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First TBEV serological screening in Flemish wild boar
Sophie Roelandt1, Vanessa Suin2, Yves Van der Stede3,4
1Unit of Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Surveillance (ERASURV), Operational Directorate of Interactions and Surveillance, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Brussels, Belgium; sophie.roelandt@coda-cerva.be.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibodies were detected in wild boar during a 2013 Flemish surveillance study. This finding indicates potential TBEV presence in Flanders, necessitating further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Arthropod-borne Diseases
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) poses a significant public health risk.
- Wild boar (Sus scrofa) are known to harbor and transmit various pathogens.
- Effective wildlife surveillance is crucial for understanding pathogen distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a serological screening for TBEV-specific antibodies in wild boar populations in Flanders.
- To identify potential geographical foci of TBEV transmission within the region.
- To assess the role of wild boar in the TBEV enzootic cycle.
Main Methods:
- Serological screening of 238 wild boar sera collected in 2013.
- Titration of neutralizing antibodies using a seroneutralisation test (SNT).
- Application of cut-off titres of 1/10 and 1/15 for seropositivity determination.
Main Results:
- Seven wild boar tested TBEV-seropositive, with moderate to high SNT titres (>1/15 to >1/125).
- Three additional wild boar exhibited borderline SNT results (1/10-1/15).
- Demonstration of TBEV-specific antibodies in the sampled wild boar population.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of TBEV-specific antibodies in wild boar in Flanders.
- Results suggest potential TBEV foci within Flanders, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance.
- Further research, including direct virus detection, is recommended to fully assess TBEV risk.
