First report of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population in Abruzzo region, Italy

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen and wild boars are recognised as reservoirs. HEV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide and it is usually transmitted by faecal-oral route. EU reported more than 21.000 human cases over the last 10 years (1). At the present, HEV comprises 8 genotypes and several subtypes. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3 and HEV-4) are zoonotic. This is the first report of HEV-3 subtype e and f in the wild boar population in Abruzzo region. Methods During the hunting season 2018-2019, liver samples from wild boars were analysed using Real Time RT-PCR for the detection of HEV RNA. Among these, positive sample were subjected to Whole Genome Sequencing for genotyping. After the quality check, reads were mapped using the nearest identified ref. sequence (KU176129) and the resulting HEV RNA sequences have been analysed using HEV net (open source software). Results Overall, 40 samples were tested positive for the detection of HEV RNA. Among these, 19 samples, with a Ct value ≤ 38, were selected for phylogenetic analysis. All RNA viral samples belonged to HEV-3. In particular, 2 RNA viral samples belonged to subtype e and 1 to subtype f. The others, instead, belonged to HEV-3 subtype c. Conclusions Up to now, only HEV-3 subtype c has been reported among wild boars in Abruzzo, an Italian region officially recognized as an HEV hot spot because of the high number of human cases and for the strong sero-prevalence among blood donors. In this study, we report for the first time the presence of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population of this area. Since HEV-3 subtypes e and f are commonly associated to human disease from consumption of raw/undercooked pork meats, these findings suggest the potential risk also associated with the consumption of wild boar meat. Nevertheless, this speculation needs further investigations. 1.EFSA (2017). Public health risks associated with HEV as a food-borne pathogen. E. Jou., 15(7) Key messages First report of the presence of HEV-3 subtypes e and f among wild boar population in Abruzzo region. Potential risk for human health of HEV transmission associated with raw/undercooked wild boar meat consumption.

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Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistances of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Wild Boars in Liguria Region, Italy

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10050568 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 568

Author(s):

Elisabetta Razzuoli ◽

Valeria Listorti ◽

Isabella Martini ◽

Laura Migone ◽

Lucia Decastelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Wild Boar ◽

Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Salmonella Enterica ◽

Intestinal Tract ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Salmonella Spp ◽

Wild Boars ◽

In The Wild

Salmonella spp. is an important zoonotic agent. Wild boars might host this pathogen in the intestinal tract and might represent a risk for Salmonella spp. transmission to humans. Wild boars are widely spread in Liguria, due to the environmental characteristics of the region. The aim of the study was the isolation, typing, and investigation of antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains of Salmonella spp. During the 2013–2017 hunting seasons, 4335 livers of wild boars were collected and analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. A total of 260 strains of Salmonella spp. were isolated and characterized, with a prevalence of 6%. The isolated strains belonged to all six Salmonella enterica subspecies. Most of them were identified as Salmonella enterica subs. enterica of which 31 different serotypes were identified. The dominating serotype identified was S. Enteritidis. The antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated strains were analyzed against sixteen molecules. Of the isolated strains, 94.6% were resistant to at least one of the tested antimicrobials. This study showed the circulation of resistant Salmonella spp. strains in the wild boar population living in this area of Italy, underling the potential risk for these animals to disseminate this pathogen and its antimicrobial resistances.

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Trichinosis in Lublin Province in 2003-2010 on a Background of Wild Boar`S Population Dynamics

Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy ◽

10.2478/v10213-012-0008-2 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 43-46

Author(s):

