Investigating the role of free-ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the re-emergence of enzootic pneumonia in domestic pig herds: a pathological, prevalence and risk-factor study

PLoS One. 2015 Mar 6;10(3):e0119060. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119060. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Enzootic pneumonia (EP) caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae has a significant economic impact on domestic pig production. A control program carried out from 1999 to 2003 successfully reduced disease occurrence in domestic pigs in Switzerland, but recurrent outbreaks suggested a potential role of free-ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a source of re-infection. Since little is known on the epidemiology of EP in wild boar populations, our aims were: (1) to estimate the prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infections in wild boar in Switzerland; (2) to identify risk factors for infection in wild boar; and (3) to assess whether infection in wild boar is associated with the same gross and microscopic lesions typical of EP in domestic pigs. Nasal swabs, bronchial swabs and lung samples were collected from 978 wild boar from five study areas in Switzerland between October 2011 and May 2013. Swabs were analyzed by qualitative real time PCR and a histopathological study was conducted on lung tissues. Risk factor analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Overall prevalence in nasal swabs was 26.2% (95% CI 23.3-29.3%) but significant geographical differences were observed. Wild boar density, occurrence of EP outbreaks in domestic pigs and young age were identified as risk factors for infection. There was a significant association between infection and lesions consistent with EP in domestic pigs. We have concluded that M. hyopneumoniae is widespread in the Swiss wild boar population, that the same risk factors for infection of domestic pigs also act as risk factors for infection of wild boar, and that infected wild boar develop lesions similar to those found in domestic pigs. However, based on our data and the outbreak pattern in domestic pigs, we propose that spillover from domestic pigs to wild boar is more likely than transmission from wild boar to pigs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal / pathology
  • Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal / transmission*
  • Prevalence
  • Sus scrofa
  • Swine
  • Switzerland

Grants and funding

The study was funded by the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO; www.blv.admin.ch; contract nr. 1.11.16), with a contribution from the University of Bern and of the Institut Galli-Valerio (salary of mentors, infrastructure, materials). It is always part of contracts with the FSVO that study results should be published, as the FSVO wants to encourage the large distribution of research results. However, the FSVO has no influence on the studies’ outcome or on the prepared manuscripts.