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In the Suidae family, warthogs show significant survival adaptability and trait specificity. This study offers a comparative genomic analysis between the warthog and other Suidae species, including the Luchuan pig, Duroc pig, and Red River hog. By integrating the four genomes with sequences from the other four species, we identified 8868 single-copy orthologous genes. Based on 8868 orthologous protein sequences, phylogenetic assessments highlighted divergence timelines and unique evolutionary branches within suid species. Warthogs exist on different evolutionary branches compared to DRCs and LCs, with a divergence time preceding that of DRC and LC. Contraction and expansion analyses of warthog gene families have been conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of their evolutionary adaptations. Using GO, KEGG, and MGI databases, warthogs showed a preference for expansion in sensory genes and contraction in metabolic genes, underscoring phenotypic diversity and adaptive evolution direction. Associating genes with the QTLdb-pigSS11 database revealed links between gene families and immunity traits. The overlap of olfactory genes in immune-related QTL regions highlighted their importance in evolutionary adaptations. This work highlights the unique evolutionary strategies and adaptive mechanisms of warthogs, guiding future research into the distinct adaptability and disease resistance in pigs, particularly focusing on traits such as resistance to African Swine Fever Virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the evolution of African Suidae and the molecular basis of their unique phenotypes, thereby attempting to fill these gaps. To this end, we performed the genome assembly and annotation of warthogs and Kenyan domestic pigs to identify the genetic resources responsible for warthog resistance against African swine fever. Our results showed that genes in the warthog genome relate to its adaptation to the African environment and that the gene lactate dehydrogenase B could be considered a tolerance gene to African swine fever. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because our results provide valuable resources and data support for future evolutionary research on African pigs and genetic research adapted to unique local geographic environments in Africa. Additionally, the results of this study provide a new candidate gene for understanding the resistance mechanisms of warthogs against African swine fever. Background: As warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) have innate immunity against African swine fever (ASF), it is critical to understand the evolutionary novelty of warthogs to explain their specific ASF resistance. Methods: Here, we present two completed new genomes of one warthog and one Kenyan domestic pig as fundamental genomic references to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of ASF tolerance. Results: Multiple genomic variations, including gene losses, independent contraction, and the expansion of specific gene families, likely molded the warthog genome to adapt to the environment. Importantly, the analysis of the presence and absence of genomic sequences revealed that the DNA sequence of the warthog genome had an absence of the gene lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) on chromosome 2 compared with the reference genome. The overexpression and siRNA of LDHB inhibited the replication of the African swine fever virus. Combined with large-scale sequencing data from 42 pigs worldwide, the contraction and expansion of tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) gene families revealed that TRIM family genes in the warthog genome are potentially responsible for its tolerance to ASF. Conclusion: Our results will help improve the understanding of genetic resistance to ASF in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease of pigs (Sus scrofa) caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, African swine fever virus (ASFV). With up to 100% mortality in pigs and no vaccine, the socioeconomic impacts of this disease are immense. In sub-Saharan Africa, warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) are the original vertebrate host for the virus, which is transmitted among wild suids via the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata. In Malawi, O. moubata is thought to be widely distributed, with the potential to spread ASFV beyond its historical enzootic zone in the Central Region. We surveyed 76 domestic pig farms, 18 active warthog burrows, and three bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) resting sites for O. moubata in the Central Region of Malawi, and tested the ticks for ASFV using PCR. We found a limited distribution for O. moubata: 75 ticks were discovered at a single farm in the Mchinji District. Eleven percent of these ticks were ASFV positive. This suggests that wildlife and O. moubata play a limited role in the epidemiology of ASF in Malawi; thus, other factors for disease spread, such as fomites and pig-to-pig infection, need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty swine samples collected from different regions of Namibia between 2019 and 2020 were screened for the presence of porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) by PCR. Eleven samples (37%) were positive. Phylogenetic analysis of a partial sequence of the structural protein gene (VP2) identified two distinct clusters, one which contained sequences that were highly similar to PPV1 previously identified in warthogs in Namibia. These results indicate possible PPV1 transmission between warthogs and domestic pigs and highlight the importance of wildlife as sources of pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic pigs have a prominent cortical gyrus (the rostrum gyrus) isomorphic to the contralateral hemirostrum. It is unclear, however, if the size and shape of the rostrum gyrus are of evolutionary/functional relevance. Here, we address this question by assessing the relationship of rostrum and rostrum gyrus across eight pig species. To this end, we quantified rostrum morphology in fresh and alcohol‐preserved pig specimens by surface scans, microfocus computed tomography scans, and photography. We establish that the size and shape of the rostrum gyrus can be precisely inferred from endocasts. We then took advantage of the accessibility of pig skulls and endocasts to assess features of the rostrum gyrus across species. Our investigation led to the following results: (i) The rostra of pig species show basic similarities. (ii) A cortical rostrum gyrus is apparent in all pigs. (iii) The size of the rostrum gyrus differs across species and outgroups of the evolutionary dominant suinae (i.e., peccaries and the babirusa) have a noticeably smaller rostrum gyrus. (iv) Warthogs have a derived rostrum morphology with an extra fold and a very wide rostrum; the warthog rostrum gyrus recapitulates these rostrum features. (v) Domestic pigs have relatively smaller rostrum gyrus than wild boars. We also provide indications for a conserved cytoarchitectonic patterning of the rostrum gyrus. We conclude that the rostrum gyrus is a neural module that was putatively present in the common ancestor of pigs and that this neural module is conserved across pig species. Natural selection maintains the rostrum gyrus' size and its exact isomorphism to the rostrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Trichinellosis is a neglected and emerging foodborne zoonosis in Africa. Trichinella infection occurs through the consumption of raw or undercooked infected meat and meat products. This study aimed to assess pigs' management practices and determine the exposure of pigs and warthogs to Trichinella spp. in the northern area of Senegal. Materials and Methods: Surveys and observations were carried out among 40 pig farmers to assess husbandry practices regarding Trichinella spp. life cycle. In addition, 201 pig meat juices and 83 warthog meat juices were extracted and tested for anti-Trichinella antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Most (97%) of farms practiced a traditional farming system with free-ranging of pigs in 85% of farms. Farms had local pig breed without housing and supplementary feeding. Some farmers (27.5%) used slaughter waste to feed pigs and farmers were not aware that free-range farming is a source of infection to Trichinella infection. They were also unaware that some pig diseases could be transmitted to humans. The seroprevalence of Trichinella infection was 10.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.6–15.2%) in pigs and 10.8% (95% CI: 4.16–17.52%) in warthogs with significantly higher seroprevalence in male (22.2%: 95% CI: 6.6–37.8%) compared to female (9.2%; 95% CI: 4.9–13.5%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The confirmation of exposure to Trichinella spp. in this area in pigs and warthogs shows a significant risk of transmission of this disease to humans if the farming conditions and the health surveillance system are not respected. However, control measures are needed to reduce any risk of transmission of Trichinella infection to humans.

