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During a surveillance study to monitor porcine epidemic diarrohoea virus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus in India, a total of 1043 swine samples including faeces (n = 264) and clotted blood (n = 779) were collected and tested. Five samples (four faecal and one serum) showed cytopathic effects in Vero cells. Transmission electron microscopy of infectious cell supernatant revealed the presence of two types of virions. Next-generation sequencing (de novo) allowed the complete genome sequence of mammalian orthorubulavirus 5 (MRuV5; 15246 bp) and that of all 10 gene segments of mammalian orthoreovirus to be determined. Genetic analysis of MRuV5 revealed grouping of the Indian MRuV5 with isolates from various mammalian species in South Korea and China, sharing more than 99% nucleotide sequence identity. The deduced amino acid sequences of the HN, NP, and F genes of MRuV5 isolates showed three (92L, 111R, 447H), two (86S, 121S), and two (139T, 246T) amino acid substitutions, respectively, compared to previously reported virus strains. Phylogenic analysis based on S1 gene sequences showed the Indian MRV isolates to be clustered in lineage IV of MRV type 3, with the highest nucleotide sequence identity (97.73%) to MRV3 strain ZJ2013, isolated from pigs in China. The protein encoded by the MRV3 S1 gene was found to contain the amino acid residues 198-204NLAIRLP, 249I, 340D, and 419E, which are known to be involved in sialic acid binding and neurotropism. This is the first report of co-isolation and whole-genomic characterisation of MRuV5 and MRV3 in domestic pigs in India. The present study lays a foundation for further surveillance studies and continuous monitoring of the emergence and spread of evolving viruses that might have pathogenic potential in animal and human hosts.

Animal hair is a useful biomonitoring tool for assessing the occurrence of trace elements in ecosystems. Essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc) and nonessential (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, palladium, platinum, rubidium, tin, and vanadium) elements were investigated in hair of badger (Meles meles), wild boar (Sus scrofa), marmot (Marmota marmota), wolf (Canis lupus), fox (Vulpes vulpes) and deer (Cervus elaphus) from Northwestern Italy. Badger was found to be the highest bioaccumulator of metals, while wolf, fox and deer recorded the lowest values. Essential elements contribute in higher degree to the sum of metals for all species except for wild boar. Results have shown that animals with omnivorous diet such as badger, marmot and wild boar have metal content (especially Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, V) higher than carnivores (wolf and fox) and herbivores (deer) and could represent an effective sentinel of environmental exposure to metals.

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is widely distributed worldwide, and its association with clinical disease in pigs has been studied in recent years. This study describes a novel PCV3-associated clinical disease in piglets from Brazil. Since September 2020, we received 48 piglets with large caudally rotated ears, weakness, and dyspnea. Most piglets were from gilts and died 1–5 days after birth. Two piglets that presented similar clinical signs and survived until 35–60 days had a marked decrease in growth rate. At post-mortem examination, the lungs did not collapse due to marked interlobular edema. Microscopically, the main feature was multisystemic vasculitis characterized by lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrating and disrupting the wall of vessels, lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia, myocarditis, and encephalitis. Viral replication was confirmed in these lesions through in situ hybridization (ISH-RNA). Seventeen cases were positive for PCV3 in PCR analysis, and all samples tested negative for porcine circovirus (PCV1, and PCV2); porcine parvovirus (PPV1, 2, 5, and 6); atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV); porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRSV); and ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2). Phylogenetic analysis of the ORF2 sequence from five different pig farms showed that the PCV3a clade is circulating among Brazil’s swineherds and causing neonatal piglet losses. This is the first report of PCV3a-associated disease in neonatal pigs from farms in Brazil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42770-021-00644-7.

Molecular studies on viral diseases in wildlife are limited in Turkey. Pestiviruses infect domestic animals such as pig, cattle, sheep, goats and many other wild ungulates. Cross-species transmission of pestiviruses between wildlife and domestic livestock is a subject of recent concern where wild ungulates are in close contact with domestic ruminants. The International Committee on Virus Taxonomy (ICTV) has named the genus Pestivirus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family, using the format Pestivirus A, Pestivirus B, Pestivirus C, and so on. Pestivirus A-D replaces Bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 (BVDV-1), Bovine viral diarrhea virus-2 (BVDV-2), Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and Border disease virus (BDV) respectively. During the 2013–2014 hunting season, a total of 40 samples were collected from wild boars (Sus scrofa ferus) in the area of Western Mediterranean Turkey. In the samples, nucleic acids were investigated for pestivirus, Aujeszky’s disease virus, Borna disease virus, coronavirus, mastadenovirus and rotavirus. RT-PCR was performed using primary sets to detect specific partial gene region specific to each virus. Sequence analysis was performed on a positive sample. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the positive sample, TR/Burdur/13/Boar3, belonged to BDV genotype 1 (Pestivirus D). The first molecular findings of BDV in wild boars in Turkey are reported in this study. This study highlights the importance of further research into diseases that might be transmitted from wild boars to ruminants in Turkey.

Genome-editing techniques incorporating artificial nucleases develop rapidly and enable efficient and precise modification of genomic DNA of numerous organisms. The present research aimed to establish a rapid, sensitive and visual method for genotyping of germline genome-edited mutants with small genomic fragment deletion. The genome-edited pigs with 2-bp deletion and 11-bp deletion of Myostatin (MSTN) gene generated by TALENs system were used as test materials to check the proposed allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and lateral flow nucleic acid biosensor (LFNAB) cascade method. AS-PCR can produce products with different tags to distinguish genome-edited alleles and wild-type alleles. A LFNAB was applied to do visual detection of AS-PCR products without using additional instruments. Furthermore, we demonstrated that AS-PCR and LFNAB cascade could accurately and visually distinguish genome-edited pigs with small genomic fragment deletion of Myostatin (MSTN) gene and wild-type pigs with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 ng. The proposed AS-PCR and LFNAB cascade can do rapid and visual genotyping of genome-edited mutants with small genomic fragment deletion, serving as a platform for genome-edited animal genotyping.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (ER) is an old but still emerging zoonotic infection that is not yet completely understood. ER infects a wide range of species and wild boar is of significant interest because of their similarities to pigs, a known ER reservoir. Moreover, the increase of its densities and the limited data available about ER in this species should be considered. The need is to investigate whether wild boar could represent a risk of erysipelas at the wildlife-domestic-human interface. Here, 1067 sera and 149 tonsils of wild boar from five hunting districts in Northwest Italy were tested using ELISA and bacteriological culture, respectively. Using generalized linear models, we evaluated host and environmental factors influencing ER spread and dynamics. We found an ER seroprevalence of 69.4% among wild boar. Increased human density and pig farm density lead to an increase of ER seropositivity highlighting its association with anthropic environmental-related factors. The high ER percentage of isolation (34.2%) found in healthy wild boar suggests that this species can serve as a healthy carrier. This fact, together with the high seroprevalence, supports a role of wild boar as an ER reservoir. Potential zoonotic and economic risks should be considered in light of these data.

