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Rogoll L, Schulz K, Staubach C, Oļševskis E, Seržants M, Lamberga K, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. Identification of predilection sites for wild boar carcass search based on spatial analysis of Latvian ASF surveillance data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:382. [PMID: 38172492 PMCID: PMC10764341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted search for wild boar carcasses is essential for successful control of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations. To examine whether landscape conditions influence the probability of finding ASF-positive carcasses, this study analyzed Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Latvian wild boar carcasses and hunted wild boar, extracted from the CSF/ASF wild boar surveillance database of the European Union, and random coordinates in Latvia. Geographic information system (GIS) software was used to determine the landscape type and landscape composition of carcass detection sites and to measure distances from the carcasses to nearest waterbodies, forest edges, roads and settlements. The results of the automated measurements were validated by manually analyzing a smaller sample. Wild boar carcasses were found predominantly in forested areas and closer to waterbodies and forest edges than random GPS coordinates in Latvia. Carcasses of ASF-infected wild boar were found more frequently in transitional zones between forest and woodland shrub, and at greater distances from roads and settlements compared to ASF-negative carcasses and random points. This leads to the hypothesis, that ASF-infected animals seek shelter in quiet areas further away from human disturbance. A detailed collection of information on the environment surrounding carcass detection sites is needed to characterize predilection sites more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rogoll
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Katja Schulz
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Edvīns Oļševskis
- Food and Veterinary Service, Peldu 30, Riga, 1050, Latvia
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment-"BIOR", Lejupes 3, Riga, 1076, Latvia
| | | | | | - Franz Josef Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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The First Eighteen Months of African Swine Fever in Wild Boar in Saxony, Germany and Latvia-A Comparison. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010087. [PMID: 36678435 PMCID: PMC9867452 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) emerged in Latvia in 2014. In 2020, the virus has been detected in the German federal state, Saxony. In both regions, the virus was probably introduced by infected wild boar coming from affected neighboring countries. As the current ASF control strategy at EU level had not yet been developed at the time of ASF introduction into Latvia, disease control measures in both study areas differed over time. Assessing the course of ASF in Saxony and the implemented control strategies, the first 18 months of the ASF epidemic were epidemiologically compared between Saxony and Latvia. ASF wild boar surveillance data were analyzed and the prevalence of ASF virus-positive wild boar was estimated. For estimating the wild boar density, the numbers of wild boar per km² were calculated for the respective geographical areas. The number of samples collected from hunted wild boar and wild boar found dead was higher in Saxony. The ASF virus prevalence in Latvia was significantly higher than in Saxony, indicating that Saxony has had more time for getting prepared for dealing with an ASF incursion. Experience from other countries and the rapid implementation of new control strategies may have helped Saxony deal with ASF.
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African Swine Fever in Wild Boar (Poland 2020): Passive and Active Surveillance Analysis and Further Perspectives. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091219. [PMID: 34578251 PMCID: PMC8465799 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a fatal hemorrhagic disease of wild boar and domestic pigs which has been present in Poland since 2014. By 2020, the ASF virus (ASFV) spread across Central, Eastern and Western Europe (including Germany), and Asian countries (including China, Vietnam, and South Korea). The national ASF eradication and prevention program includes continuous passive (wild boar found dead and road-killed wild boar) and active (hunted wild boar) surveillance. The main goal of this study was to analyze the dynamic of the spread of ASF in the wild boar population across the territory of Poland in 2020. In that year in Poland, in total 6191 ASF-positive wild boar were declared. Most of them were confirmed in a group of animals found dead. The conducted statistical analysis indicates that the highest chance of obtaining an ASF-positive result in wild boar was during the winter months, from January to March, and in December 2020. Despite the biosecurity measures implemented by holdings of domestic pigs, the disease also occurred in 109 pig farms. The role of ASF surveillance in the wild boar population is crucial to apply more effective and tailored measures of disease control and eradication. The most essential measures to maintain sustainable production of domestic pigs in Poland include effective management of the wild boar population, along with strict implementation of biosecurity measures by domestic pig producers.