This updated review provides an overview of the available information on Ornithodoros ticks as reservoirs and biological vectors of the ASF virus in Africa and Indian Ocean islands in order to update the current knowledge in this field, inclusive of an overview of available methods to investigate the presence of ticks in the natural environment and in domestic pig premises. In addition, it highlights the major areas of research that require attention in order to guide future investigations and fill knowledge gaps. The available information suggests that current knowledge is clearly insufficient to develop risk-based control and prevention strategies, which should be based on a sound understanding of genotype distribution and the potential for spillover from the source population. Studies on tick biology in the natural and domestic cycle, including genetics and systematics, represent another important knowledge gap. Considering the rapidly changing dynamics affecting the African continent (demographic growth, agricultural expansion, habitat transformation), anthropogenic factors influencing tick population distribution and ASF virus (ASFV) evolution in Africa are anticipated and have been recorded in southern Africa. This dynamic context, together with the current global trends of ASFV dissemination, highlights the need to prioritize further investigation on the acarological aspects linked with ASF ecology and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild animals can transmit diseases to domestic animals. In Africa, warthogs are known to be carriers of pathogens that can infect pigs; consequently, it is important to identify these pathogens in order to protect pigs from infection. In this study, two important swine pathogens i.e., African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) were identified in warthogs in Namibia and characterized genetically. The results will be of interest to those working in swine disease management and control in Namibia. Understanding virus circulation in wild animals, particularly those that have contact with domestic animals, is crucial for disease management and control. In Africa, warthogs are known to be asymptomatic carriers of porcine pathogens; a recent study in Namibia has shown them to be positive for Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2). In this study, the same samples used for the PCV-2 investigation in Namibia were further screened for the presence of African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) by PCR. Of the 42 animals tested, 2 (4.8%) and 13 (31%) were positive for AFSV and PPV1, respectively. The two AFSV were also co-infected with PPV1. Combing the results of this study with the results of the previous PCV-2 investigation, four warthogs were shown to be co-infected with both PPV1 and PCV-2. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AFSV belonged to genotype (Ib) but were from different serogroups. Unexpectedly, the ASFVs from the warthogs were genetically distinct to those observed in an outbreak in the same region of Namibia that occurred less than fifteen months prior to the sampling of the warthogs. In fact, a stronger genetic relationship was observed between the warthog viruses and historical Namibian and South African ASFVs identified in 1980, 2004 and 2008. For the PPV1s, the closest relative to the Namibian PPV1 were viruses identified in wild boar in Romania in 2011. This study confirms that warthogs are carriers of porcine pathogens and the data should encourage further studies on larger populations of wild and domestic swine to more fully understand the epidemiology and transmission of viral pathogens from these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bushpigs (BPs) (Potamochoerus larvatus) and warthogs (WHs) (Phacochoerus africanus), which are widely distributed in Eastern Africa, are likely to cohabitate in the same environment with domestic pigs (DPs), facilitating the transmission of shared pathogens. However, potential interactions between BP, WH, and DP, and the resulting potential circulation of infectious diseases have rarely been investigated in Africa to date. In order to understand the dynamics of such interactions and the potential influence of human behavior and husbandry practices on them, individual interviews (n = 233) and participatory rural appraisals (n = 11) were carried out among Ugandan pig farmers at the edge of Murchison Falls National Park, northern Uganda. In addition, as an example of possible implications of wild and DP interactions, non-linear multivariate analysis (multiple correspondence analyses) was used to investigate the potential association between the aforementioned factors (interactions and human behavior and practices) and farmer reported African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks. No direct interactions between wild pigs (WPs) and DP were reported in our study area. However, indirect interactions were described by 83 (35.6%) of the participants and were identified to be more common at water sources during the dry season. Equally, eight (3.4%) farmers declared exposing their DP to raw hunting leftovers of WPs. The exploratory analysis performed suggested possible associations between the farmer reported ASF outbreaks and indirect interactions, free-range housing systems, dry season, and having a WH burrow less than 3 km from the household. Our study was useful to gather local knowledge and to identify knowledge gaps about potential interactions between wild and DP in this area. This information could be useful to facilitate the design of future observational studies to better understand the potential transmission of pathogens between wild and DPs.