Background African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Lithuania since 2014. The disease affects mainly the wild boar population. Thus, hunters play a key role in the performance of disease surveillance and control measures. We used participatory methods to gain insight into the knowledge of hunters and to include their perceptions in the design and the implementation of surveillance and control measures to increase their effectiveness. Results The willingness and the interest of hunters to participate was high, but only eight focus group meetings with 33 hunters could be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall knowledge of Lithuanian hunters regarding ASF, investigated by semi-structured interviews, was sufficient to understand their part in ASF control and surveillance. However, their knowledge did not necessarily lead to an increased acceptance of some ASF control measures, like the targeted hunting of female wild boar. Participating hunters showed a good understanding of the processes of the surveillance system. Their trust in the performance within this system was highest towards the hunters themselves, thus emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their role in the system. Hunters refused measures including the reduction of hunting activities. They feared a complete elimination of the wild boar population, which in turn demonstrates the necessity to increase professional information exchange. Conclusions The perceptions of Lithuanian hunters regarding ASF surveillance and control in wild boar resembled those obtained in neighboring countries. It is imperative to communicate the results with decision-makers, to consider the views of hunters, when designing or adapting measures to control ASF in wild boar and to communicate with hunters on these measures and their justification.

Understanding of disease dynamics and viral shedding in wild boar and of the potential for disease spreading within wild boar and domestic pig populations is critical for developing effective control and eradication measures for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Accordingly, we infected experimentally wild boar and domestic pigs with FMD virus (FMDV) strains O/TAI/315/2016 and A/MOG/2013, and studied their susceptibility and viral transmissibility in both populations. Similar to FMDV-infected pigs, wild boar inoculated with both viruses exhibited vesicular lesions on their feet, snout, tongue and lip, although they did not show lameness. Further, inoculated wild boar were equally capable of transmitting the virus to all of their contact animals. While all contact pigs developed vesicular lesions after contact with inoculated animals, in contrast, no wild boar when exposed to the same infected animals showed obvious clinical signs. These results will be useful for further understanding of the critical roles in occurring and sustaining an FMD outbreak, and will be useful for establishing epidemiological surveillance programs and effective countermeasures for wild boar.

The effects on the ontogeny of serum cytokines and immune cells caused by feeding suckling piglets with sow/gilt colostrum and milk replacer was assessed in the present study. After farrowing, the piglets born were randomized into six groups: GG and SS (n = 10/group): piglets were kept with their dam; GS (n = 10): piglets were changed from gilts to sows; SG (n = 10): piglets were changed from sows to gilts; GMR (n = 6) and SMR (n = 8): piglets from either gilts or sows were isolated from the dams and were bottle-fed ad libitum with commercial formula milk replacer. The piglets remained in the groups during the first 24 h of life and were later returned to their respective mothers. Serum immunoglobulin concentration and lymphocyte proliferation from the blood, spleen, thymus, and mesenteric lymph node of the piglets were assessed at 24 h and at 28 days of age. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured through a cytokine multiplex assay at 24 h. Overall, piglets suckling on sows (SS and GS) had a higher concentration of serum immunoglobulin at 24 h, which was also associated with a rise in plasma cytokine concentration and greater ability of B and T cells from lymphatic organs and blood mononuclear cells to respond to mitogens. We suggest a bias towards Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-cell polarizing and cytokines during the suckling period, which may be influenced by maternal immunological factors in the colostrum, such as dam parity. All findings suggest sow parity having a possible role, which may contribute to exerting a modulating action on immune response development.

The His bundle is a part of the specialized electrical conduction system that provides a connection between the atrial and ventricular myocardial compartments in both normal and abnormal hearts. The aim of this study was to perform a morphometric analysis of His bundle characteristics of in humans, dogs, horses and pigs and compare them in these studied species. Histological sections of 5 μm thickness were obtained and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson's trichrome; the desmin and periodic acid–Schiff methods were also used for precise identification of cells. The His bundle was found to be longer in horses (2.85 ± 1.02 mm) and pigs (1.77 ± 0.9 mm) than in dogs (1.53 ± 0.8 mm) or humans, in which it was shortest (1.06 ± 0.6 mm). The area and diameters in His bundle cells, were significantly larger in pigs and horses than in humans (p

This is the first study conducted in Paraná, Brazil, to investigate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) infection in free-living wild boars. Eighty-eight wild boars were managed by authorized controllers between 2017 and 2019 in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil. Management georeferencing, sex, and weight were recorded for each animal. The presence of Mhyo antibodies in wild boar serum samples was evaluated using a commercial indirect ELISA kit. The presence of enzootic pneumonia-like gross lesions was evaluated, and the observed macroscopic lesions were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC). The Chi-square test and the intensity of the association with the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate the differences in the qualitative variables between groups (sex and municipality). Juvenile wild boars exhibited a higher seroprevalence than older ones (p = 0.005). The Teixeira Soares municipality differed in Mhyo seroprevalence in comparison with Castro (p

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are well known external parasites of game animals that cause serious veterinary and medical problems. The occurrence and geographical distribution of different species of ticks in Western Poland have changed over the last decades. The purpose of the present study was to determine the species spectrum and prevalence of ticks parasitizing three species of game animals, the Eurasian wild boar Sus scrofa L., red deer Cervus elaphus L., and roe deer Capreolus capreolus (L.) in two hunting districts in Lubuskie Province. In addition, the distribution of ticks on the host’s body and the intensity of infestation were determined. Ticks were collected from dead animals during the hunting seasons in 2013 and 2014, over the periods from May to June and from August to December. In total, 286 specimens were examined: 138 Eurasian wild boars, 8 red deers, and 140 roe deers. Altogether, 1891 ticks were collected. Three species of ticks were determined: Ixodes ricinus (L.), Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794), and Haemaphysalis concinna (C.L. Koch, 1844). H. concinna was recorded for the first time in Lubuskie Province.

