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Molecular surveillance of selected pathogens in intestinal samples of wild boar from southern Italy
 
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1
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples, Federico II
 
2
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-06-12
 
 
Corresponding author
Gianmarco Ferrara   

Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
Monitoring disease among wildlife is critical to preserving health in both domestic animals and wildlife, and it becomes much more critical when the infections cause significant economic damage to the livestock industry or threaten public health. Given the continuous increase in populations and its role as a reservoir for several infections, wild boar (Sus scrofa) requires special attention regarding disease surveillance and monitoring. In this study, the molecular prevalence of selected pathogens was investigated in the wild boar population of Campania, southern Italy. A total of 59 wild boars hunted in the Campania region were sampled and rectum/colon fecal content was collected during slaughter operations. The extracted DNAs/RNAs were used as templates in real-time PCR or end-point PCR protocols described in the literature, obtaining the following molecular prevalences: HEV 6.8% (4/59), M. avium 2.4% (2/59), PCV-2 11.9% (7/59), PCV-3 3.4% (2/59), PPV 8.5% (5/59), and RVA 17% (10/59). A univariate risk factor analysis was carried out using location, sex, age, and weight as independent variables. HEV was shown to be significantly more prevalent in females, as occurred for PPV in young individuals and those weighing less than 50 kilograms. This study suggests that wild boars hunted in the Campania region harbor several enteric infections potentially transmissible to other mammals and/or humans. The observed prevalences also suggest the implementation of good hygiene practices during slaughter and compliance with external biosecurity requirements for pig farms to prevent direct and indirect contact between wild animals and domestic pigs.
eISSN:1825-5272
ISSN:0394-1914
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