Marian Flis

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Hospitalised Patients ◽

Species Population ◽

Wild Boar Meat ◽

Population Interaction ◽

Domestic Swine ◽

Epidemiological Situation

Abstract The research aimed at evaluating the epizootic and epidemiological situation of trichinosis during the last 8 years in Lublin province on a background of progressing increase in wild boar population within the region and in the whole country. Data for the study were taken from the report on the results of the official examination of slaughter animals and meat, poultry, game, lagomorphs and aquaculture animals and six reports on the number of trichinosis cases found at wild boars and domestic swine. In order to evaluate the trichinosis epidemiological situation within the region, reports of the National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene on the number of identified trichinosis cases in people, as well as the number of hospitalised patients were presented. In addition, information on the population and hunting achievement of wild boars in hunting circuits of Lublin province during the last 8 years was enclosed. The number of identified trichinosis cases in meat of wild boars from Lublin region increased 9 times, while the percentage of trichinosis occurrence in reference to the number of examined carcasses almost 3-fold. At the same period, the number of porcine carcasses, in which trichinosis was found, decreased by over 4 times. Over double increase in wild boar population on the studied area was observed during the evaluation. Dynamic increase in the population size - in an aspect of the species population interaction with the living habitat, and in the form of the increase in the number of damages of crops and cultivation fields - contributed to intensified hunting pressure towards the species expressed as almost 3-fold increase of wild boar hunting. Analysis of epizootic and epidemiological situation of Poland indicates that wild boar meat was the principal source of trichinosis during the studied period. Considering Lublin province, the number of identified trichinosis cases is still high as compared to eastern and central provinces. Meanwhile, when compared to western and northern Poland, the level of trichinosis invasion can be considered as low. Furthermore, the trichinosis morbidity among people, that does not exceed 0.18/100 thousand inhabitants, can be regarded as low. Nevertheless, the fact of underestimating the necessity of both wild boar’s and swine’s meat examination seems to be alarming

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Epidemiological analysis of classical swine fever in wild boars in Japan

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02891-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yumiko Shimizu ◽

Yoko Hayama ◽

Yoshinori Murato ◽

Kotaro Sawai ◽

Emi Yamaguchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Classical Swine Fever ◽

Disease Spread ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

First Case ◽

Forest Continuity ◽

In The Wild

Abstract Background Classical swine fever (CSF) is a contagious disease of pigs and wild boars that is transmitted through direct/indirect contact between animals or CSF virus-contaminated fomites. When the disease re-emerged in 2018 in Japan, a CSF-infected wild boar was reported shortly after the initial pig farm outbreak; subsequently, the disease spread widely. To control the disease spread among wild boars, intensive capturing, fencing, and oral bait vaccination were implemented with concomitant virological and serological surveillance. This study aimed to describe the disease spread in the wild boar population in Japan from September 2018, when the first case was reported, to March 2020, based on the surveillance data. We conducted statistical analyses using a generalized linear mixed model to identify factors associated with CSF infection among wild boars. Moreover, we descriptively assessed the effect of oral bait vaccination, which started in March 2019 in some municipalities in the affected areas. Results We observed a faster CSF infection spread in the wild boar population in Japan compared with the CSF epidemics in European countries. The infection probability was significantly higher in dead and adult animals. The influence of the multiple rounds of oral bait vaccination was not elucidated by the statistical modeling analyses. There was a decrease and increase in the proportion of infected and immune animals, respectively; however, the immunization in piglets remained insufficient after vaccination for 1 year. Conclusions Conditions regarding the wild boar habitat, including forest continuity, higher wild boar population density, and a larger proportion of susceptible piglets, were addressed to increase the infection risk in the wild boar population. These findings could improve the national control strategy against the CSF epidemic among wild boars.

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African swine fever virus (ASFV) in Poland: Prevalence in a wild boar population (2017–2018)

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/105/2019-vetmed ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 65 (No. 4) ◽

pp. 143-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

MP Frant ◽

M Lyjak ◽

L Bocian ◽

A Barszcz ◽

K Niemczuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Active Surveillance ◽

African Swine Fever Virus ◽

Winter Season ◽

African Swine Fever ◽

Disease Spread ◽

Passive Surveillance ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

In The Wild

African swine fever (ASF) was first described in 1921 in Kenya. The latest epidemic of ASF started in 2007 in Georgia. The virus was introduced to Poland in 2014. Since the beginning of the epidemics, the National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy (NVRI) has been testing wild boar samples from restricted areas and other parts of Poland to conduct passive and active surveillance for ASFV in these groups of animals. The aim of this study was to summarise the last two years of the ASF epidemiological status in Poland and the attempt to find disease patterns in the wild boar population. The period between 2017 and 2018 brought a massive number of new ASF cases in Poland. The number of ASF-positive wild boars jumped from 91 in 2016 to 1 140 in 2017 (approximately a 12 × increase), and 2018 was even worse, with the disease affecting 4 083 animals (2 435 cases; one case could even be 10 animals or more if they are found in one place next to each other). The percentage of positive wild boars found dead (passive surveillance) in the restricted area increased in 2018 to 73.1% from 70.8% in 2017. The chance of obtaining positive results in this group was six times higher in December and 4.5 times higher in January than in August and September. The percentage of positive wild boars detected through active surveillance reached 1.5% in 2018. The data suggested that, not only in Poland, but also in other ASF-affected countries, during the epizootic stage of the disease spread the most important measure is an effective passive surveillance of dead wild boars especially, in the winter season rather than in the summer.