Background Breeding pigs that can efficiently digest alternative diets with increased fiber content is a viable strategy to mitigate the feed cost in pig production. This study aimed at determining the contribution of the gut microbiota and host genetics to the phenotypic variability of digestive efficiency (DE) traits, such as digestibility coefficients of energy, organic matter and nitrogen, feed efficiency (FE) traits (feed conversion ratio and residual feed intake) and growth traits (average daily gain and daily feed intake). Data were available for 791 pigs fed a conventional diet and 735 of their full-sibs fed a high-fiber diet. Fecal samples were collected at 16 weeks of age to sequence the V3–V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and predict DE with near-infrared spectrometry. The proportions of phenotypic variance explained by the microbiota (microbiability) were estimated under three OTU filtering scenarios. Then, microbiability and heritability were estimated independently (models Micro and Gen) and jointly (model Micro+Gen) using a Bayesian approach for all traits. Breeding values were estimated in models Gen and Micro+Gen. Results Differences in microbiability estimates were significant between the two extreme filtering scenarios (14,366 and 803 OTU) within diets, but only for all DE. With the intermediate filtering scenario (2399 OTU) and for DE, microbiability was higher (> 0.44) than heritability ( Conclusions The microbiota explained a significant proportion of the phenotypic variance of the DE traits, which was even larger than that explained by the host genetics. Thus, the use of microbiota information could improve the selection of DE traits, and to a lesser extent, of growth and FE traits. In addition, our results show that, at least for DE traits, filtering OTU is an important step and influences the microbiability.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans. Humans were long considered the only hosts of Hepacivirus. Recently HCV-like sequences have been found in several animal species. Hepaciviruses are considered species-specific but a wider host range and a zoonotic role has been hypothesized. We report the first detection of bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) sequences in wild boars. A total of 310 wild boars hunted in Campania region were investigated with a pan-hepacivirus nested-PCR protocol for the NS3 gene. Hepacivirus RNA was detected in 5.8% of the animals. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed high homology with BovHepV subtype F, with nucleotide identity of 99%. The positive wild boars were georeferenced, revealing high density of livestock farms, with no clear distinction between animal husbandry and hunting areas. These findings might suggest the ability of BovHepV to cross the host-species barrier and infect wild boars.

Background Brucella suis is a zoonotic pathogen with a serious impact on public health and the pig industry worldwide. Information regarding B. suis in pigs in Egypt is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of B. suis in slaughtered domestic pigs at El-Basatin abattoir in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 1,116 domestic pigs slaughtered in 2020 were sampled for Brucella isolation and identification. Identified Brucella isolates were molecularly confirmed at species, and biovar levels using Bruce ladder PCR and Suis ladder multiplex PCR. Additionally, high-risk practices of 16 abattoir workers (4 veterinarians, 10 butchering and evisceration workers, and 2 scalding workers) were investigated using a pre-piloted structured questionnaire. Results Brucella isolates were recovered from 1.3% of examined pigs (n = 14) at consistently low rates (1.1—2.9%) across the year of sampling from February to December 2020. All isolates were confirmed as B. suis biovar (bv) 2. Remarkably, 92.9% (13/14) of isolates showed atypical ability to produce H2S and hence were considered as B. suis bv2 atypical phenotype. The prevalence was higher in males (1.8%) than in females (0.9). However, this difference was not significant (Odds ratio = 1.9; CI 95% 0.7 – 5.7; P = 0.2). No detectable pathological lesions were associated with B. suis bv2 infection in examined pigs. All strains were isolated from cervical lymph nodes, highlighting a potential oral transmission. High-risk practices were recorded among swine abattoir workers in this study: 75% do not wear gloves or disinfect their knives daily, and 18.8% were willing to work with open wound injuries. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first isolation of B. suis bv2 in Egypt. Detection of H2S producing B. suis bv2 atypical phenotype is alarming as it may result in misinterpretation of these isolates as highly human pathogenic B. suis bv1 in Egypt and possibly elsewhere. Further epidemiological tracing studies are crucial for the detection of the origin of this biovar. Including pigs in the national surveillance program of brucellosis, and an education program for swine abattoir workers about occupational risk of B. suis is a need in Egypt.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E, an emerging public health infection which has an increasing incidence across Europe. Because of the apparent lack of species barriers, HEV was characterized as a zoonotic agent. Swine are recognized as the main reservoir, but HEV is also found in wild animals such as ungulates, lagomorphs, and bats. Our work aimed at detecting the HEV presence in wild fauna in two hunting areas of Northern Italy (Parma and Sondrio areas) with different environmental and anthropic characteristics to investigate its possible role as reservoir. Liver samples were collected from wild boars, red deer, roe deer and chamois, and viral identification was carried out by One-Step RT Real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The virus was found only in the wild boar population, with different prevalence and subtypes in the two areas (14% HEV3a and 1.2% close to HEV3f in Parma and Sondrio, respectively). Wild ruminants seem otherwise to pose a marginal risk. Given the high pig farm density in the Parma area, and expansion of the wild boar population, continuous monitoring of the strains circulating in wildlife is crucial.

The increase in some wildlife species is of global concern. The utilization of wildlife meat as food and feed represents a potential source of food-borne pathogens; this is particularly a potential concern for the use of wild board as a food source in Japan. Regarding food safety and an animal infectious disease control, however, little is known about the infection level of zoonotic pathogens including Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in wild boar populations in their natural habitats in Japan. A total of 1279 blood samples from 41 prefectures were collected from apparently healthy wild boars during the three hunting periods (September to February) of 2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018. Out of these sera, 461 samples tested positive by a commercial indirect ELISA for T. gondii, and the total apparent and adjusted true seroprevalence were estimated to 36.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.4-38.7) and 31.3% (95% CI, 33.1-38.9), respectively. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in yearlings and adults than in piglets (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference according to gender was noted. These results indicate the importance of adequate heating of wild boar meat before consumption to prevent transmission of T. gondii to humans. Furthermore, freezing meat for several days before cooking is recommended to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, although the incidence of toxoplasmosis in pig farms is relatively low in Japan, biosecurity measures against the felids and the varied intermediate hosts should be strengthened, especially, at the farms located in the wild boar habitats to prevent livestock infection.

Prevalence and temporal evolution of the infection by the acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is studied in the Valencian Community (Eastern Spain), a region only recently fully colonized by the expanding native Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). For 8 years, a total of 1486 wild boars were sampled in order to look for the parasite. The mean prevalence was 20.7% (95% CI, 18.6–22.8; 307/1486). We observed an increasing trend through time, both in the number of wild boars and affected districts. The prevalence of M. hirudinaceus rose in parallel to the annual capture of wild boars, and its presence has been expanding towards the East. A hotspot of M. hirudinaceus is located to the west of the study area, in Muela de Cortes Game Reserve, where 89.6% of the wild boars were positive for the infection, constituting one of the world’s highest known prevalence areas., This research was partially supported by Banco Santander grant FUSPBS-PPC13/2016 and by Conselleria d’Agricultura, Medi Ambient, Canvi Climàtic i Desenvolupament Rural of Generalitat Valenciana, through the minor contracts 2013/21/187 and 2014/21/112.

