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Neonatal iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among domestic pigs but does not occur in the offspring of wild boar. The main causes of this disorder in piglets of modern pig breeds are paucity of hepatic iron stores, high birth weight, and rapid growth. Replenishment of fetal iron stores is a direct result of iron transfer efficiency across the placenta. In this study, we attempted to investigate the molecular potential of iron transfer across the placenta as a possible cause of differences between wild boar and Polish Large White (PLW) offspring. Furthermore, by analyzing placentas from PLW gilts that had litters of different sizes, we aimed to elucidate the impact of the number of fetuses on placental ability to transport iron. Using RNA sequencing, we examined the expression of iron-related genes in the placentas from wild boar and PLW gilts. We did not reveal significant differences in the expression of major iron transporters among all analyzed placentas. However, in wild boar placentas, we found higher expression of copper-dependent ferroxidases such as ceruloplasmin, zyklopen, and hephaestin, which facilitate iron export to the fetal circulation. We also determined a close co-localization of ceruloplasmin and zyklopen with ferroportin, the only iron exporter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a common disease in Suidae species that causes significant economic losses in the pig industry. This study investigates PRRS in Hungarian wild boar populations and the efforts for eradication of the virus from domestic pig herds. Given the economic significance of PRRS, understanding its prevalence in wild hosts like wild boar is crucial. We examine whether wild boars in Hungary carry the PRRS virus, the seroconversion rate, and the potential relationship between wild boar and domestic pig populations concerning PRRS infection. Our findings indicate a minimal PRRS infection in wild boars, emphasizing the low risk they pose to the PRRS-free status of domestic pig herds. This research contributes to our understanding of PRRS dynamics in wild populations and supports efforts to maintain disease-free domestic pig herds, ensuring the sustainability of pig farming in Hungary. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) significantly impacts the pig farming industry globally, leading to economic losses due to reduced productivity. This study focuses on assessing the presence and impact of PRRS within Hungarian wild boar populations amidst efforts to eradicate the virus from domestic pig herds. We used a combination of serological and virological tests on samples collected from wild boars across Hungary to evaluate the prevalence of PRRS virus and its potential transmission risks to domestic pigs. Our findings reveal a low seropositivity rate in wild boars, suggesting a minimal role of wild boars in the transmission of PRRS to domestic pig populations. Moreover, no relationship was found between domestic pig and wild boar densities, emphasizing the limited interaction and consequent risk of disease spread between these populations. We confirm the effectiveness of Hungary's PRRS eradication measures among domestic herds and highlight the negligible risk posed by wild boars in re-introducing the PRRS virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Isolation of bacteria and fungi from porcine nasal microbiome and evaluation of antibioticproducing potential among them. Methods: Conventional isolation using Sabouraud and Mueller-Hinton nutrient media was carried out for collected samples. The isolated strains were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and antimicrobial activity screening. Results and Discussion: Taxonomy positions of the 20 isolated strains (18 bacteria, 1 yeast, 1 fungus) were determined by phylogenetic analysis, morphological study and a substrate utilization assay. Pseudomonas aeruginosa SM-11 was found to produce 4 known antibacterial molecules (pyocyanine, pyochelin, pyoluteorin, monorhamnolipid). Production of pyocyanine was induced by cocultivation with test microorganisms. Conclusions: The mammal microbiota might serve as a valuable source of antimicrobialproducing strains, including those of rare taxa. Cocultivation techniques are a promising approach to exploring antimicrobials from silent biosynthetic gene clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The critically low hepatic iron stores of newborn piglets are considered to be a major cause of neonatal iron deficiency in modern breeds of domestic pig (Sus domestica). The main factor believed to contribute to this phenomenon is large litter size, which has been an objective of selective breeding of pigs for decades. As consequence, iron transferred from the pregnant sow has to be distributed among a greater number of fetuses. Results: Here, we investigated whether litter size influences red blood cell (RBC) indices and iron parameters in Polish Large White (PLW) piglets and gilts. Small and large litters were produced by the transfer of different numbers of embryos, derived from the same superovulated donor females, to recipient gilts. Piglets from large litters obtained following routine artificial insemination were also examined. Our results clearly demonstrated that varying the number of piglets in a litter did not affect the RBC and iron status of 1-day-old piglets, with all showing iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, gilts with small litters displayed higher RBC and iron parameters compared to mothers with large litters. A comparative analysis of the RBC status of wild boars (having less than half as many piglets per litter as domestic pigs) and PLW pigs, demonstrated higher RBC count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value of both wild boar sows and piglets, even compared to small-litter PLW animals. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that RBC and iron status in newborn PLW piglets are not primarily determined by litter size, and indicate the need to study the efficiency of iron transport across the placenta in domestic pig and wild boar females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal welfare can be viewed as the result of integrating repeated affective evaluations of success in coping with environmental challenges, i.e., subjective challenge adequacy. The present work summarizes why established physiological and behavioral welfare parameters are inadequate to assess challenge adequacy. Behavioral tests based on the mood-congruent judgment effect and physiologic parameters based on components of the somatotropic axis are proposed as an alternative. Here, the judgment bias measures an animal's subjective confidence to cope successfully with a challenge, which is in turn modulated by the animal's previous experience. The somatotropic axis incorporates the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and its binding proteins (IGFBP), which are involved in the regulation of metabolism and growth. First results indicate that in particular IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 react with higher latency and higher inertness to short-term stressful events than established physiological stress parameters. Before these indicators can be utilized for overall welfare assessment, further validation studies are necessary that provide more insights into how repeatable the measurements are under different conditions and which other factors may confound the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Maternal behaviour is a common trait in many mammalian species, and mothers can invest a lot of energy in parental care, ensuring a higher probability of survival for their infants. An interesting question is whether these behaviours are influenced by particular mechanisms and how the offspring can effectively attract the mother's attention. In order to try to answer this question, we studied a group of sows reared in northern Italy (ethical farm Parva Domus, Cavagnolo, Turin) in which lactating and non-lactating females were present. Isolation calls emitted by the piglets were able to generate a state of anxiety in the mothers and can be therefore a valid example of a useful mechanism to request maternal care effectively. Furthermore, we not only observed that lactating females responded and reacted more to the vocalisations of piglets from other broods, but also that less aggressive mothers responded more. Finally, we found that certain vocalisation characteristics may influence the type of response by the mothers. Therefore, several factors seem to play a key role in eliciting response behaviour in sows. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) possess complex socio-cognitive skills, and sows show high inter-individual variability in maternal behaviour. To evaluate how females—reared under natural conditions—react to the isolation calls of their own piglets or those of other females, we conducted observations and experimental trials. In January–February 2021, we conducted all-occurrences sampling on affiliation, aggression, and lactation (daily, 7:30–16:30 h) on six lactating and four non-lactating females at the ethical farm Parva Domus (Turin, Italy). The trials (30 s each, n = 37/sow) consisted of briefly catching and restraining a piglet. We recorded the sow response (none/reactive/proactive movement towards the piglet; self-directed anxiety behaviours such as body shaking) before and during the trial and under control conditions. Increased levels of anxiety behaviour in sows were accompanied by an increased frequency of responses. Less aggressive sows and lactating sows showed the highest frequencies of response. Finally, the isolation calls' maximum intensity had an influence on the type of response observed, with higher proactive response frequencies following lower intensity isolation calls. Our results suggest that being under lactation could play a key role in increasing sow response levels and that specific acoustic features may influence the response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wild boar, Sus scrofa, from Europe, domestic pig-typical ancestry is traced at varying levels. We hypothesised wild boar with pig-typical gene pool characteristics, i.e., "introgression", congregate more in peri-urban habitats, because of less shyness and better adaptation to anthropogenic stress. We used 16 microsatellites to study introgression levels of 375 wild boar from peri-urban Vienna, Austria, and rural regions in comparison to commercial slaughter pigs, Mangaliza, and Turopolje pigs. We also expected more introgression in locations of warmer climates and lower precipitation. Despite discrimination of wild boar and pigs with 99.73% and 97.87% probability, respectively, all wild boars exhibited pig-typical gene pool characteristics, mostly at a very low level. Recent hybridisation was suspected in only 0.53% of wild boar, corresponding to the current largely indoor pig breeding/rearing in the region, with no chance of natural gene exchange between pigs and wild boar. Rather, pig ancestry in wild boar stems from incomplete gene pool differentiation during domestication and/or historical introgressions, when free-ranging pig farming was common. Individual introgression levels were lower in wild boar from peri-urban habitats, possibly reflecting the largely historical absence of pig farms there. Moreover, a marginal precipitation effect, but no temperature effect on introgression was observed. The latter, however, needs to be explored further by a more comprehensive data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and reproducible colonic drug delivery remains elusive. The aim of this study was to demonstrate specific colonic delivery in vivo in domestic pigs with a novel tablet formulation based on a dual release control concept using 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and caffeine as drug substances. The developed controlled colonic release (CCR) tablet formulation employs a pH-sensitive coating based on Eudragit® FS 30 D to prevent drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and a xyloglucan-based matrix to inhibit drug release after coating removal in the small intestine and to allow microbiome-triggered drug release by enzymatic action in the colon. CCR tablets were administered to domestic pigs and plasma concentration data was analyzed by physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to estimate absorbed amounts from small and large intestine and in vivo drug release rates by model-dependent deconvolution using immediate release (IR) tablets and intravenous solutions as reference. Peak concentration times (t max) and values (c max) of CCR 5-ASA and caffeine tablets indicated strongly delayed drug absorption and the deduced absorbed amount as a function of time confirmed absorption overwhelmingly from the large intestine. The microbially cleaved marker molecule sulfasalazine administered alone or together with caffeine in CCR tablets reported, in combination with telemetry measurements, gastrointestinal transit times and site of absorption. Drug release from CCR tablets was inferred to take place predominantly at the site of absorption at a release rate of caffeine that was much larger in the colon than in the small intestine indicating enzymatically triggered release by the colonic microbiome. Xyloglucanase activity in rectal and cecal samples was consistent with release data and compound recovery in fecal droppings was consistent with 5-ASA bioavailability. The results provide evidence that the developed formulation can prevent premature drug release and provide targeted colonic drug delivery. Clinical relevance based on the comparability between pig and man is discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe, globally important disease in domestic and wild pigs. The testing of alternative transmission routes has proven that the ASF virus (ASFV) can be efficiently transmitted to sows via semen from infected boars through artificial insemination. Boars intramuscularly inoculated with the ASFV strain "Estonia 2014" showed grossly and microscopically visible changes in the testis, epididymis, prostate, and vesicular gland. The gross lesions included hemorrhages on the scrotum, testicular membranes, and parenchyma; edema; hydroceles; and proliferations of the tunica vaginalis. Histopathologically, vasculitis and perivasculitis was detected in the testis and epididymis. Subacutely infected animals further revealed a degeneration of the testicular and epididymal tubules, pointing to the destruction of the blood–testis and blood–epididymis barriers upon disease progression. This was confirmed by evidence of semen round cells and sperm abnormalities at later time points after the infection. The histopathology was associated with the presence of viral DNA and the infectious virus, and in a limited amount with viral antigens. In most scenarios, the impact of these changes on the reproductive performance and long-term persistence of the virus is probably negligible due to the culling of the animals. However, under backyard conditions and in wild boar populations, infected males will remain in the population and the long-term fate should be further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever virus is the causative agent of an acute and highly contagious disease affecting domestic and wild members of the family Suidae. The virus can be transmitted by direct contact among infected animals or via a contaminated environment or feed. Since the contaminated meat or products thereof have been characterised as the most probable vehicle in several outbreaks, the aim of the present study was to define viability of the virus in meat under conditions of freezing and chilling (-25 °C and 6 °C) and low temperature cooking (55 °C for 2.5 h and for 1 h). Two independent methods were employed; cell culture as a reference and real-time polymerase chain reaction combined with palladium compound (BB-PdCl2 and PdCl2COD) pre-treatment as an alternative method. Obtained results demonstrated a minimal decrease in the infectious virus titre during storage at -25 °C, and a remaining amount of viruses in meat stored at 6 °C for 14 months that can cause a disease after ingestion. The results obtained by both methods applied on the samples corresponded to each other. In contrast, results related to the virus' persistence in thermal-treated meat indicated much lower stability than previously thought; infectious viruses were not detected by infectivity assay after the treatment at 55 °C for 1 h. The observed difference of one order of magnitude of virus detected using palladium compound pre-treatment suggests presence of intact rather than infectious viruses. A better suitability of PdCl2COD compared to BB-PdCl2 pre-treatment was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Song Dynasty, pig raising was common. In the process of raising pigs, the choice of feeding method and feed was a real problem. The article firstly introduces the two feeding methods of grazing and house feeding and three kinds of feeding such as energy feed, protein feed and green feed adopted by the Song people, and then analyzes the three characteristics of domestic pig breeding in Song Dynasty. Furthermore, it is found that in terms of pig raising activities the Song people made use of the actual conditions to a large extent, which not only saved grain by adopting the way of "poor raising", but also satisfied the nutrients needed for the growth of domestic pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotavirus A (RVA) is an important pathogen for porcine health. In comparison to humans, RVA in domestic animals and especially in wildlife is under researched. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity, molecular epidemiology and interspecies transmission of RVA in domestic pigs and wild boars. During the three consecutive RVA seasons (2018–2021) we collected 445 and 441 samples from domestic pigs and wild boars, respectively. Samples were tested by real-time RT-PCR, and RVA-positive samples were genotyped in VP7 and VP4 segments. Our results report an RVA prevalence of 49.9% in domestic pigs and 9.3% in wild boars. Outstanding RVA genetic diversity was observed in VP7 and VP4 segments, especially in domestic pigs exhibiting a striking 23 different RVA combinations (G5P[13] and G9P[23] prevailed). Interspecies transmission events were numerous between domestic pigs and wild boars, sharing G3, G5, G6, G9, G11 and P[13] genotypes. Furthermore, our data indicate that such transmission events involved even bovines (G6, P[11]) and, intriguingly, humans (G1P[8]). This study contributes to the basic knowledge that may be considered important for vaccine development and introduction, as a valuable and currently missing tool for efficient pig health management in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gnathostoma adult worms were found in the stomachs of domestic pigs in the Republic of Palau, with a prevalence of 0.7% (2/277) in the meat inspections conducted between 2020 and 2022. Based on morphological characteristics and nucleotide sequence analysis, the worms were identified as the adult stage of Gnathostoma doloresi Tubangui, 1925 (Rhabditida: Gnathostomatidae). These findings suggest the presence of this zoonotic nematode in Palau, which warrants further surveillance to determine its route of transmission in this island country. [Display omitted] • Nematodes were found in 2 of 277 pigs examined in Palau (2020−2022). • These nematodes were identified as Gnathostoma doloresi. • This is the first report of G. doloresi, a zoonotic pathogen, in Palau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to map the morphometry and variability of a part of the abdominal aorta and its branches - the coeliac artery (AC), the cranial mesenteric artery (AMC) and both renal arteries (ARS, ARD). Methods: CT scans of 13 animals ((7 XY, 6 XX), weigh 28-33 kg, Přeštice black-pied breed) were evaluated. Measurements were performed in multiplanar reconstructions (MPR), slice thickness 0.8 mm. The transverse diameter (P) of aorta (Ao), AC, AMC and ARs at the point of separation P Ao(X), the exit angle (ÚO) including, were assessed. Results: Aorta narrowed caudally, in the segment between the AC and AR from 1.1 cm to 0.9 cm. The largest branch was the cranial mesenteric artery. The average values of the branches root lumen diameter P (X) were: P (AC) = 0.6 cm, P (AMC) = 0.7 cm, P (ARD, ARS) = 0.5 cm. The branches departed in a caudally sharp angle: ÚO (AC) = 67.9°, ÚO (AMC) = 75.8°, ÚO (ARD) = 64.4°, ÚO (ARS) = 72.2°. Moderately strong variability of the exit angle of the AC, and the ARS was demonstrated (coefficient of variation > 30, standard deviation > 20°). 70% of the renal arteries (N = 9) showed right-left asymmetry and exited between L2-3. In females, the right renal artery was wider (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Our results map a part of the abdominal arteries of the domestic pig, the Přeštice black-pied breed (N = 13, both sexes, weigh 28-33 kg). We anticipate their use for the preclinical studies designing, the surgical and imaging methods training in the field of vascular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is responsible for a number of porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD) that can severely impact domestic pig herds. For a non-enveloped virus with a small genome (1.7 kb ssDNA), PCV2 is remarkably diverse, with eight genotypes (a–h). New genotypes of PCV2 can spread through the migration of wild boar, which are thought to infect domestic pigs and spread further through the domestic pig trade. Despite a large swine population, the diversity of PCV2 genotypes in Ukraine has been under-sampled, with few PCV2 genome sequences reported in the past decade. To gain a deeper understanding of PCV2 genotype diversity in Ukraine, samples of blood serum were collected from wild boars (n = 107) that were hunted in Ukraine during the November–December 2012 hunting season. We found 34/107 (31.8%) prevalence of PCV2 by diagnostic PCR. For domestic pigs, liver samples (n = 16) were collected from a commercial market near Kharkiv in 2019, of which 6 out of 16 (37%) samples were positive for PCV2. We sequenced the genotyping locus ORF2, a gene encoding the PCV2 viral capsid (Cap), for 11 wild boar and six domestic pig samples in Ukraine using an Oxford Nanopore MinION device. Of 17 samples with resolved genotypes, the PCV2 genotype b was the most common in wild boar samples (10 out of 11, 91%), while the domestic pigs were infected with genotypes b and d. We also detected genotype b/d and b/a co-infections in wild boars and domestic pigs, respectively, and for the first time in Ukraine we detected genotype f in a wild boar from Poltava. Building a maximum-likelihood phylogeny, we identified a sublineage of PCV2 genotype b infections in both wild and domestic swine, suggesting a possible epizootic cluster and an ecological interaction between wild boar and domestic pig populations in northeastern Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microsporidia are spore‐forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic species of microsporidia and is responsible for more than 90% of cases of microsporidiosis in humans and animals. Pigs and wild boars are important animal reservoirs of microsporidia. Hence, we aimed to estimate the global prevalence of microsporidia and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in pigs and wild boars through a set of systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Methods: Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2021. Regarding meta‐analysis, the random‐effect model was employed by forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 33 papers, including 34 datasets (30 datasets for domestic pigs and 4 for wild boars) finally meet the inclusion criteria to undergo meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of microsporidia infection in domestic pigs and wild boars were 37.6% (95% CI: 30.8–44.9%) and 8.1% (95% CI: 2.1–26.8%), respectively. While, the pooled prevalence rates of E. bieneusi were 35% (95% CI: 28.4–42.2%) in domestic pigs and 10.1% (95% CI: 1.7–42.4%) in wild boars. The genotypes EbpA was the most reported genotype in domestic pigs and wild boars. Male animals had higher prevalence rates of microsporidia infection than females (27 vs. 17.4%, OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.77–4.71%). Conclusion: This study indicates the important role of domestic pigs and wild boars as animal reservoir hosts of microsporidia. Thereby, strategies for control and prevention of these zoonotic pathogens should be designed in pigs and wild boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boars. The causative agent can be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or via a contaminated environment, fomites, feed, meat and products thereof. Soft ticks (genus Ornithodoros) are known reservoirs and transmission vectors of the virus. As the disease causes serious problems in many countries, rapid detection of the agent and early diagnosis could help in prevention of its spread. Therefore, a multiple-analyte profile (xMAP) technology based on multiple oligonucleotide ligation followed by polymerase chain reaction (MOL-PCR) was introduced and verified. A system targeting two independent loci of the virus genome was designed to increase the likelihood of different strains detection and an internal control was employed to verify the correct course of the analysis. The sensitivity was experimentally determined as 10 genomic copies of the virus in one µl of isolated DNA. The system was verified on samples originating from a recent ASF outbreak in the Czech Republic (six spleen) and the Czech market (eight liver and heart tissues) with real-time polymerase chain reaction used as a reference method. The results of both methods were in agreement, even in samples with a low concentration of the virus genome (9.45 × 101 genomic copies/µl of DNA). The system introduced represents an open method allowing the detection and semi-quantification of up to 50 targets/agents in one reaction. It can, therefore, be used for rapid one-step screening and as an effective tool for risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a highly lethal haemorrhagic disease in domestic and Eurasian wild pigs. Thus, it is a major threat to pig populations worldwide and a cause of substantial economic losses. Recently, less virulent ASFV strains emerged naturally, which showed higher experimental virulence in wild boar than in domestic pigs. The reason for this difference in disease progression and outcome is unclear but likely involves different immunological responses. Unfortunately, besides the importance of CD8α+ lymphocytes, little is known about the immune responses against ASFV in suids. Against this background, we used a multicolour flow cytometry platform to investigate the T‐cell responses in wild boar and domestic pigs after infection with the moderately virulent ASFV strain 'Estonia2014' in two independent trials. CD4−/CD8α+ and CD4+/CD8α+ αβ T‐cell frequencies increased in both subspecies in various tissues, but CD8α+ γδ T cells differentiated and responded in wild boar only. Proliferation in CD8α+ T cells was found 10 days post infectionem only. Frequencies of T‐bet+ T cells increased in wild boar but not in domestic pigs. Of note, we found a considerable loss of perforin expression in cytotoxic T cells, 5 and 7 dpi. Both subspecies established a regulatory T‐cell response 10 dpi. In domestic pigs, we show increasing levels of ICOS+ and CD8α+ invariant Natural Killer T cells. These disparities in T‐cell responses might explain some of the differences in disease progression in wild boar and domestic pigs and should pave the way for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary medico-legal investigation goal in deaths due to animal attacks is distinguishing between