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Whole Genome Sequencing Characterization of HEV3-e and HEV3-f Subtypes among the Wild Boar Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy: First Report

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms8091393 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 1393

Author(s):

Giuseppe Aprea ◽

Silvia Scattolini ◽

Daniela D’Angelantonio ◽

Alexandra Chiaverini ◽

Valeria Di Lollo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whole Genome Sequencing ◽

Wild Boar ◽

Genome Sequencing ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Wild Animals ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

First Report ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Human Infections

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent zoonotic pathogen, causing worldwide acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. HEV comprises eight genotypes and several subtypes. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV3 and HEV4) are zoonotic. In Italy, the most part of HEV infections (80%) is due to autochthonous HEV3 circulation of the virus, and the key role played by wild animals is generally accepted. Abruzzo is an Italian region officially considered an HEV “hot spot”, with subtype HEV3-c being up to now the only one reported among wild boars. During the year 2018–2019, a group of wild boars in Abruzzo were screened for HEV; positive RNA liver samples were subjected to HEV characterization by using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach methodology. This represents the first report about the detection of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population in this area. Since in Italy human infections from HEV 3-e and f have been associated with pork meat consumption, our findings deserve more in-depth analysis with the aim of evaluating any potential correlation between wild animals, the pork chain production and HEV human infections.

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Determination of Endoparasites by Faecal Examination in the Wild Boar Population in Vojvodina (Serbia)

Macedonian Veterinary Review ◽

10.1515/macvetrev-2017-0029 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 39-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Igor Stojanov ◽

Ivan Pavlović ◽

Ivan Pušić ◽

Jasna Prodanov-Radulović ◽

Radomir Ratajac ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Parasite Species ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Laboratory Methods ◽

Faecal Examination ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Potential Reservoir ◽

In The Wild

Abstract The aim of our study was to determine whether and to what extent certain species of helminths and protozoa are present in the wild boar population living in hunting grounds in Vojvodina. For this purpose, 52 faecal samples of hunted wild boars (aged 6 months to 2 years) were examined. Examination of the faeces was performed using classical coproscopic laboratory methods. The following parasite species were identified: Metastrongylus spp. Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Physocephalus sexalatus, Strongyloides ransomi, Oesophagostomum sp. / Globocephalus sp., Hyostrongylus rubidus, Gnathostoma hispidum, Eimeria deblecki and Eimeria suis. The obtained results from this study indicated that wild boars are a potential reservoir of a variety of endoparasites, thus endangering the surrounding ecosystem.

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Wild boar behaviour and the epidemiological significance of this animal species as the main reservoir of the African swine fever virus

Medycyna Weterynaryjna ◽

10.21521/mw.6501 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 77 (02) ◽

pp. 6501-2021

Author(s):

KAZIMIERZ TARASIUK ◽

ZYGMUNT GIŻEJEWSKI

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Animal Species ◽

African Swine Fever Virus ◽

African Swine Fever ◽

Fever Virus ◽

Annual Growth Rate ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

In The Wild ◽

To Come

Recent years (since 2013) have witnessed an increasing interest in wild boars in Europe because this animal species has become the most important reservoir of the African swine fever virus (ASFV). In all countries affected by ASF since 2013, the virus originated in wild boar populations, and the disease was directly or indirectly transmitted from wild boars to domestic pigs. In Poland, the first known case of ASF was detected in February 2014, and nearly 10 300 cases were reported by the end of April 2020. A correlation was found between the density of wild boar populations and the number of ASF cases. The global population of wild boars has increased considerably, and their natural range has expanded, particularly northward and westward. The mean annual growth rate in the wild boar population in Europe is around 100%. Milder winters and agricultural transformations that involve growing a single crop (in particular, maize) over large areas are the key factors contributing to the increase in the number of wild boars. In the opinion of most experts, recreational hunting is not sufficient to control the expansion of wild boar populations in Europe. Undoubtedly, wild boar populations will continue to be the main reservoir of the ASFV for many years to come, and wild boars will remain the major risk factor for ASF spread in commercial pig herds. Therefore, a new long-term approach to wild boar population management is needed

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Efficacy of Oral Vaccine against Classical Swine Fever in Wild Boar and Estimation of the Disease Dynamics in the Quantitative Approach

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13020319 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 319

Author(s):

Enkhbold Bazarragchaa ◽

Norikazu Isoda ◽

Taksoo Kim ◽

Madoka Tetsuo ◽

Satoshi Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Oral Vaccine ◽

Classical Swine Fever ◽

Control Measures ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Oral Vaccination ◽