We aimed to evaluate a volumetric capnography (Vcap)-derived parameter, the volume of CO2 eliminated per minute and per kg body weight (VCO2/kg), as an indicator of the quality of chest compression (CC) and to predict the return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) under stable ventilation status. Twelve male domestic pigs were utilized for the randomized crossover study. After 4 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF), mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation and ventilation were administered. Following 5-min washout periods, each animal underwent two sessions of experiments: three types of CC quality for 5 min stages in the first session, followed by advanced life support, consecutively in two sessions. Different CC quality had a significant effect on the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2), VCO2/kg, aortic pressure (mean), aortic systolic pressure, aortic diastolic pressure, right atrial pressure (mean), and carotid blood flow (P

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly infectious disease of pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). In order to identify potential genetic variations among ASFV strains circulating in Vietnam, 26 ASFV isolates from organs and blood samples collected from domestic pigs from 23 different provinces of northern, central and southern Vietnam during 2019-2020 ASF outbreaks were genetically characterized. Nucleotide sequences were determined for a portion of the B646L (p72) gene, the complete E183L (p54) gene, the variable region of EP402R (CD2v), the central variable region (CVR) of pB602L, and a tandem repeat sequence (TRS) between the I73R and I329L genes. Analysis of the partial B646L (p72) and EP402R (CD2v) gene sequences and the full-length E183L (p54) gene sequence showed that all 26 ASFV isolates belonged to genotype II and serotype VIII and that they were identical to the strain Georgia/2007/1 and all ASFV strains sequenced in China. The TRS between the I73R and I329L genes contained a 10-nucleotide insertion that was observed in the Chinese ASFV strain CN201801 isolated from domestic pigs in 2018, but not in the Georgia/2007/1 and China/Jilin/2018/boar strains isolated from wild boar in China. This is the first intra-epidemic genome analysis reported for the ASFV strains circulating in Vietnam.

Associated with the spreading in (north)western direction of Fascioloides magna from its historic endemic area in Bohemia with its cervid hosts, unusual noticeable hepatic lesions (black-colored tissue, hemorrhage) were observed in deer harvested in hunting grounds and one deer farm located in the Upper Palatinate Forest close to the border to the Czech Republic, initially in the years of 2007 and 2009, respectively. Confirmation of the suspected diagnosis of F. magna infection in October 2011 prompted investigations on the occurrence of "fascioloidosis" among wild ungulates in that locality. From October 2011 to January 2014, livers from 89 cervids and two wild boars were examined for flukes. Thirty-seven livers (40.6%) harbored F. magna: 17 of 21 red deer, nine of 24 sika deer, six of eight fallow deer, four of 36 roe deer, one of two wild boars. Fluke burdens ranged from 2 up to 151 in red deer, from 2 up to 37 in fallow deer, and from 1 up to 7 in sika deer and in roe deer; one fluke was recovered from the liver of one wild boar. No other parasites were recovered from the livers. The rate of recovery of F. magna differed significantly (p0.001) among the species of deer (red deer, 81.0%; sika deer, 37.5%; fallow deer, 75.0%; roe deer, 11.1%) and between the age groups (1 year: 22.2%, 1 to 2 years: 26.0%, and2 years: 70.0%, respectively). There was no association (p0.1) between the rate of recovery of F. magna and the sex of the combined 80 deer of ≥ 1 year of age (male: 41.8% and female: 31.4%). The occurrence of F. magna in the wild ungulates in the Upper Palatinate Forest area in northeastern Bavaria is of epidemiological importance for the further spreading of the parasite into Germany with migrating deer.

Increases in the levels of environmental contaminants are reflected in wild animals, which are early indicators of pollution. Hatay is an ecologically important region with a high intensity of industrial and agricultural activities. This study aimed to investigate the contamination levels of metals and organochlorine pesticides associated with environmental pollution in tissues of wild boars from Turkey. The highest mean levels (mg kg−1) of metals were 0.05 for As, 0.51 for Cd, 6.30 for Cu, 0.07 for Hg, 0.54 for Ni, and 0.57 for Pb in kidney tissues and 0.22 for Cr, 353.38 for Fe, 2.86 for Mn, and 46.76 for Zn in liver tissues. The Cd and Pb levels exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in some tissues. Among the studied pesticides, only p,p′-DDE contamination was quantified, and the mean levels were 3.6, 0.1, and 0.5 µg kg−1 in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues respectively. In conclusion, Hatay Province requires monitoring in terms of environmentally important contaminants, mainly Cd, Pb, and DDT isomers.

To investigate the viral communities in diarrhoeal faeces of Tibetan pigs, 146 diarrhoeic samples were collected from 16 pigs farms on the Tibetan plateau. Nineteen viruses belonging to eleven viral taxonomic families were identified in a pooled library. Metagenomics analysis revealed that the viruses were mainly small linear and circular DNA viruses. Furthermore, sequences of 10 NS1 genes and two complete genomes of PBuVs were obtained by PCR amplification. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that the PBuVs from Tibetan pigs displayed more abundant genetic diversity than those from domestic pigs. This is the first description of the faecal viral community in Tibetan pigs associated with diarrhoea. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00705-020-04932-9.

The northern European wild boar population has increased during the last decade. Highest wild boar numbers in Finland have been reported in the southeastern part near the Russian border. Wild boars may be infected with several human and animal pathogens. In this study, we investigated the presence of important foodborne pathogens in wild boars hunted in 2016 in Finland using serology, PCR and culturing. Seroprevalence of Salmonella (38%) and Yersinia (56%) infections was high in wild boars. Antibodies to hepatitis E virus, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella were found in 18%, 9% and 9% of the wild boars, respectively. Trichinella antibodies were detected in 1% of the animals. We recorded no differences in the seroprevalence between males and females. However, Yersinia and T. gondii antibodies were detected significantly more often in adults than in young individuals. Listeria monocytogenes (48%) and stx-positive Escherichia coli (33%) determinants were frequently detected in the visceral organs (spleen and kidneys) by PCR. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis O:1 and L. monocytogenes 2a and 4b were identified by culturing from the PCR-positive samples. Brucella suis biovar 2 was isolated from visceral organs. No African swine fever, classical swine fever or Aujeszky’s disease were detected in the wild boars. Our study shows that wild boars are important reservoirs of foodborne pathogens.

