Epidemiologic Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Suids, Spain.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in wild boar and extensively managed Iberian pig populations in a hotspot area of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Spain. We tested for antibodies against CCHFV by using 2 ELISAs in parallel. We assessed the presence of CCHFV RNA by means of reverse transcription quantitative PCR protocol, which detects all genotypes. A total of 113 (21.8%) of 518 suids sampled showed antibodies against CCHFV by ELISA. By species, 106 (39.7%) of 267 wild boars and 7 (2.8%) of 251 Iberian pigs analyzed were seropositive. Of the 231 Iberian pigs and 231 wild boars analyzed, none tested positive for CCHFV RNA. These findings indicate high CCHFV exposure in wild boar populations in endemic areas and confirm the susceptibility of extensively reared pigs to CCHFV, even though they may only play a limited role in the enzootic cycle.

Sleep in the wild: the importance of individual effects and environmental conditions on sleep behaviour in wild boar.

Sleep serves vital physiological functions, yet how sleep in wild animals is influenced by environmental conditions is poorly understood. Here we use high-resolution biologgers to investigate sleep in wild animals over ecologically relevant time scales and quantify variability between individuals under changing conditions. We developed a robust classification for accelerometer data and measured multiple dimensions of sleep in the wild boar (Sus scrofa) over an annual cycle. In support of the hypothesis that environmental conditions determine thermoregulatory challenges, which regulate sleep, we show that sleep quantity, efficiency and quality are reduced on warmer days, sleep is less fragmented in longer and more humid days, while greater snow cover and rainfall promote sleep quality. Importantly, this longest and most detailed analysis of sleep in wild animals to date reveals large inter- and intra-individual variation. Specifically, short-sleepers sleep up to 46% less than long-sleepers but do not compensate for their short sleep through greater plasticity or quality, suggesting they may pay higher costs of sleep deprivation. Given the major role of sleep in health, our results suggest that global warming and the associated increase in extreme climatic events are likely to negatively impact sleep, and consequently health, in wildlife, particularly in nocturnal animals.

In vitro phenotypic characterisation of two genotype I African swine fever viruses with genomic deletion isolated from Sardinian wild boars.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a devastating disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. ASF was first introduced in Sardinia in 1978 and until 2019 only genotype I isolates were identified. A remarkable genetic stability of Sardinian ASFV isolates was described, nevertheless in 2019 two wild boar isolates with a sustained genomic deletion (4342 base pairs) were identified (7303WB/19, 7212WB/19). In this study, we therefore performed in vitro experiments with monocyte-derived macrophages (moMФ) to unravel the phenotypic characteristics of these deleted viruses. Both 7303WB/19 and 7212WB/19 presented a lower growth kinetic in moMФ compared to virulent Sardinian 26544/OG10, using either a high (1) or a low (0.01) multiplicity of infection (MOI). In addition, flow cytometric analysis showed that both 7303WB/19 and 7212WB/19 presented lower intracellular levels of both early and late ASFV proteins. We subsequently investigated whether deleted virus variants were previously circulating in wild boars in Sardinia. In the four years preceding the last genotype I isolation (February 2015-January 2019), other eight wild boar isolates were collected, all belonging to p72 genotype I, B602L subgroup X, but none of them presented a sustained genomic deletion. Overall, we observed the deleted virus isolates in Sardinia only in 2019, at the end of a strong eradication campaign, and our data suggest that it might possess an attenuated phenotype in vivo. A better understanding of ASFV evolution in endemic territories might contribute to development of effective control measures against ASF.

Comparative evaluation of disease dynamics in wild boar and domestic pigs experimentally inoculated intranasally with the European highly virulent African swine fever virus genotype II strain "Armenia 2007".