animal-related injuries and potential homicidal wounds. We report the case of a 49-year-old male found dead in his farm's pigsty, where a sow and her piglets were present. At the postmortem examination, numerous, severe blunt force injuries were observed on the body, with special regard to the upper extremities where massive injuries involving soft tissues, bones, and regional vessels, tendons, and nerves were present. The death resulted from severe bleeding from massive upper extremities injuries due to a domestic pig attack. Domestic pigs are usually placid but they can become aggressive if disturbed and attack humans producing severe injuries due to trampling, kicking and biting. Knowing the relevant anatomy, pattern of attack, and morphologies of wounds produced by particular animals can distinguish animal attacks from homicides, as well as attempt to identify the type of animal involved in an unwitnessed attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic orthonairovirus of public health concern and widespread geographic distribution. Several animal species are known to seroconvert after infection with CCHFV without showing clinical symptoms. The commercial availability of a multi-species ELISA has led to an increase in recent serosurveillance studies as well as in the range of species reported to be exposed to CCHFV in the field, including wild boar (Sus scrofa). However, development and validation of confirmatory serological tests for swine based on different CCHFV antigens or test principles are hampered by the lack of defined control sera from infected and non-infected animals. For the detection of anti-CCHFV antibodies in swine, we established a swine-specific in-house ELISA using a panel of swine sera from CCHFV-free regions and regions with reported CCHFV circulation. We initially screened more than 700 serum samples from wild boar and domestic pigs and observed a correlation of ≃67% between the commercial and the in-house test. From these sera, we selected a panel of 60 samples that were further analyzed in a newly established indirect immunofluorescence assay (iIFA) and virus neutralization test. ELISA-non-reactive samples tested negative. Interestingly, only a subset of samples reactive in both ELISA and iIFA displayed CCHFV-neutralizing antibodies. The observed partial discrepancy between the tests may be explained by different test sensitivities, antibody cross-reactivities or suggests that the immune response to CCHFV in swine is not necessarily associated with eliciting neutralizing antibodies. Overall, this study highlights that meaningful CCHFV serology in swine, and possibly other species, should involve the performance of multiple tests and careful interpretation of the results. • Development of serological assays for detection of anti-CCHFV antibodies in swine. • Use of swine serum panel from CCHFV-free regions and regions with CCHFV circulation. • Systematic comparison of four serological assays based on different CCHFV antigens. • CCHFV immune response in swine not necessarily associated with neutralizing antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The brain of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) has drawn considerable attention due to its high similarities to that of humans. However, the cellular compositions of the pig brain (PB) remain elusive. Here we investigated the single-nucleus transcriptomic profiles of five regions of the PB (frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, and hypothalamus) and identified 21 cell subpopulations. The cross-species comparison of mouse and pig hypothalamus revealed the shared and specific gene expression patterns at the single-cell resolution. Furthermore, we identified cell types and molecular pathways closely associated with neurological disorders, bridging the gap between gene mutations and pathogenesis. We reported, to our knowledge, the first single-cell atlas of domestic pig cerebral cortex and hypothalamus combined with a comprehensive analysis across species, providing extensive resources for future research regarding neural science, evolutionary developmental biology, and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is emerging in Vietnam and poses a continuing severe threat to the swine industry. A histopathological study of clinical samples collected during the May to July 2019 outbreak of ASF was performed to determine the characteristic lesions. We analysed samples from eight ASFV‐infected farms. Histopathological results revealed the characteristic lesions of the acute to the subacute clinical form of ASF. Immunohistochemical results showed ASFV viral antigen distribution in mononuclear cells/macrophage in various organs, hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelium. Molecular analysis of partial capsid protein 72 gene revealed that ASFV strain from the eight separate outbreaks belonged to genotype II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is currently considered the most significant global threat to pork production worldwide. Disease caused by the ASF virus (ASFV) results in high case fatality of pigs. Importantly, ASF is a trade‐limiting disease with substantial implications on both global pork and agricultural feed commodities. ASFV is transmissible through natural consumption of contaminated swine feed and is broadly stable across a wide range of commonly imported feed ingredients and conditions. The objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of medium‐chain fatty acid and formaldehyde‐based feed additives in inactivating ASFV. Feed additives were tested in cell culture and in feed ingredients under a transoceanic shipment model. Both chemical additives reduced ASFV infectivity in a dose‐dependent manner. This study provides evidence that chemical feed additives may potentially serve as mitigants for reducing the risk of ASFV introduction and transmission through feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EFS Aassessed the role of seropositive wild boarin Africans wine fever (ASF) persistence. Surveillance data from Estonia and Latvia investigated with a generalised equation method demonstrated a significantly slower decline in seroprevalence in adult animals compared with subadults. The seroprevalence in adults, taking more than 24 months to approach zero after the last detection of ASFV circulation, would be a poor indicator to demonstrate the absence of virus circulation. A narrative literature review updated the knowledge on the mortality rate, the duration of protective immunity and maternal antibodies and transmission parameters. In addition, parameters potentially leading to prolonged virus circulation (persistence) in wild boar populations were reviewed. A stochastic explicit model was used to evaluate the dynamics of virus prevalence, seroprevalence and the number of car casses attributed to ASF. Secondly,the impact of four scenarios on the duration of ASF virus (ASFV) persistence was evaluated with the model, namely a: (1) prolonged, lifelong infectious period, (2) reduction in the case-fatality rate and prolonged transient infectiousness; (3) change in duration of protective immunity and (4) change in the duration of protection from maternal antibodies. Only the lifelong infectious period scenario had an important prolonging effect on the persistence of ASF. Finally, the model tested the performance of different proposed surveillance strategies to provide evidence of the absence of virus circulation (Exit Strategy). A two-phase approach (Screening Phase, Confirmation Phase) was suggested for the Exit Strategy. The accuracy of the Exit Strategy increases with increasing numbers of carcasses collected and tested. The inclusion of active surveillance based on hunting has limited impact on the performance of the Exit Strategy compared with lengthening of the monitoring period. This performance improvement should be reasonably balanced against an unnecessary prolonged‘time free’with only a marginal gain in performance. Recommendations are provided for minimum monitoring periods leading to minimal failure rates of the Exit Strategy. The proposed Exit Strategy would fail with the presence of lifelong infectious wild boar. That said, it should be emphasised that the existence of such animals is speculative, based on current knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since African swine fever (ASF) first appeared in the Caucasus region in 2007, it has spread rapidly and is now present in numerous European and Asian countries. In Europe, mainly wild boar populations are affected and pose a risk for domestic pigs. In Asia, domestic pigs are almost exclusively affected. An effective and safe vaccine is not available, and correlates of protection are far from being understood. Therefore, research on immune responses, immune dysfunction and pathogenesis is mandatory. It is acknowledged that T cells play a pivotal role. Thus, we investigated T‐cell responses of domestic pigs and wild boar upon infection with the highly virulent ASF virus (ASFV) strain 'Armenia08'. For this purpose, we used a flow cytometry‐based multicolour analysis to identify T‐cell subtypes (cytotoxic T cells, T‐helper cells, γδ T cells) and their functional impairment in ASFV‐infected pigs. Domestic pigs showed lymphopaenia, and neither in the blood nor in the lymphoid organs was a