We investigated the landscape epidemiology of a globally distributed mammal, the wild pig (Sus scrofa), in Florida (U.S.), where it is considered an invasive species and reservoir to pathogens that impact the health of people, domestic animals, and wildlife. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that two commonly cited factors in disease transmission, connectivity among populations and abundant resources, would increase the likelihood of exposure to both pseudorabies virus (PrV) and Brucella spp. (bacterial agent of brucellosis) in wild pigs across the Kissimmee Valley of Florida. Using DNA from 348 wild pigs and sera from 320 individuals at 24 sites, we employed population genetic techniques to infer individual dispersal, and an Akaike information criterion framework to compare candidate logistic regression models that incorporated both dispersal and land cover composition. Our findings suggested that recent dispersal conferred higher odds of exposure to PrV, but not Brucella spp., among wild pigs throughout the Kissimmee Valley region. Odds of exposure also increased in association with agriculture and open canopy pine, prairie, and scrub habitats, likely because of highly localized resources within those land cover types. Because the effect of open canopy on PrV exposure reversed when agricultural cover was available, we suggest that small-scale resource distribution may be more important than overall resource abundance. Our results underscore the importance of studying and managing disease dynamics through multiple processes and spatial scales, particularly for non-native pathogens that threaten wildlife conservation, economy, and public health. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s10393-020-01508-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Accurate pulmonary artery (PA) imaging is necessary for management of patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). The ability of newer imaging modalities such as 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) or phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PC-MRA) to measure PA diameters has not been compared to established angiography techniques. Measurements of PA diameters (including PA stenosis and PA stents) from 3DRA and non-contrast-enhanced PC-MRA were compared to 2D catheter angiography (CA) and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in a swine CHD model (n = 18). For all PA segments 3DRA had excellent agreement with CA and MSCT (ICC = 0.94[0.91–0.95] and 0.92[0.89–0.94]). 3DRA PA stenosis measures were similar to CA and MSCT and 3DRA was on average within 5% of 10.8 ± 1.3 mm PA stent diameters from CA and MSCT. For compliant PA segments, 3DRA was on average 3–12% less than CA (p

The clinical applicability of porcine xenotransplantation-a long-investigated alternative to the scarce availability of human organs for patients with organ failure-is limited by molecular incompatibilities between the immune systems of pigs and humans as well as by the risk of transmitting porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). We recently showed the production of pigs with genomically inactivated PERVs. Here, using a combination of CRISPR-Cas9 and transposon technologies, we show that pigs with all PERVs inactivated can also be genetically engineered to eliminate three xenoantigens and to express nine human transgenes that enhance the pigs' immunological compatibility and blood-coagulation compatibility with humans. The engineered pigs exhibit normal physiology, fertility and germline transmission of the 13 genes and 42 alleles edited. Using in vitro assays, we show that cells from the engineered pigs are resistant to human humoral rejection, cell-mediated damage and pathogenesis associated with dysregulated coagulation. The extensive genome engineering of pigs for greater compatibility with the human immune system may eventually enable safe and effective porcine xenotransplantation.

Two and three genotypes of enterovirus G (EV-G) carrying a papain-like cysteine protease (PL-CP) sequence were detected on two pig farms and classified into genotypes G1 and G10, and G1, G8, and G17, respectively, based on VP1 sequences. A G10 EV-G virus bearing a PL-CP sequence was detected for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis of the P2 and P3 regions grouped the viruses by farm with high sequence similarity. Furthermore, clear recombination break points were detected in the 2A region, suggesting that PL-CP EV-G-containing strains gained sequence diversity through recombination events among the multiple circulating EV-G genotypes on the farms.

Various muscle samples of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Latvia were studied for the presence of Sarcocystis infection by means of morphological and molecular methods. Sarcocysts were detected in 122 out of 140 (87.1%) wild boar examined. According to the morphological appearance of sarcocysts, the observed cysts belonged to one morphological type and resembled Sarcocystis miescheriana. Twenty-three sarcocysts isolated from the muscles of Latvian wild boars were molecularly characterized at 18S rRNA, ITS1 and cox1. Additionally, eight sarcocysts obtained from Lithuanian wild boars were subjected to molecular analysis in order to compare intraspecific genetic variability. The amplified 18S rRNA region using newly designed primers is sufficiently variable to separate S. miecheriana from S. suihominis. All Latvian and Lithuanian isolates were confirmed belonging to S. miescheriana. No genetic variation was detected within 18S rRNA and ITS1. By contrast, the high intraspecific genetic variability of S. miescheriana was observed within cox1 since each newly obtained sequence represented a unique haplotype. The comparison made using S. miescheriana isolates from Italian and Japanese wild boar and Chinese domestic pig revealed the genetic similarity of the samples depending on their geographical distances. The current study provides the first detection of Sarcocystis infection in wild boars from Latvia and molecular characterization of S. miescheriana.

Pralidoxime potentiated the pressor effect of adrenaline and facilitated restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after prolonged cardiac arrest. In this study, we hypothesised that pralidoxime would hasten ROSC in a model with a short duration of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF). We also hypothesised that potentiation of the pressor effect of adrenaline by pralidoxime would not be accompanied by worsening of the adverse effects of adrenaline. After 5 min of VF, 20 pigs randomly received either pralidoxime (40 mg/kg) or saline, in combination with adrenaline, during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) during CPR, and ease of resuscitation were compared between the groups. Additionally, haemodynamic data, severity of ventricular arrhythmias, and cerebral microcirculation were measured during the 1-h post-resuscitation period. Cerebral microcirculatory blood flow and brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2) were measured on parietal cortices exposed through burr holes. All animals achieved ROSC. The pralidoxime group had higher CPP during CPR (P = 0.014) and required a shorter duration of CPR (P = 0.024) and smaller number of adrenaline doses (P = 0.024). During the post-resuscitation period, heart rate increased over time in the control group, and decreased steadily in the pralidoxime group. No inter-group differences were observed in the incidences of ventricular arrhythmias, cerebral microcirculatory blood flow, and PbtO2. Pralidoxime improved CPP and hastened ROSC in a model with a short duration of untreated VF. The potentiation of the pressor effect of adrenaline was not accompanied by the worsening of the adverse effects of adrenaline.

This study aimed to verify the reliability of ablation index (AI) for ablation lesion estimating with different settings for radiofrequency (RF) parameters: power, impedance, contact angles, irrigation rate, temperature of irrigation saline, and irrigation solution. RF ablations (N = 66) were performed on ex vivo porcine left ventricle submerged in 37 °C saline. The aforementioned ablation parameters were changed to measure whether the size of the ablation lesion was consistent at a fixed AI value of 500. The maximum lesion diameter (r = - 0.631, P = 0.028), depth (r = - 0.896, P 0.001), and volume (r = - 0.745, P 0.005) were significantly reduced with an increase of the impedance. The lesion depth (P 0.05) and the lesion volume (P 0.05) were significantly larger with glucose irrigation than saline irrigation. In conclusion, at a fixed AI value, impedance and irrigation solution have impact on the ablation lesions, which could affect the accuracy of AI formula to estimate ablation lesion size. Graphical abstract.