Since the reintroduction of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in Europe in 2007 and its subsequent spread to Asia, wild boar has played a crucial role in maintaining and disseminating the virus. There are significant gaps in the knowledge regarding infection dynamics and disease pathogenesis in domestic pigs and wild boar, particularly at the early infection stage. We aimed to compare domestic pigs and wild boar infected intranasally to mimic natural infection with one of the original highly virulent genotype II ASFV isolates (Armenia 2007). The study involved euthanising three domestic pigs and three wild boar on days 1, 2, 3, and 5 post-infection, while four domestic pigs and four wild boar were monitored until they reached a humane endpoint. The parameters assessed included clinical signs, macroscopic lesions, viremia levels, tissue viral load, and virus shedding in nasal and rectal swabs from day 1 post-infection. Compared with domestic pigs, wild boar were more susceptible to ASFV, with a shorter incubation period and earlier onset of clinical signs. While wild boar reached a humane endpoint earlier than domestic pigs did, the macroscopic lesions were comparatively less severe. In addition, wild boar had earlier viremia, and the virus was also detected earlier in tissues. The medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes were identified as key portals for ASFV infection in both subspecies. No viral genome was detected in nasal or rectal swabs until shortly before reaching the humane endpoint in both domestic pigs and wild boar, suggesting limited virus shedding in acute infections.

Q fever endocarditis of the tricuspid valve transmitted in an urban setting with no livestock exposure: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Coxiella burnetii is a bacterium with extreme tenacity and contagiousness that is mainly transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Nevertheless, a transmission by ticks is under discussion. We report a case of Q fever in an urban environment and far away from sheep breeding that caused a rare right-sided endocarditis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old man who was in good health before the event developed a C. burnetii -endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. He had no contact with sheep and no recent travel in a rural or even endemic area. The infection originated in a strictly urban environment, and the patient's occupation as a cemetery gardener in Berlin, coupled with the close temporal and local exposure to wild boar, made a transmission by these animals a plausible hypothesis. The infection was confirmed by the German Reference Laboratory, and the patient recovered completely after treatment with doxycycline and hydrochlorquine. CONCLUSIONS: The specialities of this case report are the right-sided endocarditis and the transmission of C. burnetii in a metropolitan area without sheep contact. We think that this case should serve to increase awareness of the potential for Q fever infection even in non-rural areas.

A pseudorabies outbreak in hunting dogs in Campania region (Italy): a case presentation and epidemiological survey.

BACKGROUND: Pseudorabies is an infection of domestic and wild pigs that has occasionally been reported in dogs with fatal encephalitis. Hunting dogs are predisposed to pseudorabies exposure due to incorrect practices (administration of raw infected meat) or close contact with infected wild boars. This study described an outbreak of pseudorabies in two hunting dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy. CASE PRESENTATION: Two hunting dogs were hospitalized after a hunting trip, with fever, itching, and self-inflicted lesions. Laboratory tests showed mild anemia and marked leukocytosis. Despite conservative therapy, both animals died 48 h after the presentation of symptoms. One of the carcasses was sent to the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production in Naples to confirm the suspicion of pseudorabies. DNA was extracted from different matrices and used as a template for real-time PCR to detect PRV. Several samples (brain, cerebellum, brainstem, lung, and liver) tested positive. Subsequent sequence analyses of glycoprotein E from DNA extracted from the brain stem revealed a sequence similarity to those described in previous cases of pseudorabies in dogs in Italy, France and Belgium. One month after the outbreak, blood samples were collected from 42 dogs belonging to the same hunting team and from 245 dogs (cohort population) living in the Campania region. All samples were tested with two commercial ELISAs to detect seroconversion against glycoproteins B and E. A seroprevalence of 19% was observed in the hunting team affected by the outbreak, while only 0.8% was observed in the regional dog population. CONCLUSIONS: The data reported in this study demonstrate potential exposure to PRV by dead-end hosts, particularly hunting dogs. The sequencing results indicated the homogeneity of PRV strains circulating in the different Italian regions.

