteria in domestic pigs affected by the disease. The genotypic frequencies of the FUT1 gene in European wild boars have not yet been investigated. The genotypes of wild boars for this gene were determined in four French departments with or without edema diseases cases. ResultsAll of the wild boars analyzed had a genotype susceptible to the disease (GG or AG). The recessive, resistant A allele was found for the first time in wild boars, but in a very small proportion of individuals (7/222). No statistical differences were found between healthy hunted wild boars versus wild boars found dead by edema disease or among the four French departments. ConclusionsThese results suggest that further mortality due to edema disease remains possible in wild boars in France.

The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Boars from Three Voivodeships in Poland, MAT Analyses

PurposeThe European wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a popular game animal species. Its meat, however, can represent a reservoir of dangerous foodborne diseases and can play an important role in the transmission of many pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, in humans and animals worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antibodies to T. gondii in the serum of hunted wild boars in Poland.MethodsUsing the commercial direct agglutination test, 398 serum samples collected during the hunting season 2009/2010 were tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies, and the titre of 40 was considered indicative of T. gondii infection in analysed samples.ResultsIt was found that nationwide, 37.7% were seropositive to T. gondii, although seroprevalence varied from 11.6 to 50% depending on the Voivodeship. Significant differences were observed between the Great Poland and Lubusz Voivodeships and between Great Poland and Warmian-Masurian.ConclusionSerological test indicated widespread exposure to T. gondii by wild boar; therefore, consumption of raw or undercooked game meat of infected animals can carry a significant risk of T. gondii infection.

Metagenomic Analysis of Acquired Antibiotic Resistance Determinants in the Gut Microbiota of Wild Boars (Sus Scrofa) - Preliminary Results.

IntroductionLand application of manure that contains antibiotics and resistant bacteria may facilitate the establishment of an environmental reservoir of antibiotic-resistant microbes, promoting their dissemination into agricultural and natural habitats. The main objective of this study was to search for acquired antibiotic resistance determinants in the gut microbiota of wild boar populations living in natural habitats.Material and MethodsGastrointestinal samples of free-living wild boars were collected in the Zemplén Mountains in Hungary and were characterised by culture-based, metagenomic, and molecular microbiological methods. Bioinformatic analysis of the faecal microbiome of a hunted wild boar from Japan was used for comparative studies. Also, shotgun metagenomic sequencing data of two untreated sewage wastewater samples from North Pest (Hungary) from 2016 were analysed by bioinformatic methods. Minimum spanning tree diagrams for seven-gene MLST profiles of 104 E. coli strains isolated in Europe from wild boars and domestic pigs were generated in Enterobase.ResultsIn the ileum of a diarrhoeic boar, a dominant E. coli O112ab:H2 strain with intermediate resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin was identified, displaying sequence type ST388 and harbouring the EAST1 toxin astA gene. Metagenomic analyses of the colon and rectum digesta revealed the presence of the tetQ, tetW, tetO, and mefA antibiotic resistance genes that were also detected in the gut microbiome of four other wild boars from the mountains. Furthermore, the tetQ and cfxA genes were identified in the faecal microbiome of a hunted wild boar from Japan.ConclusionThe gastrointestinal microbiota of the free-living wild boars examined in this study carried acquired antibiotic resistance determinants that are highly prevalent among domestic livestock populations.

Afrykański pomór świń i interwencyjny odstrzał dzika – podstawy prawa unijnego i krajowego

The ASF virus has been spreading among wild boars for over a decade in several European countries, including Poland. As a result, there are quitenumerous infections among domestic pigs as well. Therefore, numerous EU and Member State regulations have been published in this respect anda biosecurity procedure has been introduced. One of its elements is to hunt wild boars in areas vulnerable to the ASF virus. The increase in the numberof infections among wild boars and the appearance of numerous outbreaks of this disease among pigs prompted the Polish authorities to allow a significant increase in the amount of wild boar hunting. This decision aroused debate on the legitimacy of such a solution. The purpose of this study is toanalyse the provisions of EU and Polish law regarding the legitimacy of an increase in the amount of wild boar hunting in Poland.

Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of ASF detection with or without the use of on-field tests in different scenarios, in Sardinia.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease of domestic pigs and wild boars (WBs). Without a vaccine, early antibody and antigen detection and rapid diagnosis are crucial for the effective prevention of the disease and the employment of control measures. In Sardinia, where 3 different suid populations coexisted closely for a long time, the disease persists since 1978. The recent ASF eradication plan involves more stringent measures to combat free-ranging pigs and any kind of illegality in the pig industry. However, critical issues such as the low level of hunter cooperation with veterinary services and the time required for ASF detection in the WBs killed during the hunting season still remain. Considering the need to deliver true ASF negative carcasses as early as possible, this study focuses on the evaluation and validation of a duplex pen-side test that simultaneously detects antibodies and antigens specific to ASF virus, to improve molecular diagnosis under field conditions. The main goal was to establish the specificity of the two pen-side tests performed simultaneously and to determine their ability to detect the true ASF negative carcasses among the hunted WBs. Blood and organ samples of the WBs hunted during the 2018/2019 hunting seasons were obtained. A total of 160 animals were tested using the pen-side kit test; samples were collected for virological and serological analyses. A specificity of 98% was observed considering the official laboratory tests as gold standards. The new diagnostic techniques could facilitate faster and cost-effective control of the disease.

Wczesnośredniowieczne osadnictwo, gospodarka i eksploatacja środowiska przyrodniczego w rejonie Ziemi Puckiej na przykładzie badań w Błądzikowie (st. 7)

This work discusses the results of archaeological and environmental research carried out on site No. 7 in Błądzikowo, bringing new data for a better recognition of the settlement and economy of the Puck Land in the early Middle Ages. Excavations have unearthed the remains of a small wooden-earthen rampart and a dwelling building. Archaeological materials (pottery fragments, a grain roasting vessel, a game’s pawn) as well as organic finds (macroscopic plant remains, animal remains) were acquired. The research results indicate that this place probably served as a watchtower, or possibly a navigation point used from the second half of the 8th century to the beginning of the 9th. The population living there made use of crops (barley, millet, wheat), pursued animal husbandry (pigs, ruminants), as well as gathered (blackberries, hazelnuts),hunted (wild boar, red deer), fished (Cyprinidae species), and caught marine mammals.