scholarly journals Molecular epidemiology of Leptospira spp. among wild mammals and a dog in Amami Oshima Island, Japan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249987
Author(s):  
So Shinya ◽  
Yukinori Muraoka ◽  
Daigo Negishi ◽  
Nobuo Koizumi
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Housekeeping Genes ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Black Rat ◽  
On This Island ◽  
Black Rats

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the pathogenic Leptospira spp. Canine and human leptospirosis sometimes occur on Amami Oshima Island, located in the Nansei Archipelago, southwestern Japan; however, information on the causative Leptospira spp. on this island is quite limited. This study aimed to investigate the molecular and serological characteristics of Leptospira spp. isolated from wild animals and a dog in Amami Oshima Island. We obtained seven Leptospira strains by culturing kidney tissues of wild animals, such as black rats (2), wild boars (3), and rabbit (1) as well as blood from a symptomatic dog. Using flaB sequencing and microscopic agglutination test with antisera for 18 serovars, the isolates were identified as Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroups Javanica (black rat), L. interrogans serogroup Australis (black rat and dog), and L. interrogans serogroup Hebdomadis (wild boar and rabbit). The sequence type (ST) of L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica was determined to be ST143 via multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using seven housekeeping genes. For L. interrogans, MLST and multiple-locus variable-tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) revealed identical ST and MLVA types in rat and canine isolates, whereas two STs and MLVA types were identified in wild boar isolates. The STs and MLVA types of rabbit and one of the wild boars were identical. Bacterial culture and flaB-nested polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a high rate of Leptospira infection in wild boars (58.3%, 7/12), whereas Leptospira spp. were detected in 4.8% of black rats (2/42). This study revealed diverse Leptospira genotype and serotype maintenance in wild mammals on Amami Oshima Island. MLST and MLVA indicated that black rats were a source of canine infection. Wild boars carry L. interrogans and are considered an important maintenance host because antibodies against serogroup Hebdomadis were detected in human and canine leptospirosis patients on this island.

scholarly journals Molecular identification of Toxoplasma gondii in roadkill wild animals in Yucatan, Mexico

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Antonio Torres-Castro ◽  
Rodrigo Adán Medina-Pinto ◽  
Henry René Noh-Pech ◽  
Fernando I. Puerto ◽  
Roger Iván Rodríguez-Vivas
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Muscle Sample ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Lung Sample

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, recognized as the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic endemic disease in several countries, including Mexico. In the Yucatan State of Mexico, Toxoplasma infection has a high impact in both human and domestic animal health. Wild animals can also host zoonotic pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in roadkill wild animals in Yucatan was detected using a nested Polymerase Chain Reaction. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was identified in several organs retrieved from a Yucatan squirrel (Sciurus yucatanensis), a coatimundi (Nasua narica), and a greater grison (Galictis vittata). The amplified fragments of Toxoplasma gondii DNA were purified, sequenced, and certified by BLAST analysis. Our results confirm that Toxoplasma gondii can infect wild mammals from Yucatan, which could act as intermediate hosts and contribute to the transmission of the disease to humans and domestic animals, as well as other wild animal species. We present the first molecular evidence of Toxoplasma gondii in a squirrel and a coatimundi from Yucatan, and quite possibly in a greater grison at a global level.Figure 1. Agarose gel presenting PCR amplicons (560 bp) positive to Toxoplasma gondii. 1) C+: positive control; A: Yucatan squirrel liver sample; B: great grison femoral muscle sample; C: coatimundi kidney sample; C-: negative control. 2) A: Yucatan squirrel brain sample; B: great grison lung sample; C-: negative control.

Keeping Australia’s islands free of introduced rodents: the Barrow Island example

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Greenslade ◽  
Andrew A Burbidge ◽  
A Jasmyn ◽  
J Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Gas Processing ◽  
Black Rat ◽  
On This Island ◽  
Threatened Taxa ◽  
Eradication Costs ◽  
Economic Considerations ◽  
Black Rats

Islands are important reservoirs of endemic and threatened species, but anthropogenic influences have impacted their biotas. Australia has over 8000 islands, both continental and oceanic, but because of considerably increased traffic, both tourist and commercial, many of these islands have been and are subject to increased threats from invasive species. The invasive Black Rat Rattus rattus is of particular concern as it can negatively impact mammal, bird, reptile, invertebrate and plant populations. Barrow Island, in northwest Western Australia, is an island requiring particular protection from Black Rats as it is a Class A nature reserve with many unique and threatened taxa that is subject to major disturbances from activities associated with oil extraction and a large liquefied natural gas processing plant. Strict quarantine is currently imposed on all materials and persons being sent to the island and there is an intense on-island surveillance programme. So far the protocols used have prevented Black Rats establishing on this island, but such a level of biosecurity is clearly impossible for all islands. In this paper we discuss the effectiveness of quarantine inspections and surveillance together and alone in protecting high-risk, high-value Australian islands against introduced rodents and we document eradication costs for other islands. World-wide, it has only been possible so far to eradicate rats from relatively small islands, mostly with no non-target indigenous mammals and larger islands only where there are no non-target indigenous mammals. Models based largely on economic considerations have suggested it is more cost effective to use surveillance alone without quarantine for Black Rats on Barrow Island and that if rats become widespread (an estimated 4% risk), it may be more cost effective not to attempt eradication. Such models provide useful guidance for managers where biodiversity values are relatively low or where there are no non-target species, but for Barrow island we argue for continuation of quarantine as well as surveillance and an increased level of quarantine controls at the point of departure on all people, vessels and aircraft visiting other vulnerable Australian islands.