Dynein is a cytoskeletal molecular motor protein that moves along the microtubule (MT) and transports various cellular cargos during its movement. Using standard Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation, Principle Component Analysis (PCA), and Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) methods, this investigation studied large-scale movements and local interactions of dynein’s Microtubule Binding Domain (MTBD) when bound to tubulin heterodimer subunits. Examination of the interactions between the MTBD segments, and their adjustments in terms of intra- and intermolecular distances at the interfacial area with tubulin heterodimer, particularly at α-H16, β-H18, and β-tubulin C-terminal tail (CTT), was the main focus of this study. The specific intramolecular interactions, electrostatic forces, and the salt bridge residue pairs were shown to be the dominating factors in orchestrating movements of the MTBD and MT interfacial segments in the dynein’s low-high-affinity binding modes. Important interactions included β-Glu447 and β-Glu449 (CTT) with Arg3469 (MTBD-H6), Lys3472 (MTBD-H6-H7 loop) and Lys3479 (MTBD-H7); β-Glu449 with Lys3384 (MTBD-H8), Lys3386 and His3387 (MTBD-H1). The structural and precise position, orientation, and functional effects of the CTTs on the MT-MTBD, within reasonable cut-off distance for non-bonding interactions and under physiological conditions, are unavailable from previous studies. The absence of the residues in the highly flexible MT-CTTs in the experimentally solved structures is perhaps in some cases due to insufficient data from density maps, but these segments are crucial in protein binding. The presented work contributes to the information useful for the MT-MTBD structure refinement.

The mitigation of ecological/economic impacts of wild boar Sus scrofa is one of the most challenging issues in wildlife management worldwide. Monitoring population density and impact of wild boar is crucial to plan appropriate management actions to reduce its density, environmental impact and epidemiological risk, as well as to evaluate control effectiveness. In 2018–2019, we used plot-based faeces counts, coupled with specific estimates of daily defecation rates, to estimate wild boar density and rooting activity in natural/semi-natural habitats, in a Mediterranean protected area. Daily defecation rate was 6.7 faeces/individual, much lower than that of ruminants. We obtained estimates of 70.0–70.5 faeces/km2, corresponding to wild boar densities of c. 10.5 individuals/km2 (relative standard error: 18%) in both years. Low daily defecation rates and skewed distribution frequencies of wild boar faeces should be considered to plan surveys with an adequate sampling design and intensity. Faeces abundance and rooting activity peaked in ecotones, i.e. open areas at the interface of wood patches, whereas they did not differ between other habitat types, suggesting a fine-scale concordance between the two indicators. Long-term monitoring is needed to assess relationships between indicators of impact and abundance at a broad scale. Our work shows how to undertake simultaneously wild boar density estimates and impact assessment in natural environments, which is particularly important for protected areas and/or habitats of conservation concern across the globally distributed Mediterranean biome.

This study aims to evaluate available Cu and Zn levels in soil and related in soil organic matter (SOM) fractions (fulvic acids—FA, humic acids—HA, and humins—HU) after 10 years of application of pig slurry (PS) and pig deep litter (PL). Soil samples were collected from an experiment with black oat/corn succession under no-tillage in southern Brazil. The treatments consisted of fertilization of 90 and 180 kg N ha−1 applied as PS and PL from 2002 to 2012 and a control treatment without any fertilization. SOM chemical fractionation was performed in air-dried samples. Copper and Zn concentrations were analyzed in soil (total, EDTA- and CaCl2-extracted) and in SOM fractions. The amount of Cu and Zn (in mol) related to each fraction of SOM (Cu/C and Zn/C molar ratios) was established. The applications of PS and PL promoted the accumulation of total and available Cu and Zn, especially in the PL180 treatment. The highest amount of Zn was found with HU, while for Cu both HA and HU were important retention compartments. The highest Cu/CFA, Cu/CHA and Cu/CHU ratios were found with the addition of PL. Increases in Zn/C ratio were found mainly in FA fraction. The high levels of Cu and Zn obtained in the HCl-extracted SOM fraction suggest that a considerable part is bound to SOM and clay minerals with low energy. However, the SOM is an important source of metal adsorption in soils with swine manure application.

In our study, we examined the movement of two wild boars marked with GPS/GSM transmitters in city of Budapest. We hypothesised that: the wild boars do not leave the urban area (H1); the wild boars prefer places that are less disturbed by people, and which are rich in potential hiding places (H2); and their home ranges would be smaller than that of wild boars living in non-urban environment (H3). Based on our results, we accepted our first hypothesis, as the wild boars had not left the area of Budapest. However, we partly rejected our second hypothesis: the wild boars preferred urban areas that were forested and richly covered with vegetation; however, human presence therefore disturbance was also high in those areas. The home range sizes of both marked wild boar sows were remarkably smaller than those of the wild boars living in natural environment (H3). City habitat modification, e.g. clearing undergrowth vegetation, could result that wild boars cannot find any hiding places. The significant part of food sources will disappear with the elimination of these places. By eliminating the two main factors together could prevent wild boars finding their living conditions within the city.

The cytochrome P450s (CYPs) constitute a family of enzymes maintaining vital functions in the body and are mostly recognized for their significant role in detoxification. Of the CYP subfamilies, CYP3A, is one of the most active in the clearance of drugs and other xenobiotics. During the last decades, much focus has been on exploring different models for human CYP3A regulation, expression and activity. In that respect, the growing knowledge of the porcine CYP3As is of great interest. Although many aspects of porcine CYP3A regulation and activity are still unknown, the current literature provides a basic understanding of the porcine CYP3As that can be used e.g., when translating results from studies done in the porcine model into human settings. In this review, the current knowledge about porcine CYP3A expression, regulation, activity and metabolic significance are highlighted. Future research needs are also identified.

Background Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes severe economic losses worldwide and only four countries in Europe are free from PRRSV. Complete depopulation–repopulation is the safest and fastest, but also the most expensive method for eradicating PRRSV from a population. Another possible way to eliminate an endemic PRRSV infection is to replace the infected breeding stock by gilts reared isolated and protected from PRRSV on an infected farm. With this method it is possible to maintain continuous production on the farm. The authors report the first successful elimination of PRRSV in a Hungarian large-scale pig farm by using an inactivated vaccine and performing segregated rearing of the offspring. Case presentation The study was performed on a PRRSV infected farm (Farm A) with 1475 sows. The clinical signs of reproductive failure had been eliminated previously by using an inactivated vaccine (Progressis®, Ceva). At the beginning of the elimination programme, gilts intended for breeding were vaccinated at 60 and 90–100 days of age. After that, gilts selected for breeding were vaccinated at 6 months of age, on the 60–70th day of pregnancy and at weaning. Approximately 1200 piglets from vaccinated sows were transported at 7 weeks of age to a closed, empty farm (Farm B) after being tested negative for PRRSV by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and then were reared here until 14 weeks of age. At this age, all pigs were tested by PRRS ELISA. Seronegative gilts (n = 901) were subsequently transported from Farm B to a third, closed and empty farm (Farm C), and (having reached the breeding age) they were inseminated here after a second negative serological test (ELISA). At the same time, Farm A was depopulated, cleaned and disinfected. All pregnant gilts were transported from Farm C to Farm A after being re-tested negative for antibodies against PRRSV. Follow-up serology tests were performed after farrowing and results yielded only seronegative animals. Based on the subsequent negative test results, the herd was declared PRRSV free by the competent authority. Conclusions The presented farm was the first during the National PRRS Eradication Programme of Hungary to eradicate PRRSV successfully by vaccinating the sows with an inactivated vaccine and performing segregated rearing of the offspring. Production was almost continuous during the whole process of population replacement.

