Experimental Infection of Common Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) and Bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) with Classical Swine Fever Virus II: A Comparative Histopathological Study

Abstract

SUMMARYWild African Suidae, the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and bushpig (Potamochoerus On post mortem examination, intestinal necrosis and ulceration, purulent rhinitis and pneumonia were present. Affected animals developed lymphoid necrosis and depletion whilst surviving individuals showed perivascular cuffing in multiple organs. From the present work, we conclude that these wild Suidae are susceptible to CSF virus and intra-species transmission under experimental conditions can occur.

Suidae and Tayassuidae

“…Hemorrhages in the periphery of lymph nodes and renal petechiae are common findings. Experimental studies in common warthogs and bushpigs demonstrated intra-species transmission (Everett et al, 2011;Gers et al, 2011). Bushpigs developed similar clinical signs and lesions as domestic pigs.…”

“…The wild boar is not a classic reservoir but is capable of maintaining infection over long periods of time (Artois et al, 2002). Wild African Suidae, such as the common warthog and the bushpig have been experimentally infected (Everett et al, 2011;Gers et al, 2011).…”

Experimental Infection of Common Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) and Bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) with Classical Swine Fever Virus. I: Susceptibility and Transmission

“…Two in‐contact animals of the same species were placed in the pen with the inoculated cohort to investigate transmission of virus. In the case of the bushpig experiment, the in‐contact animals were introduced 24 h post‐inoculation, whereas the warthog group was not separated to avoid welfare concerns relating to stress (for more details, see (Gers et al., 2010)…”

“…Gross pathology was noted at necropsy, and tissue samples were obtained for further analysis. Clinical and pathological findings are presented in a separate paper (Gers et al., 2010).…”

Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera): Review of Aspects Relevant to Control

“…Experimental infection has demonstrated that the warthog and the bush pig are susceptible to infection and can spread disease to in‐contact animals of the same species (Gers et al., 2010; Everett et al, 2011). More research is needed to establish whether these species might become important in the epidemiology of CSF in southern Africa if they become infected in the wild.…”