Detection and molecular analysis of Pseudorabies virus from free-ranging Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) in Italy - a case report.

BACKGROUND: The only natural hosts of Pseudorabies virus (PRV) are members of the family Suidae (Sus scrofa scrofa). In mammals, the infection is usually fatal and typically causes serious neurologic disease. This study describes four Aujeszky's disease cases in free-ranging Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus). In Italy, the wolf is a strictly protected species and is in demographic expansion. CASE PRESENTATION: Three wolves (Wolf A, B, and C) were found in a regional park in Northern Italy, and one (Wolf D) was found in Central Italy. Wolf A and D were alive at the time of the finding and exhibited a fatal infection with epileptic seizures and dyspnoea, dying after a few hours. Wolf B presented scratching lesions under the chin and a detachment of the right earlobe, whilst Wolf C was partially eaten. The wolves showed hepatic congestion, diffuse enteritis, moderate pericardial effusion, severe bilateral pneumonia, and diffuse hyperaemia in the brain. The diagnostic examinations included virological analyses and detection of toxic molecules able to cause serious neurological signs. All four wolves tested positive for pseudorabies virus (PrV). The analysed sequences were placed in Italian clade 1, which is divided into two subclades, "a" and "b". The sequences of Wolf A, B, and C were closely related to other Italian sequences in the subclade b, originally obtained from wild boars and hunting dogs. The sequence from Wolf D was located within the same clade and was closely related to the French hunting dog sequences belonging to group 4. CONCLUSION: Results showed the presence of PrV strains currently circulating in wild boars and free-ranging Italian wolves. The genetic characterisation of the PrV UL44 sequences from the four wolves confirmed the close relationship with the sequences from wild boars and hunting dogs. This fact supports a possible epidemiological link with the high PrV presence in wild boars and the possibility of infection in wolves through consumption of infected wild boar carcasses or indirect transmission. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first detection of Pseudorabies virus in free-ranging Italian wolves in northern and central Italy.

Impact of litter size on the hematological and iron status of gilts, sows and newborn piglets: a comparative study of domestic pigs and wild boars.

BACKGROUND: The critically low hepatic iron stores of newborn piglets are considered to be a major cause of neonatal iron deficiency in modern breeds of domestic pig (Sus domestica). The main factor believed to contribute to this phenomenon is large litter size, which has been an objective of selective breeding of pigs for decades. As consequence, iron transferred from the pregnant sow has to be distributed among a greater number of fetuses. RESULTS: Here, we investigated whether litter size influences red blood cell (RBC) indices and iron parameters in Polish Large White (PLW) piglets and gilts. Small and large litters were produced by the transfer of different numbers of embryos, derived from the same superovulated donor females, to recipient gilts. Piglets from large litters obtained following routine artificial insemination were also examined. Our results clearly demonstrated that varying the number of piglets in a litter did not affect the RBC and iron status of 1-day-old piglets, with all showing iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, gilts with small litters displayed higher RBC and iron parameters compared to mothers with large litters. A comparative analysis of the RBC status of wild boars (having less than half as many piglets per litter as domestic pigs) and PLW pigs, demonstrated higher RBC count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value of both wild boar sows and piglets, even compared to small-litter PLW animals. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that RBC and iron status in newborn PLW piglets are not primarily determined by litter size, and indicate the need to study the efficiency of iron transport across the placenta in domestic pig and wild boar females.

Histopathologic evaluation system of African swine fever in wild boar infected with high (Arm07) and low virulence (Lv17/WB/Riel) isolates.