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

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.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Boars and Their Ticks in the Corsican Wetlands

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1643
Author(s):  
Baptiste Defaye ◽  
Sara Moutailler ◽  
Christian Pietri ◽  
Clemence Galon ◽  
Sébastien Grech-Angelini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Animal Population ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
On This Island ◽  
First Time ◽  
Babesia Spp

Corsica is the main French island in the Mediterranean Sea and has high levels of human and animal population movement. Among the local animal species, the wild boar is highly prevalent in the Corsican landscape and in the island’s traditions. Wild boars are the most commonly hunted animals on this island, and can be responsible for the transmission and circulation of pathogens and their vectors. In this study, wild boar samples and ticks were collected in 17 municipalities near wetlands on the Corsican coast. A total of 158 hunted wild boars were sampled (523 samples). Of these samples, 113 were ticks: 96.4% were Dermacentor marginatus, and the remainder were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Of the wild boar samples, only three blood samples were found to be positive for Babesia spp. Of the tick samples, 90 were found to be positive for tick-borne pathogens (rickettsial species). These results confirm the importance of the wild boar as a host for ticks carrying diseases such as rickettsiosis near wetlands and recreational sites. Our findings also show that the wild boar is a potential carrier of babesiosis in Corsica, a pathogen detected for the first time in wild boars on the island.

scholarly journals Monitoring of 137CS and 40K in the Levice District, Southern Slovakia

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
M. Kanta ◽  
K. Beňová
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Natural Radionuclide ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Wild Boar Meat

Abstract The contamination of the environment, soil and meat of wild animals with radionuclides can negatively affect human health. The aim of our study was to analyse the risk arising from post-Chernobyl contamination of the meat of wild boars (Sus scrofa) originating from the district Levice, southern Slovakia, with the radioactive artificial element 137Cs. The level of natural radionuclide 40K was also determined. We examined altogether 45 samples obtained from 9 wild boars hunted in this area during the period of 2013—2015. From each animal we collected and analysed samples from the thigh, stomach contents, stomach muscles and skin. We also examined samples of soil from the locations where these animals were shot. The activity values of radioactive caesium 137Cs determined in this study were very low and therefore the consumption of wild boar meat originating from this location presents no risk to human health.

scholarly journals Antibody Prevalence to Influenza Type A in Wild Boars of Northern Ukraine

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganna Kovalenko ◽  
Ihor Halka ◽  
Aliona Molozhanova
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
The North ◽  
History Of

ObjectiveA preliminary serological survey was carried out to assess thelikelihood of Influenza A (IA) infection in wild boars and begin tocharacterize the role of wild boars in the epidemiology of the IA virus.IntroductionDomestic swine have been viewed as important for the adaptationand spillover of IA from birds into human populations as they aresensitive to both avian and mammalian (including human) influenzaviruses [1]. However, in much of Eurasia and North America wildswine are geographically widespread, abundant and often come inclose contact with humans in rural and agricultural settings. Untilrecently, little attention has been paid to this as an alternate routefor IA transmission to human and domestic populations and itssignificance is not clear.Therefore, the monitoring of the exposure of wild mammals toIA was viewed as essential as potential vectors impacting domesticanimals and public health.MethodsFrom September to December 2014, wild boar sera were collectedby professional hunters in 4 Oblasts of Ukraine: Volyn, Rivne,Zhytomyr, and Chernihiv. Blood was collected from jugular veins.Sera were collected in Eppendorf type tubes, separated from wholeblood without centrifugation and stored at -20C until serologicallytested. To detect antibodies to IA, a blocking ELISA was used.Serum samples were tested using commercial test kits “InfluenzaA Ab Test” (IDEXX, USA). Specific antibodies in wild boarserum samples were detected based on manufacturer’s instructions.Briefly, sera were diluted 1:10, and incubated in test wells for60 minutes at room temperature, followed by three washes. Anti-IAHorseradish Peroxidase HRP conjugate was then added and incubatedfor 30 minutes at room temperature. Following three washes,3',5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), as a substrate, was addedand incubated for 15 minutes. Absorbencies were measured at 650A using a iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader and data wereanalyzed using Microsoft Excel. Based on the manufacturer’sinstructions, a serum sample was considered positive if the sample/negative control ratio (S/N) did not exceed a threshold of 0.60.Statistical analyses were performed with the program “StatisticsCalculator”.ResultsSera from 120 wild boars that were shot in 2014 were tested. Thirtyboars from each of 4 Oblasts were collected in the north central andnorthwestern regions of Ukraine. Antibodies against IAV weredetected using ELISA in 27 samples (22.5 %), (Table 1). Antibodiesto IA virus were detected in at least some of the wild boars from all ofthe 4 Oblasts. The highest percentages of seropositive samples weredetected in wild boar from Volyn and Zhytomyr Oblasts (Fig. 1).The prevalence differences were statistically significant only betweensamples from Volyn and Chernihiv Oblasts (P<0.05). The averageS/N value of all positive serum samples was 0.36±0.03.ConclusionsThis preliminary survey of IA antibodies in wild boar populationsof northern Ukraine indicates a substantial presence of exposure toIAV throughout the region.Infection of wild boar populations provides an alternative oradditional route for spillover from wild populations to domesticanimals and humans. This potential has received relatively littleattention until recently, likely in part because feral swine populationshave not been viewed as a serious challenge in most regions of theworld where the natural history of IA has received serious study.Table 1Seroprevalence of IA virus in wild boars in UkraineFigure 1Serological surveillance of wild boars for IA virus innorthern Ukraine