proliferation of CD8+ effector cells observed. Furthermore, a T‐bet‐dependent activation of the remaining CD8 T cells did not occur. In contrast, a T‐cell response could be observed in wild boar at 5 days post‐inoculation in the blood and in tendency also in some organs. However, this cytotoxic response was not beneficial as all wild boars showed a severe acute lethal disease and a higher proportion died spontaneously or was euthanized at the humane endpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the safety of energy-based dermatological surgical devices in domestic pigs, and fractional radiofrequency (RF) devices in particular, is very limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a GLP-compliant study in domestic pigs the local reaction and performance of a novel fractional RF device. Five female domestic pigs were subjected to fractional RF pulses, using different energy and pulse durations and depth of penetration of the pulses. The animals were evaluated clinically and histologically at different time points (days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14) postenergy exposure. There were no microscopic or macroscopic local adverse effects in any tested power settings, and there was time-related progressive healing, reaching complete macroscopic and microscopic healing by 7 days postapplication. As expected, there was power-related progressive increase in the incidence of ablation (destruction of skin tissue by vaporization) and coagulative necrosis of the dermis from low to high power setting. This comprehensive study, using multiple power settings (both ablative and coagulative) and several time points, will be of benefit for future studies evaluating new fractional RF devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rift valley fever (RVF) is a vector‐borne viral disease of domestic ruminants, camels and man, characterized by widespread abortions and neonatal deaths in animals, and flu‐like symptoms, which can progress to hepatitis and encephalitis in humans. The disease is endemic in Africa, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and outbreaks occur after periods of high rainfall, or in environments supporting the proliferation of RVF virus (RVFV)‐infected mosquito vectors. The domestic and wild animal maintenance hosts of RVFV, which may serve as sources of virus during inter‐epidemic periods (IEPs) and contribute to occurrence of sporadic outbreaks, remain unknown, although reports indicate that the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) may play a role. Due to the close proximity of the habitats of domestic pigs and warthogs to those of known domestic and wild ruminant RVFV maintenance hosts respectively, our study investigated their possible role in the epidemiology of RVF in South Africa by evaluating RVFV exposure and seroconversion in suids. A total of 107 warthog and 3,984 domestic pig sera from 2 and all 9 provinces of South Africa, respectively, were screened for presence of RVFV neutralizing antibodies using the virus neutralization test (VNT). Sero‐positivity rates of 1.87% (95% CI: 0.01%–6.9%) and 0.68% (95% CI: 0.49%–1.04%) were observed for warthogs and domestic pigs, respectively, but true prevalence rates, taking test sensitivity and specificity into account, were lower for both groups. There was a strong association between the results of the two groups (χ2 = 0.75, p =.38), and differences in prevalence between the epidemic and IEPs were non‐significant for all suid samples tested (p >.05). This study, which provides the first evidence of probable exposure and infection of South African domestic pigs and warthogs to RVFV, indicates that further investigations are warranted, to fully clarify the role of suids in the epidemiology of RVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 36.8% (28/76) of tissue samples collected from domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) contained sarcocysts, as determined by light microscopy. The organisms were identified as Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis suihominis based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Four genetic markers, i.e., 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1 region (ITS-1), and the mitochondrial COX1 gene (COX1), of the two parasites were sequenced and analyzed, and the 28S rDNA and ITS-1 of S. suihominis obtained from pigs constituted the first records of these markers in GenBank. The sequences of the four loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, and COX1) of S. miescheriana shared high identities with those of S. miescheriana obtained from domestic and/or wild pigs in GenBank, with similarities of 99.6%, 99.6%, 95.9%, and 95.4%, respectively. The 18S rDNA sequences of S. suihominis exhibited 99.4% identity with those of S. suihominis from domestic and wild pigs. The comparison of the newly obtained sequences of the four genetic markers between the two parasites revealed that the interspecific similarities of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-1, and COX1 were 97.7%, 96.6%, 80.3%, and 81.2%, respectively. Therefore, the two species could be better discriminated with ITS-1 and mitochondrial COX1 compared with 18S rDNA or 28S rDNA. The phylogenetic analysis using 28S rDNA indicated that the two Sarcocystis species in domestic pigs had a close relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the morphological characteristics of domestic pig skin and hair follicles and the method of autologous transplantation of the upper fragment of the hair follicle, in order to create an animal model. Methods Three-month-old domestic pigs with black and white hair were selected. The upper fragment of the hair follicles were obtained by a novel Follicular Unit Extraction instrument, which was able to pinch off hair follicles at 2 to 3 mm above the hair bulb. The upper fragments of the hair follicles were autologously transplanted into the dermis. The condition of hair follicle reconstruction was observed regularly. Results The tissue structure of skin and hair follicles in domestic pigs was similar to that in humans. Two weeks after transplantation of the upper fragment of the hair follicle, the upper fragment of the hair follicle was observed under microscopy to be growing downward. The complete follicles were re-formed. Conclusion The domestic pig was an ideal animal model for autologous transplantation of the upper fragment of the hair follicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied molecular-based methods to investigate emerging patterns of the recent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in Korean domestic swine farms from 2016 to 2017. In our study, the finisher group showed the highest positive rate. By Sanger sequencing, this study recovered a complete genome of 28,005 bases long of NB1 strain from a severely PED affected farm. By application of Bayesian phylogeographical analysis, the complete genome of the virus (NB1 strain) showed that it is clustered with PEDV Korean strains, which differentiated from the USA that belongs to geno group 2a. This study also successfully reconstructed diffusion pathways of PEDV into Korea. Interestingly, though grouped within US prototype- like PEDVs, NB1 strain directly originated from a local lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs are the only species where the geographical distribution of the domestic type overlaps with that of its wild ancestors. Therefore, distinction between domestic pig and wild boar remains are important to better understand the roles of these animals. The aim of this study was to distinguish domestic pig and wild boar femora and tibiae based on bone microstructure. Midshaft cross sections were prepared from femora (n = 15) and tibiae (n = 12) belonging to domestic pigs and wild boars. The bone tissue was classified and 300 osteons per animal were measured. Measurements included the perimeter, area, minimum and maximum diameters of osteons and Haversian canals, osteon density and lamellae count. Comparisons were made using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Domestic pig bone was mainly characterized by plexiform bone sandwiching a layer of irregular Haversian tissue, whereas wild boars exhibited a tissue transition from plexiform to irregular to dense Haversian tissue towards the subendosteal zone. A greater number of osteon lamellae were noted in the wild boars, with an increased number in tibiae compared to femora. Similarly, all metric parameters including osteon density were significantly larger in wild boars compared to domestic pigs except for the minimum diameter of the Haversian canal. Domestic pigs had more circularly shaped osteons and Haversian canals compared to the more elliptical shapes found in wild boars. Our results support the idea that a strong correlation exists between lifestyle and bone structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichinella species cause trichinellosis in Europe: Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi, Trichinella nativa and Trichinella pseudospiralis. The aim of our study was to determine the preponderance of Trichinella species in Bulgaria. The research covered the period 2010-2016. Molecular analysis was performed with 120 Trichinella isolates. Two species were discovered: Trichinella britovi and Trichinella spiralis. T. britovi