To understand the clinicopathological forms of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar, it is crucial to possess a basic knowledge of the biological characteristics of the currently circulating ASF virus isolates. The aim of this work is to establish an accurate and comprehensive histopathologic grading system to standardize the assessment of the ASF lesions in wild boar. The study evaluated the differences between animals infected with a high virulence genotype II isolate (Arm07) (HVI) through intramuscular (IM) (n = 6) and contact-infected (n = 12) routes, alongside those orally infected with a low virulence isolate (Lv17/WB/Riel) (LVI) (n = 6). The assessment included clinical (CS), macroscopic (MS), and histopathologic (HS) scores, as well as viral loads in blood and tissues by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Tissues examined included skin, lymph nodes, bone marrow, palatine tonsil, lungs, spleen, liver, kidneys, thymus, heart, adrenal glands, pancreas, urinary bladder, brain, and gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. The HVI group exhibited a 100% mortality rate with elevated CS, MS, and HS values. Animals infected by contact (CS = 12; MS = 58.5; HS = 112) and those intramuscularly infected (CS = 14.8; MS = 47; HS = 104) demonstrated similar values, indicating that the route of infection does not decisively influence the severity of clinical and pathological signs. The LVI group showed a 0% mortality rate, an inconspicuous clinical form, minimal lesions (CS = 0; MS = 12; HS = 29), and a lower viral load. Histopathologic evaluation has proven valuable in advancing our comprehension of ASF pathogenesis in wild boar and paves the groundwork for further research investigating protective mechanisms in vaccinated animals.

Gross lesions associated with Sarcocystis miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption: the importance of trained hunters to ensure animal health surveillance and food safety.

Sarcocystis is a genus of protozoa with a worldwide distribution infecting a wide range of animals, including humans. Wild boars can harbor at least two species of Sarcocystis, that is, the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis, using humans as definitive hosts, and Sarcocystis miescheriana, for which wild and domestic canids serve as definitive hosts. In Portugal, hunting holds significant economic and social importance, and wild boars are among the most appreciated hunted species. As the consumption of wild boar meat can expose humans to several foodborne pathogens, the presence of trained hunters can make a difference in ensuring animal health surveillance and food safety. Herein, we report the detection of macroscopic cystic lesions associated with S. miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption, resulting in carcass condemnation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the presence of S. miescheriana in wild boar tissues has never been associated with macroscopic pathological alterations before. Although S. miescheriana cannot infect humans, carcasses affected by grossly visible pathological changes must be declared unfit for consumption. Therefore, our finding points out the potential economic damage associated with carcass rejection due to the presence of gross lesions associated with generalized sarcocystosis. Nonetheless, further studies are required to investigate these alterations that currently appear to be occasional findings.

First report of Echinococcus granulosus genotype 1 in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) from China.

Echinococcosis is a worldwide disease endemic to the western region of China. In 2023, echinococcosis was detected in one of 27 wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang, northwestern China. Histopathological staining and full sequence mitochondrial (mt) analysis were used to determine the infection genotype. Echinococcus granulosus was detected in the wild boar liver, and the cystic lesion characteristics indicated the E. granulosus genotype (G1). This case is the first confirmation of wild boar serving as a transmitter for the G1 genotype of E. granulosus within China. These findings suggest that surveillance is needed to assess the risk of E. granulosus sensu lato transmission to humans and wild animals.

In vitro analysis of Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses in different pig cell types.

The shortage of organs for human transplantation is a topic of extreme interest, and xenotransplantation with porcine organs has been recognized as a promising solution. However, the potential spillover linked to infectious agents present in pigs remains a concern. Among these, Pig Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs), whose proviral DNAs are integrated in the genome of all pig breeds, represent an extremely important biological risk. This study aims to evaluate PERVs distribution in several swine cell lines and samples of domestic and feral pigs. Moreover, the capacity of PERVs to infect human and non-human primate cells and to integrate in the cellular genome was tested by Real-Time PCR and by Reverse Transcriptase assay. Results indicated a widespread diffusion of PERVs both in cell lines and samples analysed: the viral genome was found in all the established cell lines, in 40% of the primary cell lines and in 60% of the tissue samples tested. The assays indicated that the virus can be transmitted from porcine to human cells: in the specific case, infected NSK and NPTr cells allow passage to human 293 and MRC-5 cells with active production of the virus demonstrable via PCR and RT assay. In light of these aspects and also the lack of studies on PERVs, it appears clear that there are still many questions to be clarified, also by means of future studies, before xenotransplantation can be considered microbiologically safe.

