# Suidae Coronaviruses: Epidemiology, Transmission, and Molecular Diagnosis

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the growing threat of coronaviruses in pigs and wild boars, emphasizing the need for better surveillance and control to prevent public health risks.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the role of wild boars as potential reservoirs and the importance of integrated surveillance for swine coronaviruses.

## Key findings

- Coronavirus antibodies and RNA have been detected in wild boar populations across Europe.
- Swine coronaviruses have high mutation rates and recombination potential, posing significant threats to swine production and public health.
- Integrated surveillance and next-generation vaccines are needed to control the spread of these viruses.

## Abstract

Coronaviruses in domestic pigs and wild boars are a major concern for animal and public health. These viruses are characterized by large genomes, high mutation rates, and a remarkable ability to adapt to new hosts and environments. While historically considered of limited relevance, porcine coronaviruses such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus, Porcine Respiratory Coronavirus, Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus, Porcine Deltacoronavirus, and Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus now represent significant threats. Recent studies have identified coronavirus antibodies and RNA in wild boars in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Poland, raising concerns over their role as reservoirs or amplifiers of infection. The One Health perspective underscores the need for integrated surveillance, improved diagnostic tools, and strategies to mitigate zoonotic risk.

The emergence and spread of swine coronaviruses represent a growing challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health. These viruses exhibit high mutation rates, recombination potential, and the capacity for cross-species transmission. Among the most relevant pathogens are PEDV, TGEV, PRCV, PHEV, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV, which have caused significant outbreaks in swine production systems worldwide, with severe economic consequences. Recent evidence demonstrates coronavirus circulation in wild boar populations across Europe, including Italy, Spain, and Germany. Although wild boars are not confirmed as primary reservoirs, their ecological behavior and increasing overlap with domestic pigs raise concern over their potential role in maintaining viral circulation. Future research priorities should focus on developing a more integrated and coordinated system for the control of swine coronaviruses, including strengthened surveillance in both domestic pigs and wild boar populations, the use of molecular epidemiology techniques to identify emerging variants, and structured collaboration among veterinary, ecological, health, and regulatory sectors. Finally, investment is needed in the development of next-generation vaccines and diagnostic tools to address the considerable genetic variability of swine coronaviruses and to improve the prevention and early detection of and response to future epidemic threats.