Wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a potential reservoir of infectious agents in Portugal: a review of two decades (2001–2021)

Abstract

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a mammal with a broad distribution in the Eurasian territory and a potential reservoir for several zoonotic pathogens. Besides being part of the Mediterranean ecosystem and perpetuating these agents in the environment, this species is usually consumed in the Iberian Peninsula, representing a potential public health threat. Due to its extensive expansion and colonization of new geographical areas, which leads to increasing contact with humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, infectious disease assessments are crucial. During the last two decades (2001–2021), several researchers have studied wild boars to identify, understand, and predict potential health risks and disease outbreaks in animals and humans. North-eastern, central-eastern (mainly because of tuberculosis), and southern Portugal were the regions where most pathogens have been identified. Some agents with zoonotic importance (but with few reported data) should be the focus of future surveillance studies, such as Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., or Trichinella spp. This review aims to summarize the available information on pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) reported in wild boars, in Portugal, in the last two decades, with a particular focus on agents with zoonotic potential.

Hunting for Answers: Assessing Brucella spp. Seroprevalence and Risks in Red Deer and Wild Boar in Central Portugal

“…[ 67 ]. Wild ungulates are regarded as a reservoir of various infectious illnesses in the Iberian Peninsula, including tuberculosis, brucellosis, and paratuberculosis [ 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Wildlife interacts with humans, domestic cattle, and pet animals and so can serve as reservoirs and sources of infection and zoonotic diseases spread to the human interfaces.…”

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Portugal

“…This expansion has led to various implications, especially concerning infectious diseases and zoonotic risks associated with wild boar. Studies have identified wild boar as potential reservoirs for infectious agents like HEV, Coxiella, and Brucella [18]. The presence of these pathogens in wild boar poses risks not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and humans due to potential zoonotic transmission.…”

“…The adaptability of wild boar to different habitats and food resources contributes to their continuous occupation of new geographic regions, further necessitating comprehensive infectious disease assessments. It is crucial to understand the prevalence of pathogens in wild boar for infectious disease surveillance, disease management strategies, and wildlife conservation efforts in Portugal [18].…”

<em>Mycobacterium avium</em> subsp. paratuberculosis in Wild Boar (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) in Portugal

“…This expansion has led to various implications, especially concerning infectious diseases and zoonotic risks associated with wild boar. Studies have identified wild boar as potential reservoirs for infectious agents like HEV, Coxiella and Brucella [19][20][21]. The presence of these pathogens in wild boar poses risks not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and humans due to potential zoonotic transmission.…”