Background Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in oocytes correlates with oocyte quality and fertilisation outcome. The introduction of additional copies of mtDNA through mitochondrial supplementation of mtDNA-deficient Sus scrofa oocytes resulted in: (1) improved rates of fertilisation; (2) increased mtDNA copy number in the 2-cell stage embryo; and (3) improved development of the embryo to the blastocyst stage. Furthermore, a subset of genes showed changes in gene expression. However, it is still unknown if mitochondrial supplementation alters global and local DNA methylation patterns during early development. Results We generated a series of embryos in a model animal, Sus scrofa, by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and mitochondrial supplementation in combination with ICSI (mICSI). The DNA methylation status of ICSI- and mICSI-derived blastocysts was analysed by whole genome bisulfite sequencing. At a global level, the additional copies of mtDNA did not affect nuclear DNA methylation profiles of blastocysts, though over 2000 local genomic regions exhibited differential levels of DNA methylation. In terms of the imprinted genes, DNA methylation patterns were conserved in putative imprint control regions; and the gene expression profile of these genes and genes involved in embryonic genome activation were not affected by mitochondrial supplementation. However, 52 genes showed significant differences in expression as demonstrated by RNAseq analysis. The affected gene networks involved haematological system development and function, tissue morphology and cell cycle. Furthermore, seven mtDNA-encoded t-RNAs were downregulated in mICSI-derived blastocysts suggesting that extra copies of mtDNA affected tRNA processing and/or turnover, hence protein synthesis in blastocysts. We also showed a potential association between differentially methylated regions and changes in expression for 55 genes due to mitochondrial supplementation. Conclusions The addition of just an extra ~ 800 copies of mtDNA into oocytes can have a significant impact on both gene expression and DNA methylation profiles in Sus scrofa blastocysts by altering the epigenetic programming established during oogenesis. Some of these changes may affect specific tissue-types later in life. Consequently, it is important to determine the longitudinal effect of these molecular changes on growth and development before considering human clinical practice.

African swine fever virus (ASFV), the causative agent of contagious hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boars, has temporally regulated gene expression kinetics. The p30 and p72 major structural proteins are involved in viral entry each with different expression kinetics, but neither of their chronological expressions and distribution have been identified in virus-infected animals. Here, we found that both transcription and translation levels of p30 were significantly higher than those of p72 in target organs during the earlier infection-phase. Lymphocyte apoptosis/necrosis and angiectasia were observed as signs of early infection with acute African swine fever. These results show that the chronologically differential expression of ASFV structural proteins tends to be prominent in infected animals, and the p30 protein could play a role in the indication of acute lesions during early infection compared to the late-expressed p72 protein. In conclusion, we propose to consider the chronological expression dynamics of ASFV structural proteins in infected animals to understand virus pathogenesis and antigen targeting for vaccine development.

In the USA, historical data on the period over which industrial swine farms have operated are usually only available at the county scale and released every 5 years via the USDA Census of Agriculture, leaving the history of the swine industry and its potential legacy effects on the environment poorly understood. We developed a changepoint-based workflow that recreates the construction timelines of swine farms, specifically by identifying the construction years of swine manure lagoons from historical Landsat 5 imagery for the period of 1984 to 2012. The study focused on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, a major pork-producing state in the USA. The algorithm successfully predicted the year of swine waste lagoon construction (+ /− 1 year) with an accuracy of approximately 94% when applied to the study area. By estimating the year of construction of 3405 swine waste lagoons in NC, we increased the resolution of available information on the expansion of swine production from the county scale to spatially-explicit locations. We further analyzed how the locations of swine waste lagoons changed in proximity to water resources over time, and found a significant increase in swine waste lagoon distances to the nearest water feature across the period of record.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the portocaval shunt (PCS) corrects these unwanted changes in transhepatic flow after extended hepatectomy (EH). Forty female Landrace pigs were divided into two main groups: (A) EH (75%) and (B) no EH. Group A was divided into 3 subgroups: (A1) EH without PCS; (A2) EH with side-to-side PCS; and (A3) EH with end-to-side PCS. Group B was divided into 2 subgroups: (B1) side-to-side PCS and (B2) end-to-side PCS. HAF, PVF, and PVP were measured in each animal before and after the surgical procedure. EH increased the PVF/100 g (173%, p

Backfat thickness could reflect the energy reserve of female pigs that is required for their reproductivity, especially gilts that might be selected as replacements. In this study, genetic and phenotypic correlations between backfat thickness (BF) and body weight (BW) at 28 weeks of age, and reproduction traits were estimated. They were considered for the possibility of using BF at the pre-selective stage as an early indicator of sow's reproduction potential. Pedigree information, BF and BW at 28 weeks of age, age at first farrowing (AFF), transformed proportion of piglet loss at birth (tPL), and transformed weaning to first service interval (tWSI) of 806 primiparous Landrace sows were used to estimate the variance components by a restricted maximum likelihood procedure with an average information algorithm for multivariate analysis. The genetic correlation between BF and BW was 0.70 ± 0.13. Both BF and BW had a negative genetic correlation with AFF but not with tWSI. Genetic correlation estimates between tPL and other traits were unclear due to high standard error. The genetic correlation between AFF and tWSI was 0.78 ± 0.36. There were 19.35% of sires, 26.34% of dams, and 25.81% of sows that had preferable estimated breeding values for BF, BW, AFF, and WSI. These values indicated the feasibility of using selection index to improve BF and BW at the pre-selective stage and reduce AFF and tWSI of replacement gilt simultaneously. The estimation of genetic correlation between PL and other traits warrants further study in larger populations.

BackgroundSex preselection is a desired goal of the animal industry to improve production efficiency, depending on industry demand. In the porcine industry, there is a general preference for pork from female and surgically castrated male pigs. Therefore, the birth of more females than males in a litter leads to economic benefits and improved animal welfare in the pig production industry. Our previous study suggested that the porcine semen extender (BTS) adjusted to pH 6.2 maximises the differences in viability between X-chromosome-bearing (X) spermatozoa and Y-chromosome-bearing (Y) spermatozoa without affecting sperm’s functional parameters. In this study we aimed to evaluate whether the pH 6.2 extender is applicable at the farm level for increasing the number of female piglets without a decline in spermatozoa fertility. Artificial insemination (AI) was carried out with spermatozoa stored at pH 6.2 and pH 7.2 (original BTS) at day 1 and day 2 of storage. Next, the functional parameters of the spermatozoa, litter size, farrowing rate, and female-to-male ratio of offspring were determined.ResultsAlthough sperm motility decreased significantly after 2 d of storage, the viability of spermatozoa was preserved at pH 6.2 for 3 d. There was no significant difference in the farrowing rate and average litter size between the group inseminated with the spermatozoa stored in (pH 7.2) and that inseminated with spermatozoa stored in acidic BTS. The percentage of female piglets was approximately 1.5-fold higher in sows inseminated on day 1 in the pH 6.2 than in the pH 7.2 group. Furthermore, although there was no significant difference in the female-to-male ratio, the percentage of female piglets born was slightly higher in the pH 6.2 group than in the pH 7.2 group on day 2.ConclusionsThe method optimised in our study is simple, economical, and may enhance the number of female births without any decline in spermatozoa fertility.