This updated review provides an overview of the available information on Ornithodoros ticks as reservoirs and biological vectors of the ASF virus in Africa and Indian Ocean islands in order to update the current knowledge in this field, inclusive of an overview of available methods to investigate the presence of ticks in the natural environment and in domestic pig premises. In addition, it highlights the major areas of research that require attention in order to guide future investigations and fill knowledge gaps. The available information suggests that current knowledge is clearly insufficient to develop risk-based control and prevention strategies, which should be based on a sound understanding of genotype distribution and the potential for spillover from the source population. Studies on tick biology in the natural and domestic cycle, including genetics and systematics, represent another important knowledge gap. Considering the rapidly changing dynamics affecting the African continent (demographic growth, agricultural expansion, habitat transformation), anthropogenic factors influencing tick population distribution and ASF virus (ASFV) evolution in Africa are anticipated and have been recorded in southern Africa. This dynamic context, together with the current global trends of ASFV dissemination, highlights the need to prioritize further investigation on the acarological aspects linked with ASF ecology and evolution.

Abstract Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis has previously been diagnosed in warthogs and infection can be highly prevalent (> 30%) in endemic areas. Thus, warthogs could potentially be an important species to consider as sentinels for disease surveillance. However, disease surveillance is dependent on availability of accurate diagnostic assays and only a few diagnostic tests have been investigated for warthogs. Furthermore, the tests that have been used in this species require laboratory equipment and trained personnel to obtain results. Therefore, this study investigated the use of the intradermal tuberculin test (ITT) to screen warthogs for bTB, which can be done with minimal equipment and under field conditions by most veterinarians and other qualified professionals. Changes in skin fold thickness measurements at the bovine purified protein derivative (PPD) administration site, between 0 and 72 h, were compared with differential changes between the bovine and avian PPD sites, for 34 warthogs, to evaluate the performance when different interpretation criteria for the ITT was used. Results Using an increase of 1.8 mm or more at the bovine PPD site as a cut-off for positive responders, 69% of 16 M. bovis culture-positive warthogs had a positive test result, with 100% of the 18 culture-negative warthogs considered as test negative. When a differential of 1.2 mm or more in skin fold thickness at the bovine PPD compared to the avian PPD site was used as a cut-off for the comparative ITT, 81% of culture-positive warthogs were considered as test positive, with 100% of culture-negative warthogs considered as test negative. Conclusion The findings in this study suggest that the ITT is a promising tool to use when screening warthogs for M. bovis infection.

The warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) can be used as a model for investigating disease transmission at the human, wildlife, and livestock interface. An omnivore and scavenger, a warthog moves freely between natural ecotypes, farmland, and human communities and is susceptible to diseases of zoonotic, agricultural, and conservation concern. A retrospective study using 100 individual serum samples collected from May 1999 to August 2016 was performed to determine antibody prevalence to seven pathogens in warthogs from five locations in northeastern South Africa. Higher prevalence of antibodies to African swine fever virus and Mycobacterium bovis were detected in warthogs from the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem in comparison to lower prevalence of antibodies to M. bovis and no antibodies to African swine fever virus in warthogs from uMhkuze Game Reserve. Low prevalence of antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus, Rift Valley fever virus, and influenza A virus was detected in all locations, and no antibodies against Brucella and Leptospira spp. were detected. No statistically significant difference in antibody prevalence was found between sexes for any disease. At the univariate analysis, M. bovis seropositivity was significantly different among age categories, with 49% (35/71) of adults found positive versus 29% (4/14) of juveniles and 9% (1/11) of sub-adults (Fisher's exact test, P=0.020), and between the sampling locations (Fisher's exact test, P=0.001). The multivariate model results indicated that juvenile warthogs had lower odds of testing positive to M. bovis antibodies than adults (juveniles' odds ratio [OR]=0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–1.0), although this result was not statistically significant at the 5% level (P=0.052). For warthogs sampled at Satara Buffalo Camp, the odds (OR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.035–0.96) of being M. bovis antibody positive were significantly lower (P=0.043) than for warthogs sampled at Skukuza. Of particular interest in this study was the detection of warthogs seropositive for influenza A virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the conservation status and habitat preference of Common warthog in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria using direct sighting and line transect method. The abundance estimate and encounter rate of common Warthog in the study area from 2018-2019 showed that year 2018 recorded 213 individuals at an encounter rate of 0.38/km while year 2019 recorded 184 individuals at an encounter rate of 0.32/km while the mean abundance estimate of common Warthog are 4.65±0.64 and 1.71±0.48 which represents 156 and 58 individuals at encounter rate of 0.55/km and 0.20/km in the wet season and dry season of year 2018 compared to year 2019 with average abundance estimate value of 4.00±0.85 and 1.41±0.61 which represents 135 and 48 individuals at an encounter rate of 0.47/km and 0.17/km for wet and dry season respectively. The mean age structure and sex ratio of the observed warthog population during dry and wet seasons revealed that juveniles had highest mean of age structures among the populations observed across the seasons. The habitat preference of common warthog revealed that they are mostly found in mixed woodland and open savanna with 112 observation and the lowest was recorded in the outcrop vegetation and open savanna with 21 individuals.in the wet season. During the dry season, mixed woodland/open savanna and Riparian grassland had the highest sightings of 45 and 33 individuals each. The outcrop vegetation/open savanna had the lowest observation of 1 individuals only. The study also recommends that more aspect of the ecology of the animal should be studied in details and emphasis should be placed on the habitat requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of a devastating hemorrhagic disease (ASF) that affects both domestic pigs and wild boars. Conversely, ASFV circulates in a subclinical manner in African wild pigs, including warthogs, the natural reservoir for ASFV. Together with genetic differences, other factors might be involved in the differential susceptibility to ASF observed among Eurasian suids (Sus scrofa) and African warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). Preliminary evidence obtained in our laboratory and others, seems to confirm the effect that environmental factors might have on ASF infection. Thus, domestic pigs raised in specific pathogen-free (SPF) facilities were extremely susceptible to highly attenuated ASFV strains that were innocuous to genetically identical domestic pigs grown on conventional farms. Since gut microbiota plays important roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, regulating immune system maturation and the functionality of the innate/adaptive immune responses, we decided to examine whether warthog fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to domestic pigs affects host susceptibility to ASFV. The present work demonstrates that warthog FMT is not harmful for domestic weaned piglets, while it modifies their gut microbiota; and that FMT from warthogs to pigs confers partial protection against attenuated ASFV strains. Future work is needed to elucidate the protective mechanisms exerted by warthog FMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a lethal, haemorrhagic disease in domestic swine that threatens pig production across the globe. Unlike domestic pigs, warthogs, which are wildlife hosts of the virus, do not succumb to the lethal effects of infection. There are three amino acid differences between the sequence of the warthog and domestic pig RELA protein; a subunit of the NF-κB transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infections. Domestic pigs with all 3 or 2 of the amino acids from the warthog RELA orthologue have been generated by gene editing. To assess if these variations confer resilience to ASF we established an intranasal challenge model with a moderately virulent ASFV. No difference in clinical, virological or pathological parameters were observed in domestic pigs with the 2 amino acid substitution. Domestic pigs with all 3 amino acids found in warthog RELA were not resilient to ASF but a delay in onset of clinical signs and less viral DNA in blood samples and nasal secretions was observed in some animals. Inclusion of these and additional warthog genetic traits into domestic pigs may be one way to assist in combating the devastating impact of ASFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the 2019 Great Writing International Creative Writing Conference held at Imperial College in London, England from July 6-7, 2019. Topics mentioned include the key elements of creative writing, writers' reactions on the presence of warthog on the cover of the program conference, and the link of relational process in creative writing to COVID-19 pandemic.