Comparison of Molecular Potential for Iron Transfer across the Placenta in Domestic Pigs with Varied Litter Sizes and Wild Boars.

Neonatal iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among domestic pigs but does not occur in the offspring of wild boar. The main causes of this disorder in piglets of modern pig breeds are paucity of hepatic iron stores, high birth weight, and rapid growth. Replenishment of fetal iron stores is a direct result of iron transfer efficiency across the placenta. In this study, we attempted to investigate the molecular potential of iron transfer across the placenta as a possible cause of differences between wild boar and Polish Large White (PLW) offspring. Furthermore, by analyzing placentas from PLW gilts that had litters of different sizes, we aimed to elucidate the impact of the number of fetuses on placental ability to transport iron. Using RNA sequencing, we examined the expression of iron-related genes in the placentas from wild boar and PLW gilts. We did not reveal significant differences in the expression of major iron transporters among all analyzed placentas. However, in wild boar placentas, we found higher expression of copper-dependent ferroxidases such as ceruloplasmin, zyklopen, and hephaestin, which facilitate iron export to the fetal circulation. We also determined a close co-localization of ceruloplasmin and zyklopen with ferroportin, the only iron exporter.

Perceptions of Wild Pig Impact, Management, and Policy in Alabama.

Successful management of invasive species often requires working across public and private landownerships. A prime example of an invasive species that commonly occurs on privately and publicly owned and managed lands is the wild pig (Sus scrofa). Because of the multitude of negative impacts associated with wild pigs, management must occur across both private and public lands to achieve widespread control and sustained success. However, managing wild pigs across property boundaries is challenging as we know very little about differing management practices and landowner perspectives. To address this knowledge gap, we sought to understand wild pig management efforts on privately owned lands, the perceived economic, ecological, and human health impact of wild pigs, and beliefs related to policy. Generally, stakeholders believe wild pigs have negative impacts on wildlife, the economy, and ecological and public health, however less than half of landowners participate in wild pig control. Furthermore, stakeholders believe that the responsibility of managing and paying for damages associated with wild pigs lies with individual landowners. Our findings suggest that increased efficacy of wild pig control and collaboration between private and public landowners is not only possible but also necessary if wild pig population control is to be regionally successful.

Biogenic and risk elements in wild boar testes and relation to spermatozoa motility.

Environmental pollution results in serious health hazards to animals, reflected in biogenic and risk element concentrations in animal tissues. The objective of this study was to examinate concentration of selected elements in testes, and epididymal spermatozoa motility of wild boars. Wild boars were hunted in region Zuhracka - Levice, Slovak Republic. Testes were removed postmortem, spermatozoa were collected from cauda epididymis and assessed by CASA system. Elements concentrations were measured by ICP and by CV-AAS. Spermatozoa motility was 44.29% and progressive motility 18.47%. Concentration of elements in testes was in following order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Se > Mn > As > Cr > Pb > Mo > Sr > Ni > Ba > Cd > Li > Hg. The most notable correlations indicate association between Se and total spermatozoa motility, as well as with progressive motility, furthermore between As and velocity curved line and beat cross frequency. A high positive significant correlation was found between mercury and beat cross frequency. The data may serve as a fine control indicator to detect potentially toxic elements accumulated from polluted environment that can affect reproduction of wild animals.

[TWO CASES OF α-GAL SYNDROME CAUSED BY INGESTION OF WILD BOAR MEAT].

