FaecalEscherichia colias biological indicator of spatial interaction between domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Corsica

Abstract

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

Aujeszky’s Disease and Hepatitis E Viruses Transmission between Domestic Pigs and Wild Boars in Corsica: Evaluating the Importance of Wild/Domestic Interactions and the Efficacy of Management Measures

“…In the case of HEV, several recent studies have shown that several strains are shared between pigs, wild boars, pork products, and humans ( 16 , 51 ). Such approaches can be relevant to address the question of environmental contamination ( 52 ). Concerning ADV, a major issue is the technical difficulty to collect samples containing the virus, as Aujeszky’s disease symptoms are difficult to notice in free ranging farming systems.…”

African swine fever and outdoor farming of pigs

“…The distribution of pig groups in this territory varies; during the winter months, pigs tend to remain close to the farm for supplementary feeding and reproduction, during autumn and early winter (i.e. the chestnut harvesting period), free‐ranging pigs are left in the mountain plains (Barth et al., 2018). In summer, pigs are traditionally kept in often‐unfenced grass pastures and beech forests found at higher altitudes (Jori et al., 2017).…”

ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Carrying CTX-M Genes Circulating among Livestock, Dogs, and Wild Mammals in Small-Scale Farms of Central Chile

“…Dogs living on farms could also contribute to the spread of ESBL- E. coli among agricultural settings because contact with livestock has been associated with an increased probability of ESBL- E. coli fecal carriage in dogs [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. However, the circulation of ESBL- E. coli at the livestock and wildlife interface is still poorly understood [ 12 , 31 , 32 ].…”