predominated over T. spiralis - 113 isolates (94.17%) and 7 (5.83%) respectively. Both species were identified in domestic pigs and wild boars, with T. britovi: T.spiralis ratios in 45:1 in wild boars and 1:1 in domestic pigs. T. britovi was the geographically more widespread species. It was found in samples from domestic and wild animals from all over the country, while T. spiralis has only been found in several areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied molecular-based methods to investigate emerging patterns of the recent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in Korean domestic swine farms from 2016 to 2017. In our study, the finisher group showed the highest positive rate. By Sanger sequencing, this study recovered a complete genome of 28,005 bases long of NB1 strain from a severely PED affected farm. By application of Bayesian phylogeographical analysis, the complete genome of the virus (NB1 strain) showed that it is clustered with PEDV Korean strains, which differentiated from the USA that belongs to geno group 2a. This study also successfully reconstructed diffusion pathways of PEDV into Korea. Interestingly, though grouped within US prototype- like PEDVs, NB1 strain directly originated from a local lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: On the Mediterranean island of Corsica, cohabitation between sympatric domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) is common and widespread and can facilitate the maintenance and dissemination of several pathogens detrimental for the pig industry or human health. In this study, we monitored a population of free‐ranging domestic pigs reared in extensive conditions within a 800‐ha property located in Central Corsica which was frequently visited by a sympatric population of wild boar between 2013 and 2015. We used GPS collars to assess evidence of a spatially shared environment. Subsequently, we analysed by PFGE of XbaI‐restricted DNA if those populations shared faecal Escherichia coli clones that would indicate contact and compared these results with those collected in a distant (separated by at least 50 km) population of wild boar used as control. Results showed that one of eight wild boars sampled in the study area shed E. coli XbaI clones identical to clones isolated from domestic pig sounders from the farm, while wild boar populations sampled in distant parts of the study area shared no identical clone with the domestic pigs monitored. Interestingly, within the sampled pigs, two identical clones were found in 2013 and in 2015, indicating a long‐time persisting colonization type. Although the method of isolation of E. coli and PFGE typing of the isolates requires intensive laboratory work, it is applicable under field conditions to monitor potential infectious contacts. It also provides evidence of exchange of microorganisms between sympatric domestic pigs and wild boar populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present follow-up study was to assess sibling competition during nursing on Day 1 post-partum (i.e., 24 h after the end of parturition), as well as whether sows respond to increased sibling competition. A total of 19 healthy sows and their piglets were directly observed and video recorded for 6 h on Day 1 post-partum. Piglet behaviours (presence at the udder, fighting and screaming) were scored at 15 s intervals, commencing 5 intervals (i.e., 75 s) prior to milk ejection, and continuing for 9 intervals (i.e., 135 s) after milk ejection. The proportion of piglets which missed the milk ejection, postural changes by the sow, and whether the nursing was without milk ejection (non-nutritive nursing) were also noted. The mean number of piglets per sibling exhibiting fights (FIGHTS), and exhibiting fights with screams (FIGHT-SCRES) was calculated for both before (pre-massage) and after milk ejection (post-massage). There was a significant correlation between the number of piglets exhibiting FIGHTS and the number of piglets exhibiting FIGHT-SCRES during pre-massage (ρ = 0.92), as well for post-massage (ρ = 0.93). Based on this high correlation, only the results for the number of piglets exhibiting FIGHTS were included in the paper. A higher number of piglets exhibiting FIGHTS (P < 0.001) was associated with a higher proportion of piglets missing a milk ejection. There were no significant effects of the number of piglets exhibiting FIGHTS during pre-massage detected on the probability of non-nutritive nursings. A higher number of piglets exhibiting FIGHT (P < 0.05) increased the probability of a sow terminating post-massage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, even when higher sibling competition indicates more piglets missed milk ejection, sows only responded to higher sibling competition during post-massage when the milk was already released. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an issue of public health concern in high-income and non-endemic countries. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis of a zoonotic route as the main mode of infection in this epidemiological setting, since the transmission of genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 from reservoirs to humans has been demonstrated. In America, studies have confirmed the circulation of HEV in pig herds but the zoonotic role of wild boars has never been evaluated. Uruguay has a high burden of HEV- associated acute hepatitis, and a close phylogenetic relationship was observed among human HEV-3 strains and European isolates detected in swine. However in this context, swine herds have never been surveyed. Herein is reported a survey of HEV in swine herds, pigs at slaughter-house and free-living wild boar populations. Two-hundred and twenty sera and 150 liver tissue samples from domestic pigs, and 140 sera from wild boars were tested for HEV by ELISA and PCR-based approaches. All tested swine farms resulted seropositive with an overall rate of 46.8%. In turn, 22.1% of the wild boars had anti-HEV antibodies. HEV RNA was detected in 16.6% and 9.3% of liver samples from slaughter-age pigs and adult wild boars sera, respectively. Three strains from domestic pig were also amplified by nested-PCR approaches. By contrast, none of the positive samples obtained from wild boars could be confirmed by nested-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a very high nucleotide identity among swine strains and sequences obtained from humans in Uruguay. Results showed that HEV is widely distributed among swine herds in Uruguay. Additionally, this study evidences for the first time in the American continent that wild boar populations are a reservoir for HEV, though its zoonotic role remains to be elucidated. Altogether, data presented here suggest a high zoonotic risk of HEV transmission from swine to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaning stress accompanied by outburst of aggression is a critical point in pig production as it compromises piglets’ welfare and leads to poor growth rate and health problems. Therefore, a weaning methods to smoothen the lactation–weaning transition are of great importance. In the present study a simple practical approach based on the imprinting phenomenon to improve weaned piglets’ welfare and growth performance was implemented. From birth, piglets were continually exposed to the simple 2D shapes, either a white circle on a black background (WC) or a black cross on a white background (BC). At weaning, piglets were allotted to weaning groups consisting of one WC and one BC litter, whereby test weaning pens, but not the control pens, were virtually divided using WC and BC signage on respective halves of the pen. The approach was tested in low- and high-density weaning groups, i.e. 10 or 20 individuals per pen (120 animals in total). The results revealed better growth performance of the test group (12–17% higher daily gain). On the whole, the number of post-weaning fights was lower in the test group and the majority of fights (62–75%) occurred among WC and BC. As regards the territoriality, piglets post-weaning tendency to remain in the area marked with a familiar sign was in general significant − i.e. more distinct grouping in the test pens (p < 0.05), comparing to the control pen. It appears that virtual splitting of weaning pens using simple 2D symbols to which pigs were exposed during lactation may decrease weaning aggression, promote distinct grouping and territorial behaviour, and promote growth performance of weaned piglets under farm conditions, especially in groups with lower stock density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boar ( Sus scrofa) share several important viral and bacterial pathogens. Therefore, direct and indirect contacts between domestic pigs and wild boar present a risk of pathogen spillover and can lead to long-term perpetuation of infection. Biological indicators could be a powerful tool to understand and characterize contacts between wild boar and domestic pigs. Here, faecal Escherichia coli and Hepatitis E virus ( HEV) were explored as potential biological indicators under experimental conditions. The data gained in our pilot study suggest that faecal E. coli can be used as biological indicator of contact between wild boar and domestic pig. For HEV, faecal transmission was also confirmed. However, molecular studies on full-genome basis