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Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in wild boars in Korea
Jae-Myung Kim1, Bok Kyung Ku, Haet-nim Lee
1Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, MIFAFF, Anyang 430-757, Korea. kimjm88@korea.kr
Abstract:
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes chronic infectious enteritis in various domestic and wild mammals and is widely distributed globally. Interspecies transmission has been frequently reported. We investigated the presence of MAP from December 2010 to March 2011 in blood and feces collected from 222 hunter-killed wild boars. We collected 197 serum and 180 fecal samples and examined them by culture, PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We investigated the status of MAP infection and the MAP genotypes in the wild boar population of Korea by using IS900 PCR and IS1311-restriction endonuclease analysis typing. Of the 180 fecal samples cultured, MAP colonies were recovered from two. By PCR, 18 animals were positive for MAP and one serum sample had a strong humoral response to MAP. The PCR-positive DNA samples from the colonies and the feces samples were genotyped as "cattle type" and "bison type," which are major MAP genotypes infecting domestic species in Korea. Our study provides new information on mycobacterial infection among wild boars, and suggests that a more effective program should be developed to monitor mycobacterial infections in wild animal populations in Korea.
Insights
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) was detected in Korean wild boars through PCR and culture. Genotyping revealed "cattle" and "bison" types, suggesting potential transmission from domestic animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a global pathogen causing enteritis in mammals.
- Interspecies transmission of MAP is a significant concern for animal health.
- Wild animals may act as reservoirs or sentinels for MAP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of MAP in Korean wild boars.
- To assess the potential for MAP transmission between domestic animals and wildlife.
- To inform wildlife disease monitoring programs.
Main Methods:
- Collection of blood and fecal samples from 222 hunter-killed wild boars (December 2010-March 2011).
- Analysis using culture, IS900 PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- IS1311-restriction endonuclease analysis typing for MAP genotyping.
Main Results:
- MAP was detected in 2 fecal samples by culture and in 18 animals by PCR.
- One serum sample showed a strong humoral response to MAP.
- Genotyping identified "cattle type" and "bison type" MAP strains.
Conclusions:
- Wild boars in Korea are infected with MAP, carrying genotypes common in domestic livestock.
- This finding highlights the potential role of wild boars in MAP epidemiology.
- Enhanced monitoring of MAP in wild animal populations is recommended.