Twenty free-ranging warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were immobilized with a combination of etorphine (0.039 ± 0.005 mg/kg) and azaperone (0.44 ± 0.06 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly by dart. Butorphanol (1 mg per mg etorphine) was administered intravenously at t = 5 min. A standardized scoring system was used to record induction, immobilization and recovery characteristics. Physiological parameters were recorded at 5 min intervals and an arterial sample collected for blood gas analyses every 15 min. At 45 min after butorphanol administration, immobilization was partially reversed by administering naltrexone (40x etorphine dose in mg) intravenously. Overall, induction quality was good, with the mean time to safe handling 5.9 ± 1.4 min. The majority of immobilization scores (54%) over the entire monitoring period (40 min) were at level 3, consistent with a light plane in which palpebral and laryngeal reflexes were still present but the animal could be safely handled. Overall mean heart rate was 94.7 ± 15.3 beats per min, mean respiratory rate was 14.7 ± 9.8 breaths per min, and the mean rectal temperature was 38.5 ± 1.0°C. Significant hypoxia (overall mean oxygen arterial partial pressure 38.8 ± 8.4 mmHg), hypercapnia (mean carbon dioxide arterial partial pressure 63.3 ± 7.8 mmHg), and acidosis (mean pH 7.28 ± 0.04) were observed in immobilized warthogs. Following antagonist administration, warthogs were standing within 1.0 ± 0.4 min, with the majority of recoveries scored as excellent. The drug combination proved to be effective in the immobilization of free-ranging warthogs with rapid induction and recovery, but with significant cardio-respiratory changes. Therefore, this drug combination may be useful when rapid immobilization and recovery are indicated, but should be used cautiously in compromised warthogs.

Pathogen transmission from wildlife hosts to genetically distinct species is a major driver of disease emergence. African swine fever virus (ASFV) persists in sub-Saharan Africa through a sylvatic cycle between warthogs and soft ticks that infest their burrows. The virus does not cause disease in these animals, however transmission of the virus to domestic pigs or wild boar causes a hemorrhagic fever that is invariably fatal. ASFV transmits readily between domestic pigs and causes economic hardship in areas where it is endemic. The virus is also a significant transboundary pathogen that has become established in Eastern Europe, and has recently appeared in China increasing the risk of an introduction of the disease to other pig producing centers. Although a DNA genome mitigates against rapid adaptation of the virus to new hosts, extended epidemics of African swine fever (ASF) can lead to the emergence of viruses with reduced virulence. Attenuation in the field leads to large deletions of genetic material encoding genes involved in modulating host immune responses. Therefore resistance to disease and tolerance of ASFV replication can be dependent on both virus and host factors. Here we describe the different virus-host interfaces and discuss progress toward understanding the genetic determinants of disease outcome after infection with ASFV.