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Bergmann H, Schulz K, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. A Review of Environmental Risk Factors for African Swine Fever in European Wild Boar. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092692. [PMID: 34573659 PMCID: PMC8465043 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of environmental risk factors for African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar will be not only essential for risk assessments but also for timely and spatially informed allocation of resources in order to manage wild boar-targeted ASF control measures efficiently. Here, we review currently known environmental risk factors that can influence the occurrence of ASF virus infection in wild boar when compared to disease occurrence in wild boar of a non-exposed reference scenario. Accordingly, the exposure of wild boar to environmental risk factors related to (1) climate, (2) land cover, (3) human activity, (4) wild boar and (5) ASF were evaluated. As key environmental risk factors in this review, increased ASF occurrence in wild boar was associated with seasonal patterns, forest coverage, presence of water, human presence, farming activities, wild boar density and ASF nearness. The review highlights inconsistencies in some of these risk factor associations with disease detection in space and time and may provide valuable insights for the investigation of ASF transmission dynamics. The examined risk information was applied to consider potential improvements of the ASF control strategy in wild boar regarding disease surveillance, hunting, wild boar carcass searches and ASF barrier implementation.
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Sauter-Louis C, Conraths FJ, Probst C, Blohm U, Schulz K, Sehl J, Fischer M, Forth JH, Zani L, Depner K, Mettenleiter TC, Beer M, Blome S. African Swine Fever in Wild Boar in Europe-A Review. Viruses 2021; 13:1717. [PMID: 34578300 PMCID: PMC8472013 DOI: 10.3390/v13091717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of genotype II African swine fever (ASF) virus, presumably from Africa into Georgia in 2007, and its continuous spread through Europe and Asia as a panzootic disease of suids, continues to have a huge socio-economic impact. ASF is characterized by hemorrhagic fever leading to a high case/fatality ratio in pigs. In Europe, wild boar are especially affected. This review summarizes the currently available knowledge on ASF in wild boar in Europe. The current ASF panzootic is characterized by self-sustaining cycles of infection in the wild boar population. Spill-over and spill-back events occur from wild boar to domestic pigs and vice versa. The social structure of wild boar populations and the spatial behavior of the animals, a variety of ASF virus (ASFV) transmission mechanisms and persistence in the environment complicate the modeling of the disease. Control measures focus on the detection and removal of wild boar carcasses, in which ASFV can remain infectious for months. Further measures include the reduction in wild boar density and the limitation of wild boar movements through fences. Using these measures, the Czech Republic and Belgium succeeded in eliminating ASF in their territories, while the disease spread in others. So far, no vaccine is available to protect wild boar or domestic pigs reliably against ASF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.J.C.); (C.P.); (K.S.)
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.J.C.); (C.P.); (K.S.)
| | - Carolina Probst
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.J.C.); (C.P.); (K.S.)
| | - Ulrike Blohm
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Immunology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Katja Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.J.C.); (C.P.); (K.S.)
| | - Julia Sehl
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Melina Fischer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.F.); (J.H.F.); (M.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Jan Hendrik Forth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.F.); (J.H.F.); (M.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Laura Zani
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (L.Z.); (K.D.)
| | - Klaus Depner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (L.Z.); (K.D.)
| | - Thomas C. Mettenleiter
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.F.); (J.H.F.); (M.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Sandra Blome
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.F.); (J.H.F.); (M.B.); (S.B.)
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Winckler C, Blome S, Boklund A, Bøtner A, Dhollander S, Rapagnà C, Van der Stede Y, Miranda Chueca MA. Research priorities to fill knowledge gaps in wild boar management measures that could improve the control of African swine fever in wild boar populations. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06716. [PMID: 34354769 PMCID: PMC8319816 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to provide study designs for the investigation of four research domains (RDs) according to major gaps in knowledge identified by EFSA in a report published in 2019: (RD 1) African swine fever (ASF) epidemiology in wild boar; (RD 2) ASF transmission by vectors; (RD 3) African swine fever virus (ASFV) survival in the environment, and (RD 4) the patterns of seasonality of ASF in wild boar and domestic pigs in the EU. In this Scientific Opinion, the second RD on ASF epidemiology in wild boar is addressed. Twenty-nine research objectives were proposed by the working group and broader ASF expert networks and 23 of these research objectives met a prespecified inclusion criterion. Fourteen of these 23 research objectives met the predefined threshold for selection and so were prioritised based on the following set of criteria: (1) the impact on ASF management; (2) the feasibility or practicality to carry out the study; (3) the potential implementation of study results in practice; (4) a possible short time-frame study (< 1 year); (5) the novelty of the study; and (6) if it was a priority for risk managers. Finally, after further elimination of three of the proposed research objectives due to overlapping scope of studies published during the development of this opinion, 11 research priorities were elaborated into short research proposals, considering the potential impact on ASF management and the period of one year for the research activities.
