Classical swine fever (hog cholera) in wild boar in Europe.

ABSTRACT

Classical swine fever (CSF) is of increasing concern in Europe where wild boar appear to play an important epidemiological role. In most parts of the continent, demographic trends are on the increase, due to improvement in game management. As a result of higher densities, populations become more susceptible to various infectious diseases, among which CSF is cause for particular concern. Wild boar do not appear to be a classic reservoir in most cases, but nevertheless may perpetuate foci of infection over the long term, constituting a real threat for the pig farming industry. Since the infection does not appear to spread easily in natural populations of free-ranging wild boars, control of the disease may be feasible. However, most of the appropriate measures, such as banning hunting, are not considered acceptable. Consequently, the expertise of wildlife disease specialists is required to help solve the problem when it occurs.