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]

Twenty-one free-ranging warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were immobilized with a combination of medetomidine (0.07 ± 0.01 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.26 ± 0.04 mg/kg), tiletamine--zolazepam (0.69 ± 0.15 mg/kg), and ketamine (1.43 ± 0.21 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly by dart. Induction, immobilization, and recovery characteristics were evaluated using a standardized scoring system. In the immobilized warthogs, physiological variables were measured every 5 min and arterial blood gases were analyzed at 15-min intervals. At 45 min after initial drug administration, atipamezole (0.34 ± 0.050 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.53 ± 0.079 mg/kg) were administered intravenously. Overall, induction quality after darting was scored as excellent and the mean time to safe handling was 5.9 ± 2.0 min. Based on muscle relaxation, and loss of palpebral and pedal reflexes, most subjects (17 out of 21) reached a plane of surgical anesthesia by 10 and 15 min; 20 out of 21 warthogs were in this plane for the duration of the monitoring period. In the immobilized warthogs the overall mean heart rate was 65 ± 15.3 beats per minute, mean respiratory rate was 14.7 ± 5.6 breaths per minute, and the mean rectal temperature was 37.9 ± 1.48C during the 40 min. Arterial blood gas results showed hypoxemia (mean PaO2 62.1 ± 16.2 mmHg), hypercapnia (mean PaCO2 47.1 ±5.1 mmHg), and acidemia (mean pH = 7.36 ± 0.04). Values for PaO2 and pH improved over the immobilization period. After antagonist administration, overall recovery quality from immobilization was scored as good, with animals standing at a mean time of 7.3 ± 4.9 min. The drug combination proved to be effective in the immobilization of free-ranging warthogs with rapid induction, good anesthesia, and limited cardiorespiratory changes. This anesthetic protocol produces effective, safe, and partially reversible immobilization in warthogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen transmission from wildlife hosts to genetically distinct species is a major driver of disease emergence. African swine fever virus (ASFV) persists in sub-Saharan Africa through a sylvatic cycle between warthogs and soft ticks that infest their burrows. The virus does not cause disease in these animals, however transmission of the virus to domestic pigs or wild boar causes a hemorrhagic fever that is invariably fatal. ASFV transmits readily between domestic pigs and causes economic hardship in areas where it is endemic. The virus is also a significant transboundary pathogen that has become established in Eastern Europe, and has recently appeared in China increasing the risk of an introduction of the disease to other pig producing centers. Although a DNA genome mitigates against rapid adaptation of the virus to new hosts, extended epidemics of African swine fever (ASF) can lead to the emergence of viruses with reduced virulence. Attenuation in the field leads to large deletions of genetic material encoding genes involved in modulating host immune responses. Therefore resistance to disease and tolerance of ASFV replication can be dependent on both virus and host factors. Here we describe the different virus-host interfaces and discuss progress toward understanding the genetic determinants of disease outcome after infection with ASFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has historically been hunted and consumed by rural communities throughout its distribution range in Africa. This study aims to develop a processed product from warthog meat in the form of back bacon (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) as a healthy alternative meat product and to determine its chemical and sensory characteristics derived from adult and juvenile boars and sows. The highest scored attributes included typical bacon and smoky aroma and flavor, and salty flavor, as well as tenderness and juiciness. Neither sex nor age influenced the bacon’s chemical composition; the bacon was high in protein (~29%) and low in total fat (p = 0.01). The differences between sex and age class are considered negligible regarding the overall profile and healthiness of the bacon.

Abstract The effect of olive oil inclusion on the chemical and sensory characteristics in cabanossi made with ostrich and warthog meat was investigated. Ostrich meat from soybean oilcake (SBOC) and cottonseed oilcake dietary inclusion levels (CSOC), and olive oil were included at three levels (0%, 1% and 2%) resulting in six treatments. The fat content in the cabanossi increased with increasing levels of oil inclusion but were all <10%, which allows it to be classified as a low fat meat product. Total monounsaturated fatty acids in the cabanossi increased whilst total saturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased as olive oil increased. The SBOC cabanossi had a lower fat and higher crude protein content. The inclusion of olive oil at 2% resulted in a cabanossi with increased tenderness, juiciness and cured red meat colour, all factors that appeal to the consumer, while the overall flavour descriptors were not adversely affected by the inclusion of olive oil. Highlights • Different levels of olive oil were used as fat source in making ostrich/warthog cabanossi. • MUFA in the cabanossi increased whilst SFA and PUFA decreased as olive oil increased. • Olive oil at 2% resulted in increased tenderness, juiciness and cured red meat colour. • Overall flavour descriptors were not adversely affected by the inclusion of olive oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis has previously been diagnosed in warthogs and infection can be highly prevalent (> 30%) in endemic areas. Thus, warthogs could potentially be an important species to consider as sentinels for disease surveillance. However, disease surveillance is dependent on availability of accurate diagnostic assays and only a few diagnostic tests have been investigated for warthogs. Furthermore, the tests that have been used in this species require laboratory equipment and trained personnel to obtain results. Therefore, this study investigated the use of the intradermal tuberculin test (ITT) to screen warthogs for bTB, which can be done with minimal equipment and under field conditions by most veterinarians and other qualified professionals. Changes in skin fold thickness measurements at the bovine purified protein derivative (PPD) administration site, between 0 and 72 h, were compared with differential changes between the bovine and avian PPD sites, for 34 warthogs, to evaluate the performance when different interpretation criteria for the ITT was used. Results: Using an increase of 1.8 mm or more at the bovine PPD site as a cut-off for positive responders, 69% of 16 M. bovis culture-positive warthogs had a positive test result, with 100% of the 18 culture-negative warthogs considered as test negative. When a differential of 1.2 mm or more in skin fold thickness at the bovine PPD compared to the avian PPD site was used as a cut-off for the comparative ITT, 81% of culture-positive warthogs were considered as test positive, with 100% of culture-negative warthogs considered as test negative. Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that the ITT is a promising tool to use when screening warthogs for M. bovis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warthogs are hunted for trophies and damage reprisal whilst the meat is consumed. Little is known about the quality profile of the meat, therefore, this study investigated the effect of age (yearlings and adult) and sex on the sensory, physical, and chemical attributes of cooked meat. The meat was high in protein (~32%) and low in total fat (< 2%), while the meat from yearlings tended to be tenderer than adults. Age appeared to have a more pronounced influence than sex on the sensory attributes. Warthog meat had a pork aroma and flavour. Undesirable odours and flavours were described as sour/sweaty and fishy, and adults differed from yearlings regarding sour/sweaty ( P  = .025) and fishy aromas ( P  = .006), and fishy flavours ( P  = .045). Small differences (< 0.5 mg/g) in palmitoleic ( P  = .047) and arachidonic ( P  = .038) acids were found between adults and yearlings. Warthog meat can be regarded as a lean and healthy source of protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), has been reported in many species including suids. Wild boar are important maintenance hosts of the infection with other suids, that is domestic and feral pigs, being important spillover hosts in the Eurasian ecosystem and in South Africa, warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) may play a similar role in M. bovis‐endemic areas. However, novel diagnostic tests for warthogs are required to investigate the epidemiology of bTB in this species. Recent studies have demonstrated that serological assays are capable of discriminating between M. bovis‐infected and uninfected warthogs (Roos et al., ). In this study, an indirect ELISA utilizing M. bovis purified protein derivative (PPD) as a test antigen was used to measure the prevalence and investigate risk factors associated with infection in warthogs from uMhkuze Nature Reserve and the southern region of the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP). There was a high overall seroprevalence of 38%, with adult warthogs having a higher risk of infection (46%). Seroprevalence also varied by geographic location with warthogs from Marloth Park in the GKNP having the greatest percentage of positive animals (63%). This study indicates that warthogs in M. bovis‐endemic areas are at high risk of becoming infected with mycobacteria. Warthogs might present an under‐recognized disease threat in multi‐species systems. They might also serve as convenient sentinels for M. bovis in endemic areas. These findings highlight the importance of epidemiological studies in wildlife to understand the role each species plays in disease ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the symbolism of certain animal images in southern African San rock art. What is less well understood is the combination of specific animal body parts to create composite creatures. Identifying the species from which a particular body part is taken allows for further insight and nuance in the current interpretation of San iconography. This paper explores this possibility in relation to images from the WAR2 site in the Drakensberg Mountains of southeastern South Africa. Numerous images at the site are illustrated with tusks. While the paper argues that the tusks at this site are modelled on only one species, the behavioural contexts of tusks are similar for all animals that have them in southern Africa. Linking these contexts and the natural properties of tusks to San ethnography allows for the elucidation of the imagery at WAR2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic in several areas of South Africa and has been reported in multiple species, including common warthogs ( Phacochoerus africanus ). Limited diagnostic tests and disease control programs exist for African wildlife. Thus, there is a need to develop techniques for bTB detection in species such as warthogs to assess their role in disease maintenance and spread in multi-host ecosystems. In this study, we obtained blood samples from warthogs in bTB endemic areas to investigate biomarkers for detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection. Warthog whole blood was incubated in QuantiFERON ® TB Gold In-Tube tubes and pathogen specific release of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interferon gamma induced protein 10 (IP-10) was measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Although we were unable to measure IFN-γ, we could successfully measure IP-10. The IP-10 assay was able to distinguish between M. bovis -infected and M. bovis -culture negative warthogs, within bTB endemic areas, with an assay specific sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 84%. Of the 88 M. bovis -exposed warthogs screened, 42% were IP-10 test positive. These results indicate warthogs develop a measurable cell-mediated immune response after antigen stimulation of whole blood, which can distinguish between M. bovis -infected and M. bovis -culture negative animals. Thus, the IP-10 assay shows promise as an ante-mortem test to diagnose bTB in warthogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The movement of African ungulates between habitats is determined by diverse factors including forage composition, availability and quality, water availability, topography, the catenary level and the effect of fire on vegetation. We assessed how grass flushes, following dry-season fires, and availability of water influenced seasonal movements of hartebeest, impala, warthog, white rhino, wildebeest and zebra in Ithala Game Reserve, a fenced reserve in South Africa. Over a 6-d period each month for 4 y, road transects covering a representative sample of the reserve's different vegetation types, and 23% of the reserve's total area, were carried out. We recorded the species, number, sex and age class of herbivores, obtaining 8742 records (total herbivores sighted = 47055), and obtained positional data on sightings over the last 2 y of the study. Using a GIS-based approach, we determined that ruminant, but not non-ruminants, were significantly attracted to dry-season grass flushes, and that presence or absence of such flushes significantly affected their mean distance to water and hence seasonal movements on the catena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: African swine fever virus (ASFV) is one of the most threatening infectious diseases of pigs. There are not sufficient data to indicate the importance of the sylvatic cycle in the spread and maintenance of the disease locally and potentially, globally. To assess the capacity to maintain ASF in the environment, we investigated the presence of soft tickreservoirs of ASFV in Gorongosa National Park (GNP) and its surrounding villages. A total of 1,658 soft ticks were recovered from warthog burrows and pig pens at the wildlife/livestock interface of the GNP and viral DNA was confirmed by nested PCR in 19% of Ornithodoros porcinus porcinus and 15% of O. p. domesticus. However, isolation of ASFV was only achieved in approximately 50% of the PCR‐positive samples with nineteen haemadsorbing virus isolates recovered. These were genotyped using a combination of partial sequencing of the B646L gene (p72) and analysis of the central variable region (CVR) of the B602L gene. Eleven isolates were classified as belonging to genotype II and homologous to contemporary isolates from southern Africa, the Indian Ocean and eastern Europe. Three isolates grouped within genotype V and were similar to previous isolates from Mozambique and Malawi. The remaining five isolates constituted a new, previously unidentified genotype, designated genotype XXIV. This work confirms for the first time that the virus currently circulating in eastern Europe is likely to have a wildlife origin, and that the large diversity of ASFV maintained in wildlife areas can act as a permanent sources of different strains for the domestic pig value chain in Mozambique and beyond its boundaries. Their genetic similarity to ASFV strains currently spreading across Europe justifies the need to continue studying the sylvatic cycle in this African country and other parts of southern Africa in order to identify potential hot spots of ASF emergence and target surveillance and control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses long-term population fluctuations of warthog known as Phacochoerus africanus in Nazinga Game Ranch, Burkina Faso. It mentions the impact of NGR management policies and the climatic conditions on the animals. it also mentions Warthog population has suffered predation from Hyaena.