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Desvaux S, Urbaniak C, Petit T, Chaigneau P, Gerbier G, Decors A, Reveillaud E, Chollet JY, Petit G, Faure E, Rossi S. How to Strengthen Wildlife Surveillance to Support Freedom From Disease: Example of ASF Surveillance in France, at the Border With an Infected Area. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:647439. [PMID: 34169103 PMCID: PMC8217459 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.647439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a risk-based approach, the SAGIR network (dedicated to wildlife disease surveillance) had to strengthen surveillance activities after ASF was confirmed in Belgium in September 2018, very near the French border. Three new active dead wild boars search protocols supplemented opportunistic surveillance in Level III risk areas: patrols by volunteer hunters, professional systematic combing, and dog detection. Those protocols were targeted in terms of location and time and complemented each other. The main objectives of the designed surveillance system were (i) to assure early detection in case of introduction of the disease and (ii) to support the free status of the zone. Compiling the surveillance effort was thus a necessity to assure authorities and producer representatives that the sometimes low number of carcasses detected was not a consequence of no surveillance activities. The human involvement in implementing those activities was significant: more than 1000 8-h days just for the time spent in the field on active search activities. We calculated a specific indicator to enable a comparison of the surveillance results from different zones, including non-infected Belgian zones with strengthened surveillance activities. This was a first step in the evaluation of the efficacy of our surveillance activities in a WB population. Field experiments and modelling dead WB detection probability are planned to supplement this evaluation. Belgium regained its ASF-free status in November 2020, and ASF was not detected in France in either the WB or domestic pig populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Desvaux
- French Agency for Biodiversity (OFB), Wildlife Health Unit, Birieux, France
| | | | - Thibaut Petit
- French Agency for Biodiversity (OFB), Regional Delegation, Rozerieulles, France
| | | | - Guillaume Gerbier
- French General Directorate for Food (DGAL), Animal Health Unit, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anouk Decors
- French Agency for Biodiversity (OFB), Wildlife Health Unit, Orléans, France
| | - Edouard Reveillaud
- French General Directorate for Food (DGAL), Animal Health Unit, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Yves Chollet
- French Agency for Biodiversity (OFB), Wildlife Health Unit, Auffargis, France
| | - Geoffrey Petit
- Regional Hunters' Federation (FRC), Châlons-en-Champagne, France
| | - Eva Faure
- National Hunters' Federation (FNC), Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Sophie Rossi
- French Agency for Biodiversity (OFB), Wildlife Health Unit, Gap, France
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Cappai S, Rolesu S, Feliziani F, Desini P, Guberti V, Loi F. Standardized Methodology for Target Surveillance against African Swine Fever. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040723. [PMID: 33276509 PMCID: PMC7761549 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) remains the most serious pig infectious disease, and its persistence in domestic pigs and wild boar (WB) is a threat for the global industry. The surveillance of WB plays a central role in controlling the disease and rapidly detecting new cases. As we are close to eradicating ASF, the need to find any possible pockets of infection is even more important. In this context, passive surveillance is the method of choice for effective surveillance in WB. Considering the time and economic resources related to passive surveillance, to prioritize these activities, we developed a standardized methodology able to identify areas where WB surveillance should be focused on. Using GIS-technology, we divided a specific Sardinian infected area into 1 km2 grids (a total of 3953 grids). Variables related to WB density, ASF cases during the last three years, sex and age of animals, and the type of land were associated with each grid. Epidemiological models were used to identify the areas with both a lack of information and an high risk of hidden ASFV persistence. The results led to the creation of a graphic tool providing specific indications about areas where surveillance should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Cappai
- OEVR—Sardinian Regional Veterinary Epidemiological Observatory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna “G. Pegreffi”, 09125 Cagliari, Italy; (S.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Sandro Rolesu
- OEVR—Sardinian Regional Veterinary Epidemiological Observatory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna “G. Pegreffi”, 09125 Cagliari, Italy; (S.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- Italian Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Pietro Desini
- ATS Sardegna, ASSL Sassari, Servizio di Sanità Animale, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- ISPRA—Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Roma, Italy;
| | - Federica Loi
- OEVR—Sardinian Regional Veterinary Epidemiological Observatory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna “G. Pegreffi”, 09125 Cagliari, Italy; (S.C.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-327-6925-232
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