Serological survey and associated risk factors of Aujeszky’s disease virus in wild boar from south and central Poland

TL;DR

This study found that 32% of wild boar in Poland have antibodies to Aujeszky’s disease virus, suggesting they remain a reservoir and a potential risk to domestic pigs.

Contribution

The study provides updated seroprevalence data and identifies age as a risk factor for Aujeszky’s disease virus in wild boar in Poland.

Findings

Antibodies to Aujeszky’s disease virus were detected in 32.19% of wild boar tested.

Older wild boar were more likely to be seropositive, though uncertainty increased with age.

Sex and location had no significant influence on seroprevalence.

Abstract

Aujeszky’s disease is caused by suid herpesvirus-1, also called Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV). The main reservoir host is the wild boar (Sus scrofa). The last data about ADV seroprevalence in wild boar in Poland came from over 10 years ago. There is a gap in knowledge about the current epidemiological situation. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise ADV seroprevalence and risk factors in hunted wild boar in south and central Poland.

Between February and June 2024, blood samples were collected from 320 wild boar (143 females and 177 males). Total antibodies to ADV were detected by a commercial indirect ELISA kit. The results were statistically analysed.

Antibodies against ADV were detected in serum samples from 103/320 animals (32.19%). The wild boars were more likely to be ADV seropositive with age, but the uncertainty of this prediction increased with age. Sex and location of animals did not influence ADV seroprevalence.

The study revealed that the wild boar is still an important ADV reservoir in Poland. Even though Poland has ADV-free status, the results indicate that the situation in wild boar should be monitored. There is the risk of spillover of ADV from wild boar to domestic pig herds, potentially interfering with the control programme in Poland. The ADV seroprevalence in wild boar population shows not only a risk of the virus’ reintroduction into pig herds but also a potential threat to other domestic and wild mammals.

Figures