Determination of antibodies against selected viral and bacterial pathogens in the feral pigs (Sus scrofa) population of the Bahía Samborombón Natural Reserve, Argentina

Abstract

Overlapping between wildlife and domestic species implies the risk of disease transmission. In Argentina, the wild pig (Sus scrofa) is a widespread invasive species. Sus scrofa wild populations are descendants from domestic pigs released during colonisation and Eurasian wild boars released for sport hunting purposes. Argentina is considered free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), classical swine fever (CSF), African swine fever (ASF) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Aujeszky disease (AD) and leptospirosis are considered endemic in certain areas of the country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of some zoonotic and productive diseases in the wild pig population of Bahía Samborombón, Argentina. A total of 118 animals were captured. Samples consisted on serum, tonsils, muscle, small intestine and lymph nodes. Detection of antibodies for Brucella spp, porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), Leptospira spp, CSF virus, ASF virus, AD virus and PRRS virus, as well as bacteriological analysis to detect Mycobacterium spp., were performed. Preliminary results indicate that 36 % and 62.5 % of animals had antibodies against Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona, and ADV, respectively. These results highlight the importance of closer monitoring on the wildlife/livestock interface for public health, animal production and biodiversity conservation.