Productivity and herbivory often interact to shape plant community composition and species richness with levels of production mediating the impact of herbivory. However, differences in herbivore traits such as size, feeding guild and dietary requirements may result in different impacts of diverse herbivore guilds across productivity gradients., We used size-selective herbivore exclosures to separate the effects of herbivory by larger herbivores, such as elephant, Burchell's zebra and blue wildebeest from those of medium/smaller herbivores, such as impala and warthog, on herbaceous plant communities. These exclosures were established along a 10-fold productivity gradient, ranging from 90 to 950 g m−2 of standing plant biomass in the Kruger National Park, South Africa., Exclusion of all herbivores generally increased plant species richness at low productivity, but decreased richness at high productivity. Exclusion of medium/smaller herbivores (e.g. impala, warthog) showed stronger effects on plant richness, particularly loss of forbs, at higher productivity rather than at lower productivity. In contrast, exclusion of larger herbivores had stronger effects on plant richness, typically with increasing forb richness, at low rather than high productivity., The change in species richness appeared linked to changes in light availability following herbivore exclusion. Strong increases in shading led to declines in species richness while more moderate increases in shading led to increases in species richness, possibly due to amelioration of heat and water stress by modest increases in shading., Increasing plant dominance, which likely alters multiple mechanisms of plant interactions, was correlated with declines in plant richness following herbivore exclusion. The impact of increasing dominance on plant richness operated independent of productivity, with the exclusion of impala appearing particularly important in driving this relationship., Synthesis. We show that the impact of herbivore losses on plant diversity will be strongly situation dependent and will vary with the herbivores lost (e.g. larger vs. smaller, grazers vs. browsers), plant functional type (e.g. grasses vs. forbs) and environmental context (e.g. productivity). Although larger herbivores are often emphasized for their strong impacts on community dynamics and ecosystem processes, we show that smaller, abundant herbivores can exert strong top-down control on plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) and warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus), which are widely distributed in Eastern Africa, are likely to cohabitate in the same environment with domestic pigs, facilitating the transmission of shared pathogens. However, potential interactions between bushpig, warthog and domestic pig and the resulting potential circulation of infectious diseases have rarely been investigated in Africa to date. In order to understand the dynamics of such interactions and the potential influence of human behavior and husbandry practices on them, individual interviews (n=233) and participatory rural appraisals (n=11) were carried out among Ugandan pig farmers at the edge of Murchison Falls National Park, northern Uganda. In addition, as an example of possible implications of wild and domestic pig interactions, nonlinear multivariate analysis (multiple correspondence analyses) was used to investigate the potential association between the aforementioned factors (interactions and human behavior and practices) and farmer reported ASF outbreaks. No direct interactions between wild pigs and domestic pig were reported in our study area. However, indirect interactions were described by 83 (35.6 %) of the participants and were identified to be more common at water sources during the dry season. Equally, eight (3.4%) farmers declared exposing their domestic pig to raw hunting leftovers of wild pigs. The exploratory analysis performed suggested possible associations between the farmer reported ASF outbreaks and indirect interactions, free-range housing systems, dry season, and having a warthog burrow less than 3km from the household. Our study was useful to gather local knowledge and to identify knowledge gaps about potential interactions between wild and domestic pig in this area. This information could be useful to facilitate the design of future observational studies to better understand the potential transmission of pathogens between wild and domestic pigs.

The composition of major nutrients and fatty acids of the milk of three species, red hartebeest, Southern reedbuck and warthog, and milk fatty acids of giraffe, that have not been published before, are reported, and together with the same parameters of 11 species previously published, were incorporated in a phylogenetic comparison. Unique properties of milk composition have been observed. Southern reedbuck milk seems to have a complex casein composition, similar to that of sheep. Milk composition varies between species. Although some differences may be ascribed to biological condition, such as stage of lactation, or ecological factors, such as availability of certain nutrients, the contribution by evolutionary history is not well documented and the emphasis is usually on the composition of the macro nutrients. Phylogenetic comparisons often lack representatives of multiple species of taxonomic groups and sub-groups. To date phylogenetic comparisons of milk composition have been carried out by using data from different publications. The problem with this approach is that the ecological factors cannot be completely ruled out. A statistical phylogenetic comparison by PCA between 15 species representing 7 different suborders, families or subfamilies of African Artiodactyla was carried out. The phylogenetic properties showed that the milk composition of the Bovinae, represented here by the subfamilies Bovini and Tragelaphini, differs from the other taxonomic groups, in that the Alcelaphinae had a high milk fat content of the medium chain length fatty acids C8–C12 (> 17% of total fatty acids) and the Hippotraginae high amounts of oligosaccharides (> 0.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic alignment ( MA) results from the preference of animals to align themselves along the field lines of the geomagnetic field, a behavioural expression of a magnetic sense. MA is well documented for ruminants and might demonstrate a general magnetic sensory ability among artiodactyls. We measured body-axis alignment in 1614 foraging or resting wild boars Sus scrofa, 1849 wild boar beds, and 1347 warthogs Phacochoerus africanus, and found a highly significant north-south preference. The magnetic field was the only common denominator of all observations. Thus, we provide the first data suggesting a magnetic sense in the Suidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporadic cases of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) have been reported in warthogs in Southern Africa and confirmed through mycobacterial culture. However, there are no validated ante-mortem tests currently available for bTB in warthogs. In this study, we evaluated the use of three serological assays for the detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in warthogs; an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using bovine purified protein derivative (PPD b ) as a capture antigen (indirect PPD ELISA), as well as two commercial assays, the TB ELISA-VK ® and DPP ® VetTB Assay. Test performance of these assays was compared using sera from 35 warthogs of known Mycobacterium bovis infection status. All three assays were able to distinguish M. bovis -infected from uninfected individuals with high sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) (indirect PPD ELISA Se: 88%, Sp: 89%; TB ELISA-VK ® 88%, 79%; DPP ® VetTB Assay 75%, 89%, respectively). The assays performed very similarly and the ELISA assays showed the greatest agreement (κ = 0.89). These results indicate that M. bovis -infected warthogs develop measurable pathogen-specific humoral responses which can be used to distinguish them from uninfected animals. Therefore, serological assays have value as ante-mortem bTB diagnostic tests in warthogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has been introduced to parts of South Africa outside of its known range. The species is considered an agricultural pest and a threat to the natural environment. As some farmers are employing a shoot on sight strategy, our study aimed to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of warthog meat according to sex. Five muscles from male warthogs had higher shear force values (i.e. were less tender) compared to females. Allmuscles had a total protein content >20% and total lipid content <2.2%. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids of the Longissimus lumborum muscle was <0.45. We also provide descriptive data on the characteristics of carcass yields and meat from juvenile sows and boars. It is suggested that warthog meat should be produced and marketed as whole muscle cuts and not as the typical commercial cuts used for domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classifying, describing and understanding the natural environment is an important element of studies of human, animal and ecosystem health, and baseline ecological data are commonly lacking in remote environments of the world. Human African trypanosomiasis is an important constraint on human well-being in sub-Saharan Africa, and spillover transmission occurs from the reservoir community of wild mammals. Here we use robust and repeatable methodology to generate baseline datasets on vegetation and mammal density to investigate the ecology of warthogs ( Phacochoerus africanus) in the remote Luambe National Park in Zambia, in order to further our understanding of their interactions with tsetse ( Glossina spp.) vectors of trypanosomiasis. Fuzzy set theory is used to produce an accurate landcover classification, and distance sampling techniques are applied to obtain species and habitat level density estimates for the most abundant wild mammals. The density of warthog burrows is also estimated and their spatial distribution mapped. The datasets generated provide an accurate baseline to further ecological and epidemiological understanding of disease systems such as trypanosomiasis. This study provides a reliable framework for ecological monitoring of wild mammal densities and vegetation composition in remote, relatively inaccessible environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epidemiological study of African swine fever ( ASF) was conducted between March 2006 and September 2007 in a rural area adjacent to the Gorongosa National park ( GNP) located in the Central Mozambique. Domestic pigs and warthogs were sampled to determine the prevalence of antibodies against ASF virus and the salivary antigens of Ornithodoros spp. ticks, while ticks collected from pig pens were tested for the presence of ASFV. In addition, 310 framers were interviewed to gain a better understanding of the pig value chain and potential practices that could impact on the spread of the virus. The sero-prevalence to ASFV was 12.6% on farms and 9.1% in pigs, while it reached 75% in warthogs. Approximately 33% of pigs and 78% of warthogs showed antibodies against salivary antigens of ticks. The differences in sero-prevalence between farms close to the GNP, where there is greater chance for the sylvatic cycle to cause outbreaks, and farms located in the rest of the district, where pig to pig transmission is more likely to occur, were marginally significant. Ornithodoros spp. ticks were found in only 2 of 20 pig pens outside the GNP, and both pens had ticks testing positive for ASFV DNA. Interviews carried out among farmers indicated that biosecurity measures were mostly absent. Herd sizes were small with pigs kept in a free-ranging husbandry system (65%). Only 1.6% of farmers slaughtered on their premises, but 51% acknowledged allowing visitors into their farms to purchase pigs. ASF outbreaks seemed to have a severe economic impact with nearly 36% of farmers ceasing pig farming for at least 1 year after a suspected ASF outbreak. This study provides the first evidence of the existence of a sylvatic cycle in Mozambique and confirms the presence of a permanent source of virus for the domestic pig value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study compared the chemical and sensory characteristics and consumer preference of a semi-dried, cured meat product, cabanossi, produced with warthog meat and with domestic pork. The warthog and pork cabanossi had similar total moisture (59.0% ± 2.07 and 54.3% ± 1.26) and protein (26.3% ± 2.20 and 24.2% ± 2.15) contents, while the warthog cabanossi was lower in total fat content (6.9% ± 1.01) compared to pork cabanossi (13.7% ± 1.77, P = 0.007). Descriptive sensory analysis found that the warthog cabanossi appeared darker red ( P = 0.001) and less fatty ( P = 0.001), while the pork cabanossi had a higher overall pork flavour ( P = 0.001). There were no differences in consumer preference of the appearance and taste between the two types of cabanossi, while the majority of consumers (91%) supported the use of game meat in meat products. The study concluded that warthog meat can be used in processed products without compromising the associated technical or organoleptic properties. [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]

ABSTRACT The common warthog ( Phacochoerus africanus) has been extra-limitally introduced onto various farms and reserves in parts of the Northern Cape and Free State provinces of South Africa. Warthogs are considered as a game animal for wildlife tourism and hunting but are a known agricultural pest in their natural range. We investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and actions of farmers and landowners toward the common warthog on their farms. We identified participants using the Snowball technique and interviewed them during semistructured personal interviews, conducted from June to October 2012, using a standardized questionnaire. Most farmers and landowners were of the opinion that warthogs were introduced to the area and considered warthog populations to be increasing. Warthogs were held responsible for causing damage to aspects of the natural and agricultural environment, and respondents were increasingly negative toward warthogs as the levels of perceived damages increased. There were, however, also a number of respondents who regarded and utilized the species as a game animal. The majority of respondents hunted warthogs and utilized their meat for consumption; therefore, the study proposes that scientifically based hunting efforts for meat production be implemented to control population numbers and mitigate negative impacts experienced. © 2016 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a routine geriatric examination on a 9-yr-old, nulliparous female African warthog ( Phacochoerus africanus), a severely enlarged, mixed echogenicity uterus was discovered during transabdominal ultrasound. Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) was elected and performed due to concern for a potential neoplastic condition. Postoperatively, the warthog was treated prophylactically with metoclopramide and ranitidine to promote gastrointestinal motility and prevent postoperative ileus. The gross appearance and histopathology confirmed the presence of extensive widely disseminated cystic changes consistent with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and multiple para-ovarian cysts. Uterine pathology, including CEH, is a common condition in domestic potbellied pigs ( Sus scrofa), and as a result, it is recommended to perform an OVH at an early age. The advanced uterine changes may have accounted for this animal's history of infertility. This case provides evidence that nulliparity may be associated with the development of uterine pathology in warthogs. Increased knowledge of reproductive pathology will aid in improved management strategies for breeding nondomestic suids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]