did not reveal markers that would allow tracing of transmission direction. Based on these promising results, future field studies will especially target the practicability of E. coli microbiome molecular typing as surrogate of contacts at the wildlife-livestock interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever ( ASF) is a devastating viral disease of swine that is present in both pigs and wild boar in the western part of the Russian Federation and the eastern part of the European Union. It represents a significant threat for the European pig production industry as neither treatment nor vaccine is available. This study analysed the spatial and spatio-temporal distributions of ASF cases that were reported in domestic pigs and wild boar for assessing the likelihood of wild boar-to-domestic pig and farm-to-farm transmission routes in the epidemic that occurred from 2007 to 2014 in the Krasnodar and the Tver regions, two of the most affected areas of the Russian Federation. Results suggest that in both regions, the spatial proximity to an infectious farm was a strong risk factor for infection of a susceptible farm. In the Krasnodar region, the results of the statistical analysis suggest that the epidemics in wild boar and in domestic pigs were independent from each other. In contrast, there seemed to be a dependence between the two epidemics in the Tver region. But because outbreaks in domestic pigs were not statistically significantly clustered around wild boar cases, the joint spatial distribution of wild boar cases and of outbreaks in domestic pigs in the Tver region may be explained by regular spillovers from the domestic pig to the wild boar population. These findings confirm the need to maintain high biosecurity standards on pig farms and justify strict control measures targeted at domestic pig production such as culling of infected herds and local movement restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever ( ASF) is a notifiable viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars that has been endemic in Sardinia since 1978. Several risk factors complicate the control of ASF in Sardinia: generally poor level of biosecurity, traditional breeding practices, illegal behaviour in movements and feeding of pigs, and sporadic occurrence of long-term carriers. A previous study describes the disease in Sardinia during 1978-2013. The aim of this study was to gain more in-depth knowledge of the spatio-temporal pattern of ASF in Sardinia during 2012 to May 2014, comparing patterns of occurrence in domestic pigs and wild boar and identifying areas of local transmission. African swine fever notifications were studied considering seasonality, spatial autocorrelation, spatial point pattern and spatio-temporal clusters. Results showed differences in temporal and spatial pattern of wild boar and domestic pig notifications. The peak in wild boar notifications (October 2013 to February 2014) occurred six months after than in domestic pig (May to early summer 2013). Notifications of cases in both host species tended to be clustered, with a maximum significant distance of spatial association of 15 and 25 km in domestic pigs and wild boars, respectively. Five clusters for local ASF transmission were identified for domestic pigs, with a mean radius and duration of 4 km (3-9 km) and 38 days (6-55 days), respectively. Any wild boar clusters were found. The apparently secondary role of wild boar in ASF spread in Sardinia could be explained by certain socio-economic factors (illegal free-range pig breeding or the mingling of herds. The lack of effectiveness of previous surveillance and control programmes reveals the necessity of employing a new approach). Results present here provide better knowledge of the dynamics of ASF in Sardinia, which could be used in a more comprehensive risk analysis necessary to introduce a new approach in the eradication strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic and wild pigs, as intermediate hosts, can harbor tissue cysts of three Sarcocystis species namely S. miescheriana , S. suihominis and S. porcifelis . Out of them, S. suihominis is zoonotic. Romania is a country with high consumption of raw and/or undercooked traditional pork products. This fact may greatly favor the acquiring of the zoonotic Sarcocystis infections by humans, as definitive host. Based on this consideration and in order to investigate the occurrence and public health significance of Sarcocystis spp. in two western counties (Caraş-Severin and Timiş) of Romania, a total of 165 heart samples from hunted wild boars ( Sus scrofa , n = 101) and home slaughtered domestic pigs ( Sus scrofa domesticus , n = 64) were screened using microscopic fresh examination and molecular methods. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of sarcocysts in 60.4% of wild boars, and 23.4% of domestic pigs. Genetic characterization of isolates through the PCR-RFLP procedure, targeting the 18S rRNA gene, was successfully achieved for all microscopically positive samples, indicating the presence of a single species, S. miescheriana , in both hosts. The identity of 13 selected S. miescheriana isolates was also confirmed through sequencing. The tested hosts older than 27 months were found to be significantly higher infected ( p < 0.05) with Sarcocystis than the 6 to ≤27 months age group. Although the human infective S. suihominis has not been registered, for a more reliable epidemiological picture, further molecular studies enrolling a larger number of animals and diagnosis on human intestinal Sarcocystis infections are still necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 24-h period prior to parturition, sows are active and motivated to perform nest-building behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate whether prepartum activity (nesting and postural changes) could predict maternal behavior 24 h postpartum, piglet mortality, and BW gain 24 h postpartum in farrowing pens and crates. Sows were randomly moved either to a farrowing pen (n = 20) or a farrowing crate (n = 18). Prepartum nest-building behavior (PRE-nesting) and prepartum postural changes (prepartum postural changes) were analyzed 24 h before the birth of the first piglet (BFP) and were divided into twelve 2-h intervals. Latency of the first suckling from the litter was observed after the birth of the last piglet. Udder accesses and piglet suckling were noted at 5-min intervals, using 1/0 sampling, during the first 24 h after BFP were counted. Piglet trapping, crushing, and total live-born mortality were measured during the first 72 h after BFP. Piglet BW gain was estimated 24 h after BFP. Increased PREnesting observed 2 h before BFP were associated with fewer suckling intervals in crates but not in pens (P < 0.01) as well as an increase in postural changes during parturition (P < 0.001) in both housings. A link between housing and PRE-postural changes was evident. An increase in the number of PRE-postural changes 2 h prior to BFP was associated with lower incidences of udder access in crates but not in pens (P < 0.05). A higher probability of piglet trapping was associated with increased PRE-nesting in the 2 to 4 h before BFP. No significant relationship between either PRE-nesting and postural changes and piglet BW gain and mortality was detected. Our results suggest that increased prepartum activity 2 h before parturition is associated with less suckling and less udder access in farrowing crates but not in farrowing pens. This suggests that the same sow behavior can have different consequences in pens vs. in crates. Future research should focus on nest-building activity, its relationship to endocrine indicators (e.g., oxytocin, cortisol) before parturition, and its potential long-lasting effects on subsequent maternal behaviors and piglet production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Corsica, extensive pig breeding systems allow frequent interactions between wild boars and domestic pigs, which are suspected to act as reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases including hepatitis E virus (HEV). In this context, 370 sera and 166 liver samples were collected from phenotypically characterized as pure or hybrid wild boars, between 2009 and 2012. In addition, serum and liver from 208 domestic pigs belonging to 30 farms were collected at the abattoir during the end of 2013. