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African Swine Fever and Its Epidemiological Course in Lithuanian Wild Boar

Authors :
Alvydas Malakauskas
Christoph Staubach
Gediminas Pridotkas
Carola Sauter-Louis
Marius Masiulis
Katja Schulz
Franz Josef Conraths
Source :
Viruses, Volume 13, Issue 7, Viruses, Vol 13, Iss 1276, p 1276 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Lithuania since 2014. It is mainly the wild boar population that is affected. Currently, little is known about the epidemiological course of ASF in Lithuania. In the present study, ASF surveillance data from 2016–2021 were analyzed. The numbers of samples taken from hunted wild boar and wild boar found dead per year and month were recorded and the prevalence was estimated for each study month and administrative unit. A Bayesian space–time model was used to calculate the temporal trend of the prevalence estimates. In addition, population data were analyzed on a yearly basis. Most samples were investigated in 2016 and 2017 and originated from hunted animals. Prevalence estimates of ASF virus-positive wild boar decreased from May 2019 onwards. Seroprevalence estimates showed a slight decrease at the same time, but they increased again at the end of the study period. A significant decrease in the population density was observed over time. The results of the study show that ASF is still present in the Lithuanian wild boar population. A joint interdisciplinary effort is needed to identify weaknesses in the control of ASF in Lithuania and to combat the disease more successfully.

Details

ISSN :
19994915
Volume :
13
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Viruses
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....aca429ed959f3c24546dd82a8fc65ae1