Porcine coronaviruses and reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are responsible for severe outbreaks that cause huge economic losses worldwide. In Italy, three coronaviruses have been reported historically: porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV). Although repeated outbreaks have been described, especially in northern Italy, where intensive pig farming is common, there is a worrying lack of information on the spread of these pathogens in Europe. In this work, we determined the seroprevalence of three porcine coronaviruses and PRRSV in the Campania region, southern Italy. A total of 443 samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against porcine coronaviruses and PRRSV using four different commercial ELISAs. Our results indicated that PEDV is the most prevalent among porcine coronaviruses, followed by TGEV, and finally PRCV. PRRSV appeared to be the most prevalent virus (16.7%). For coronaviruses, seroprevalence was higher in pigs raised in intensive farming systems. In terms of distribution, TGEV is more widespread in the province of Avellino, while PEDV and PRRSV are more prevalent in the province of Naples, emphasizing the epidemic nature of both infections. Interestingly, TGEV-positive animals are more common among growers, while seropositivity for PEDV and PRRSV was higher in adults. Our research provides new insights into the spread of swine coronaviruses and PRRSV in southern Italy, as well as a warning about the need for viral surveillance.

Cattle and water buffalo are the main livestock species that are raised in the Campania region, southern Italy, and they contribute significantly to the regional rural economy. Currently there are limited data on the prevalence of relevant impact infections, such as bovine coronavirus (BCov), an RNA virus that causes acute enteric and respiratory disease. Although these diseases are described primarily in cattle, there have been reports of spillovers to other ruminants, including water buffalo. Here, we determined the seroprevalence of BCoV in cattle and water buffalo in the Campania region of southern Italy. An overall seroprevalence of 30.8% was determined after testing 720 sampled animals with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A risk factor analysis revealed that the seropositivity rates in cattle (49.2%) were higher than in water buffalo (5.3%). In addition, higher seroprevalence rates were observed in older and purchased animals. In cattle, housing type and location were not associated with higher seroprevalence. The presence of BCoV antibodies in water buffalo was associated with the practice of co-inhabiting with cattle, demonstrating that this practice is incorrect and promotes the transmission of pathogens between different species. Our study found a considerable seroprevalence, which is consistent with previous research from other countries. Our results provide information on the widespread distribution of this pathogen as well as the risk factors that are involved in its transmission. This information could be useful in the control and surveillance of this infection.