Seroprevalence study of brucellosis in wild boar hunted for private consumption in northeast Portugal

Abstract

Brucellosis is an important infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. In the northeast region of Portugal, infection with Brucella melitensis is endemic in small ruminants, and there are also humans’ cases. However, the epidemiological role of the wild boar in the dynamics of this disease in this region is unknown. In this study, a total of 332 blood samples were collected from wild boar hunted in thirty-six hunting areas during the 2022/2023 hunting season. All were taken by the hunters for private consumption, with no evisceration or examination in the field. Serum samples were tested by indirect ELISA (i-ELISA). It was observed that 88 wild boars were exposed to Brucella spp., pointing to a seroprevalence of 26.5% (95% CI: 21.8 – 31.3%). This high prevalence underlines the importance that wild boar may have in the dynamics of this disease in the region and its potential transmission to other animals, and to humans (for example, during the handling of carcasses). Increased awareness and knowledge of brucellosis in wild boar is essential for the implementation of effective practices and habits and, consequently, for the control and prevention of this important zoonosis.

Hunting for Answers: Assessing Brucella spp. Seroprevalence and Risks in Red Deer and Wild Boar in Central Portugal

“…has also been detected in the Portuguese human population [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. A previous study carried out in 332 wild boars reported an apparent seroprevalence of 26.5% in the North region of Portugal [ 32 ]. Several studies have been conducted in Europe to investigate the prevalence of Brucella infections in wild boar populations.…”

“…Although related infections have been discovered in numerous places throughout the world, there have only been a few seroepidemiological studies on Brucella spp. in wild ungulates in Portugal [ 32 , 33 ]. The epidemiological state of wild animals in Portugal, such as red deer, is virtually unknown.…”