Wild Boars ◽

In The Wild ◽

High Virus ◽

Gifu Prefecture

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in the wild boar population has been spreading in Japan, alongside outbreaks on pigs, since classical swine fever (CSF) reemerged in September 2018. The vaccination using oral bait vaccine was initially implemented in Gifu prefecture in March 2019. In the present study, antibodies against CSFV in wild boar were assessed in 1443 captured and dead wild boars in Gifu prefecture. After the implementation of oral vaccination, the increase of the proportion of seropositive animals and their titer in wild boars were confirmed. Quantitative analysis of antigen and antibodies against CSFV in wild boar implies potential disease diversity in the wild boar population. Animals with status in high virus replication (Ct < 30) and non- or low-immune response were confirmed and were sustained at a certain level after initial oral vaccination. Through continuous vaccination periods, the increase of seroprevalence among wild boar and the decrease of CSFV-positive animals were observed. The epidemiological analysis based on the quantitative virological outcomes could provide more information on the efficacy of oral vaccination and dynamics of CSF in the wild boar population, which will help to improve the implementation of control measures for CSF in countries such as Japan and neighboring countries.

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Oesophagostominae (Nematoda: Chabertiidae) Of Suids From Southern Poland / Oesophagostominae (Nematoda: Chabertiidae) u świniowatych z Polski południowej

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.2478/v10220-012-0065-8 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 133-141 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Paweł Nosal ◽

Zbigniew Bonczar ◽

Jerzy Kowal ◽

Bogusław Nowosad

Keyword(s):

Wild Boar ◽

Winter Season ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Meat Production ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Domestic Pigs ◽

Southern Poland ◽

Oesophagostomum Dentatum ◽

In The Wild

Abstract Until recently, the genus Oesophagostomum was the only Oesophagostominae occurring commonly in both domestic and wild suids of Europe. A few years ago, an alien oesophagostomin nematode Bourgelatia diducta was recorded in the wild boar population from southern Poland, and Vietnamese potbellied pig was blamed for introduction of this Far Eastern parasite. Apart from wild boars kept in captivity for meat production purposes, Vietnamese potbellied pigs can be raised in extensive, organic, or especially agrotourism farms, which constitutes an infection hazard to domestic pigs. The aim of the research was to determine and compare species composition of Oesophagostominae in wild boars from the natural environment, and in domestic pigs from extensively managed farms, located in the area where B. diducta was previously noted for the first time. A postmortem examination of the large intestines of 25 wild boars and 20 domestic pigs, each from different smallholdings, was conducted in the autumn and winter season of 2010- 2011. Oesophagostomum dentatum with coexisting O. quadrispinulatum were ascertained in swine, whereas the sole Bourgelatia diducta was recorded in wild boars. All the parasites occurred commonly in their hosts, with the prevalence of 80, 50 and 32% for O. dentatum, O. quadrispinulatum and B. diducta, respectively. Mean number of worms was many-fold higher in pigs, reaching 181 (range 1 to 2500) specimens in individual host, versus 3 (1-6) parasites in wild boars. A presumable influence of the alien nematode species on the European wild boar population as well as the potential for further spread of the parasite are elucidated

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Seroprevalance of Trichinella spp. in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Bihor county, western Romania

Helminthologia ◽

10.2478/helm-2020-0032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 57 (3) ◽

pp. 235-240

Author(s):

Z. Boros ◽

I. Vallée ◽

L. C. Panait ◽

C. M. Gherman ◽

A. Chevillot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Western Blot ◽

Wild Boar ◽

Sus Scrofa ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Wild Boar Population ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Wide Geographical Distribution ◽

Artificial Digestion ◽

In The Wild ◽

Western Romania

SummaryThe wild boar (Sus scrofa) has a wide geographical distribution and can be an important source of Trichinella spp. infection in humans in Romania.The objective of this study was to identify the presence of Trichinella spp. in the wild boar population in Bihor County, Romania.Eighty four plasma and diaphragm samples, collected from wild boars, were included in this study. Artificial digestion, ELISA and Western blot were performed on these specimens. All diaphragm samples were negative for Trichinella larvae in artificial digestion, while in ELISA, 54 (64.2 %) plasma samples were positive and 6 (7.1 %) plasma samples were doubtful. Western blot was performed on 26 plasma samples from which only 6 (23.0 %) gave a positive result.Serological evidences indicate the presence of Trichinella spp. in wild boars from western Romania. Therefore, human consumers might be at risk to ingest Trichinella larvae, even in low numbers.

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