α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergic reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) found in the salivary glands of ticks, mammalian meat excluding primates, and some antibody preparations, such as cetuximab. We report two cases of AGS diagnosed after ingestion of wild boar meat. Patient 1, a male in his 70s, developed anaphylactic shock about 3 h after eating wild boar meat. He was transported to our acute and critical care center in Nagasaki University Hospital because he had difficulty in moving. Patient 2, a female in her 60s, developed a skin rash about 2.5 h after ingesting wild boar meat. After visiting our department to investigate the cause of the disease, the sera of both patients were found to be positive for α-gal specific IgE antibody and were diagnosed with AGS caused by ingestion of wild boar meat. Reports of AGS diagnosed after ingestion of wild boar meat are rare in Japan. Compared with other prefectures, the consumption of wild boar meat in Nagasaki is relatively high in Japan. In the past 10 years, four cases of AGS were diagnosed at our department, half of which were caused by the ingestion of wild boar meat, the ratio is possibly higher than that in other prefectures in Japan.

Detection of African Swine Fever Virus from Wild Boar, Singapore, 2023.

We detected African swine fever virus (ASFV) from a wild boar in Singapore. In <72 hours, we confirmed and reported ASFV p72 genotype II, CD2v serogroup 8, and IGR-II variant by using a combination of real-time PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Continued biosurveillance will be needed to monitor ASFV in Singapore.

Amplified Cyclicality in Mast Seeding Dynamics Positively Influences the Dynamics of a Seed Consumer Species.

AbstractTemporal autocorrelation in environmental conditions influences population dynamics through its effects on vital rates. However, a comprehensive understanding of how and to what extent temporal autocorrelation shapes population dynamics is still lacking because most empirical studies have unrealistically assumed that environmental conditions are temporally independent. Mast seeding is a biological event characterized by highly fluctuating and synchronized seed production at the tree population scale as well as a marked negative temporal autocorrelation. In the current context of global change, mast seeding events are expected to become more frequent, leading to strengthened negative temporal autocorrelations and thereby amplified cyclicality in mast seeding dynamics. Theory predicts that population growth rates are maximized when the environmental cyclicality of consumer resources and their generation times are closely matched. To test this prediction, we took advantage of the long-term monitoring of a wild boar population, a widespread seed consumer species characterized by a short generation time (∼2 years). As expected, simulations indicated that its stochastic population growth rate increased as mast seeding dynamics became more negatively autocorrelated. Our findings demonstrate that accounting for temporal autocorrelations in environmental conditions relative to the generation time of the focal population is required, especially under conditions of global warming, where the cyclicality in resource dynamics is likely to change.

Accelerometer-based detection of African swine fever infection in wild boar.

Infectious wildlife diseases that circulate at the interface with domestic animals pose significant threats worldwide and require early detection and warning. Although animal tracking technologies are used to discern behavioural changes, they are rarely used to monitor wildlife diseases. Common disease-induced behavioural changes include reduced activity and lethargy ('sickness behaviour'). Here, we investigated whether accelerometer sensors could detect the onset of African swine fever (ASF), a viral infection that induces high mortality in suids for which no vaccine is currently available. Taking advantage of an experiment designed to test an oral ASF vaccine, we equipped 12 wild boars with an accelerometer tag and quantified how ASF affects their activity pattern and behavioural fingerprint, using overall dynamic body acceleration. Wild boars showed a daily reduction in activity of 10-20% from the healthy to the viremia phase. Using change point statistics and comparing healthy individuals living in semi-free and free-ranging conditions, we show how the onset of disease-induced sickness can be detected and how such early detection could work in natural settings. Timely detection of infection in animals is crucial for disease surveillance and control, and accelerometer technology on sentinel animals provides a viable complementary tool to existing disease management approaches.

Tracking the fecal mycobiome through the lifespan of production pigs and a comparison to the feral pig.

IMPORTANCE: This work provides evidence that early-life fungal community composition, or host genetics, influences long-term mycobiome composition. In addition, this work provides the first comparison of the feral pig mycobiome to the mycobiome of intensively raised pigs.