scholarly journals Hepatitis E Virus RNA Presence in Wild Boar Carcasses at Slaughterhouses in Italy

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1624
Author(s):  
Mario Forzan ◽  
Maria Irene Pacini ◽  
Marcello Periccioli ◽  
Maurizio Mazzei
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Foodborne Pathogen ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
The World ◽  
Undercooked Meat

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne and foodborne pathogen largely spread around the world. HEV is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans and it is also diffused in domestic and wild animals. In particular, domestic pigs represent the main reservoir of the infection and particular attention should be paid to the consumption of raw and undercooked meat as a possible zoonotic vehicle of the pathogen. Several studies have reported the presence of HEV in wild boar circulating in European countries with similar prevalence rates. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence of HEV in wild boar hunted in specific areas of Tuscany. Sampling was performed by collecting liver samples and also by swabbing the carcasses at the slaughterhouses following hunting activities. Our data indicated that 8/67 (12%) of liver samples and 4/67 (6%) of swabs were positive for HEV RNA. The presence of HEV genome on swabs indicates the possible cross-contamination of carcass surfaces during slaughtering procedures. Altogether, our data indicated that it is essential to promote health education programmes for hunters and consumers to limit the diffusion of the pathogen to humans.

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

Pathogens ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Modelling the Spatial Distribution of ASF-Positive Wild Boar Carcasses in South Korea Using 2019–2020 National Surveillance Data

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1208
Author(s):  
Jun-Sik Lim ◽  
Timothée Vergne ◽  
Son-Il Pak ◽  
Eutteum Kim
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
African Swine Fever Virus ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Imperfect Detection ◽  
Wild Boars

In September 2019, African swine fever (ASF) was reported in South Korea for the first time. Since then, more than 651 ASF cases in wild boars and 14 farm outbreaks have been notified in the country. Despite the efforts to eradicate ASF among wild boar populations, the number of reported ASF-positive wild boar carcasses have increased recently. The purpose of this study was to characterize the spatial distribution of ASF-positive wild boar carcasses to identify the risk factors associated with the presence and number of ASF-positive wild boar carcasses in the affected areas. Because surveillance efforts have substantially increased in early 2020, we divided the study into two periods (2 October 2019 to 19 January 2020, and 19 January to 28 April 2020) based on the number of reported cases and aggregated the number of reported ASF-positive carcasses into a regular grid of hexagons of 3-km diameter. To account for imperfect detection of positive carcasses, we adjusted spatial zero-inflated Poisson regression models to the number of ASF-positive wild boar carcasses per hexagon. During the first study period, proximity to North Korea was identified as the major risk factor for the presence of African swine fever virus. In addition, there were more positive carcasses reported in affected hexagons with high habitat suitability for wild boars, low heat load index (HLI), and high human density. During the second study period, proximity to an ASF-positive carcass reported during the first period was the only significant risk factor for the presence of ASF-positive carcasses. Additionally, low HLI and elevation were associated with an increased number of ASF-positive carcasses reported in the affected hexagons. Although the proportion of ASF-affected hexagons increased from 0.06 (95% credible interval (CrI): 0.05–0.07) to 0.09 (95% CrI: 0.08–0.10), the probability of reporting at least one positive carcass in ASF-affected hexagons increased from 0.49 (95% CrI: 0.41–0.57) to 0.73 (95% CrI: 0.66–0.81) between the two study periods. These results can be used to further advance risk-based surveillance strategies in the Republic of Korea.

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

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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