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 26% (21%-31.6%) of the pure wild boar, 43.5% (31%-56.7%) of hybrid wild boar and 88% (82.6%-91.9%) of the domestic pig sera. In addition, HEV RNA was detected in five wild boars, three hybrid wild boars and two domestic pig livers tested. Our findings provide evidence that both domestic pig and wild boar (pure and hybrid) act as reservoirs of HEV in Corsica, representing an important zoonotic risk for Corsican hunters and farmers but also for the large population of consumers of raw pig liver specialties produced in Corsica. In addition, hybrid wild boars seem to play an important ecological role in the dissemination of HEV between domestic pig and wild boar populations, unnoticed to date, that deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information conveyed in acoustic signals is a central topic in mammal vocal communication research. Body size is one form of information that can be encoded in calls. Acoustic allometry aims to identify the specific acoustic correlates of body size within the vocalizations of a given species, and formants are often a useful acoustic cue in this context. We conducted a longitudinal investigation of acoustic allometry in domestic piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus), asking whether formants of grunt vocalizations provide information concerning the caller's body size over time. On four occasions, we recorded grunts from 20 kunekune piglets, measured their vocal tract length by means of radiographs (X-rays) and weighed them. Controlling for effects of age and sex, we found that body weight strongly predicts vocal tract length, which in turn determines formant frequencies. We conclude that grunt formant frequencies could allow domestic pigs to assess a signaler's body size as it grows. Further research using playback experiments is needed to determine the perceptual role of formants in domestic pig communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study of animal emotions, emotional valence has been found to be difficult to measure. Many studies of farm animals' emotions have therefore focussed on the identification of indicators of strong, mainly negative, emotions. However, subtle variations in emotional valence, such as those caused by rather moderate differences in husbandry conditions, may also affect animals' mood and welfare when such variations occur consistently. In this study, we investigated whether repeated moderate aversive or rewarding events could lead to measurable differences in emotional valence in young, weaned pigs. We conditioned 105 female pigs in a test arena to either a repeated startling procedure (sudden noises or appearances of objects) or a repeated rewarding procedure (applesauce, toy and straw) over 11 sessions. Control pigs were also regularly exposed to the same test arena but without conditioning. Before and after conditioning, we measured heart rate and its variability as well as the behavioural reactions of the subjects in the test arena, with a special focus on detailed acoustic analyses of their vocalisations. The behavioural and heart rate measures were analysed as changes compared to the baseline values before conditioning. A limited number of the putative indicators of emotional valence were affected by the conditioning. We found that the negatively conditioned pigs showed changes that were significantly different from those in control pigs, namely a decrease in locomotion and an increase in standing. The positively conditioned pigs, however, showed a stronger increase in heart rate and a smaller decrease in SDNN (a heart rate variability parameter indicating changes in autonomic regulation) compared to the controls. Compared to the negatively conditioned pigs, the positively conditioned pigs produced fewer vocalisations overall as well as fewer low-frequency grunts but more high-frequency grunts. The low-frequency grunts of the negatively conditioned pigs also showed lower frequency parameters (bandwidth, maximum frequency, 25% and 50% quartiles) compared to those of the positively conditioned pigs. In any of the statistically significant results, the conditioning accounted for 1.5–11.9% of variability in the outcome variable. Hence, we conclude that repeated moderate aversive and rewarding events have weak but measurable effects on some aspects of behaviour and physiology in young pigs, possibly indicating changes in emotional valence, which could ultimately affect their welfare. The combination of ethophysiological indicators, i.e., the concurrent examination of heart rate measures, behavioural responses and especially vocalisation patterns, as used in the current study, might be a useful way of examining subtle effects on emotional valence in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African swine fever epizootic in central and eastern European Union member states has a newly identified component involving virus transmission by wild boar and virus survival in the environment. Insights led to an update of the 3 accepted African swine fever transmission models to include a fourth cycle: wild boar-habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When animals engage in 'non-serious' fighting (play-fighting) they 'borrow' motor patterns especially from the aggressive context. It may be difficult to distinguish play- and real-fighting. This is particularly true for piglets (Sus scrofa), which can use play-fighting as a substitute for aggression. To check for the structural differences between play- and real-fighting in piglets, we: i) video recorded 496 interactions from three litters (at Parva-Domus extensive ethical farm; Turin, Italy); ii) extracted (by video analyses) duration, patterns, and data on involved individuals; iii) calculated session structural/ecological indices; and iv) compared the indices (play- vs real-fighting). Compared to real-fighting – play-fighting was longer (informing its rewarding nature), more symmetrical (lower asymmetry index) and variable (higher Shannon index). Moreover, play-fighting showed less pattern repetition (lower Repetition Index) and was not more polyadic and evenly distributed (comparable polyadic and Pielou indices). By being longer, and more variable and symmetrical than real-fighting, play-fighting could serve some of its functions such as motor training, social assessment and training for the unexpected. However, play-fighting in piglets did not comply with all the expected play features, possibly because play is a fluid behavioural system that under certain circumstances may escalate into or replace aggression. • Play- and real-fights share many patterns so it may be hard to tell the two apart. • Via structural indices we measured play- and real-fight differences in piglets. • Play-fights had less repeated but more symmetrical patterns than real-fights. • Piglets' play-fights retain some but not all of the features expected in play. • Play-fights are probably competitive and serve also some functions of real-fights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of knowing the detailed morphology of organs in this species result from the fact that currently, the domestic pig is becoming increasingly used in xenotransplantation. Most investigators agree that pigs have the potential to be the prime candidates for organ donation. Pigs are plentiful, are quick to mature, breed well in captivity, have large litters, and have vital organs roughly comparable in size to those of humans. The study was carried out on a total of 15 specimens in which the hearts were dissected after insertion into the arteries of the contrast dye. It has found a relative morphometric equality between the two coronary arteries. Right ventricular wall was irrigated primarily by the branches of the common trunk of the right coronary artery but also by paraconal branches. The left was irrigated by division of paraconal and left circumflex branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine astrovirus are divided into five genotypes. In this study, we identified two porcine astroviruses (AstV-LL-1 and AstV-LL-2) by using sequence-independent single-primer amplification (SISPA) on faecal specimens of healthy domestic piglets younger than 15 days. The detection rate for both was 2.82 % (14/497). AstV-LLs were then sequenced and characterised. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they have the characteristics of porcine astrovirus (PastV) 2 and 5 and have some unique genetic features. Our findings show that the two astroviruses are novel lineages of PAstV2 and 5. The findings may be helpful in evaluating the ecology and evolution of astroviruses in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute hepatitis E in humans in developing countries, but sporadic and autochthonous cases do also occur in industrialized nations. In Europe, food-borne zoonotic transmission of genotype 3 (gt3) has been associated with the consumption of raw and undercooked products from domestic pig and wild boar. As shown recently, naturally acquired HEV gt3 replicates efficiently in experimentally infected wild boar and is transmissible from a wild boar to domestic pigs. Generally, following an acute infection swine suffer from a transient febrile illness and viremia in connection with fecal virus shedding. However, little is known about sub-acute or chronic HEV infections in swine, and how and where HEV survives the immune response. In this paper, we describe the incidental finding of a chronic HEVgt3 infection in two naturally infected European wild boar which were raised and housed at FLI over years. The wild boar displayed fecal HEV RNA excretion and viremia over nearly the whole observation period of more than five months. The animal had mounted a substantial antibody response, yet without initial clearance of the virus by the immune system. Further analysis indicated a subclinical course of HEV with no evidence of chronic hepatitis. Additionally, we could demonstrate that this chronic wild boar infection was still transmissible to domestic pigs, which were housed together with this animal. Sentinel pigs developed fecal virus shedding accompanied by seroconversion. Wild boar should therefore be considered as an important reservoir for transmission of HEV gt3 in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]