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a pathological event caused by elevated intracompartmental pressure (ICP); however, changes from the onset of inducing atraumatic CS remained unclear. The study aimed to investigate the physiological changes in a newly developed in vivo porcine acute atraumatic CS model. CS was induced by ischemia–reperfusion injury in the left hind leg of fourteen pigs divided into an echogenicity group (EG) and a shear wave elastography group (SEG). Echogenicity was measured in EG, and shear elastic modulus (SEM) was measured in SEG seven times before, at the onset of inducing CS, and every 30 min after the onset over eight hours. Simultaneously, ICP, blood pressure, and muscle perfusion pressure (MPP) were also measured in both groups. Our results indicate that SEM of the experimental leg in SEG significantly increased as CS developed compared to the control leg (p = 0.027), but no statistical difference in the echogenicity in EG was found between the experimental leg and control leg. There were also significant correlations between SEM and ICP (p

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) is a commensal bacterium in the upper respiratory tract of pigs that can also cause the swine Glässer disease, which induces an intensive inflammatory response and results in significant economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. G. parasuis can cause disease through infection of the respiratory tract, resulting in systemic infection, but the mechanism is largely unknown. Recently we showed that Glaesserella parasuis serotype 4 (GPS4) increased swine tracheal epithelial barrier permeability, resulting in easier bacterial translocation. Tight junction proteins (TJ) play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and impermeability of the epithelial barrier. GPS4 decreased the expression of the TJ ZO-1 and occludin in swine tracheal epithelial cells (STEC). Furthermore, the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in GPS4-infected STEC, and both the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were activated and contributed to the expression of TNF-α. We demonstrate that the production of proinflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α, during GPS4 infection was involved in barrier dysfunction. Additionally, animal challenge experiments confirmed that GPS4 infection downregulated TJ in the lungs of piglets and induced a severe inflammatory response. In general, G. parasuis infection downregulated the expression of TJ and induced massive secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in epithelial barrier disruption and favoring bacterial infection. This study allowed us to better understand the mechanism by which G. parasuis crosses the respiratory tract of pigs.

The study aimed to evaluate a commercial blend of functional oils based on liquid from the cashew nutshell and castor oil as a growth promoter in newly weaned piglets. A total of 225 piglets, castrated males and females with 28 days of age were randomly distributed in pens with 15 animals composing three treatments and five repetitions. The treatments were: control (without the inclusion of additives), probiotics, or functional oils. The performance was evaluated. At 50 days of age, a pool of fresh feces from 3 animals/repetition was collected to perform the sequencing of microbiota using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Supplementation with functional oils improved the piglets' daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (P Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. The functional oils were more effective in reducing pathogenic bacteria, such as Campylobacter and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, the use of functional oils optimized performance and effectively modulated the microbiota of newly weaned piglets.

Typically, large ungulates show a single seasonal peak of heart rate, a proxy of energy expenditure, in early summer. Different to other large ungulates, wild boar females had peak heart rates early in the year (at ~ April, 1), which likely indicates high costs of reproduction. This peak was followed by a trough over summer and a secondary summit in autumn/early winter, which coincided with the mast seeding of oak trees and the mating season. Wild boars counteracted the effects of cold temperatures by decreasing subcutaneous body temperature by peripheral vasoconstriction. They also passively gained solar radiation energy by basking in the sun. However, the shape of the seasonal rhythm in HR indicates that it was apparently not primarily caused by thermoregulatory costs but by the costs of reproduction. Wild boar farrow early in the year, visible in high HRs and sudden changes in intraperitoneal body temperature of females. Arguably, a prerequisite for this early reproduction as well as for high energy metabolism over winter is the broad variety of food consumed by this species, i.e., the omnivorous lifestyle. Extremely warm and dry summers, as experienced during the study years (2017, 2018), may increasingly become a bottleneck for food intake of wild boar.

Hungary is situated in the southern part of Central Europe, next to the northern boundary of the Mediterranean region. This geographical position may allow the northward expansion of Mediterranean ixodid tick species into Hungary, particularly in the era of warming climate. During the past 14 years numerous surveys have been published on the species and activity of hard ticks occurring in the country. However, it was 60 years ago that the last comprehensive review of ixodid ticks of Hungary was published, and only in Hungarian language. The purpose of the present checklist is to provide a comprehensive and complete overview of the ixodid fauna of Hungary, based on tick reports published so far in Hungarian or English, also including hitherto unpublished data. Altogether 27 hard tick species were identified in Hungary, of which 21 can be regarded as indigenous. Most importantly, the autochthonous occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was not known prior to 2005, but during the last 14 years increasing numbers of cases have been reported, attesting the emergence of this tick species in Hungary. Whereas R. sanguineus sensu lato was always associated with dogs and cats in Hungary, other tick species show differences in host associations according to habitat type, seasonal activity and questing height. Changes in the distribution, abundance and seasonality of a few tick species were also noted.

A treatment device without a stent is needed for peripheral stenotic artery treatment. We have proposed short-term heating balloon angioplasty, photo-thermo dynamic balloon angioplasty (PTDBA). Though smooth muscle cells (SMCs) after PTDBA are fixed in a stretched formation in a porcine model, influences of this stimulus on SMCs have not been investigated. SMC migration after vascular dilatation would be related to chronic restenosis. The aim of this study was to examine respiratory activity and recovery ability of SMCs after short-term heating/stretch-fixing in vitro for chronic phase treatment effect discussion. SMCs on a stretch chamber were heated for 15 s with stretching and fixed in a stretched formation. SMC migration is correlated with the cell respiratory activity. The amount of ATP production was measured using a WST-8 assay for respiratory activity evaluation. The intracellular expression of heat shock protein 70 was measured by an ELISA for recovery ability evaluation. In the case of 60 °C heating, SMC respiratory activity after short-term heating/stretch-fixing decreased drastically in all stretching rates. In the case of 50 °C heating, SMC respiratory activity decreased and then increased. Alternatively, the recovery ability at 60 °C was greater than that at 50 °C. SMCs heated at 60 °C with stretching would have high recovery ability and low respiratory activity related to SMC migration. These results may be important evidence in determining the treatment condition in PTDBA.