Antibodies to Various Zoonotic Pathogens Detected in Feral Swine (Sus scrofa) at Abattoirs in Texas, USA.

The zoonotic risk posed to employees by slaughtering feral swine (Sus scrofa) at two abattoirs in Texas was assessed by testing feral swine serum samples for exposure to influenza A virus, Leptospira, Trichinella spiralis, and Toxoplasma gondii. Blood was collected from a total of 376 feral swine between the two facilities during six separate collection periods in 2015. Antibodies to one or more serovars of Leptospira were identified in 48.9% of feral swine tested, with Bratislava and Pomona as the most commonly detected serovars, and antibodies to influenza A virus were detected in 14.1% of feral swine. Antibodies to T. gondii and T. spiralis were identified in 9.0 and 3.5%, respectively, of feral swine tested. Our results suggest that abattoir employees should be aware of the potential for exposure to various zoonotic pathogens when slaughtering feral swine, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and participate in medical monitoring programs to ensure detection and prompt treatment. In addition, consumers of feral swine should cook the meat to the appropriate temperature and wash hands and kitchen surfaces thoroughly after preparing meat.

Survey of Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy and beef cattle from five regions of the United States.

Serum samples from 4,907 cows from 93 dairy and five beef herds were analyzed for antibodies to Neospora caninum by commercially available ELISA. The herds were recruited from 20 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. A questionnaire assessed the herd's abortion history and exposure risks to N. caninum. Results showed that 788 (16%) cows tested positive for antibodies to N. caninum. At least one positive animal was detected in 90% of the herds tested. The prevalence of cows seropositive to N. caninum varied from 2% to 65% among herds. Abortion rates ranging from 2% to 19% were reported. The epidemiologic data collected from the questionnaire suggested that the presence of farm dogs does not increase the risk of exposure of cows to N. caninum.