Pseudorabies Virus Prevalence in Lung Samples of Hunted Wild Boars in Northwestern Greece

Aujeszky's Disease, caused by the pseudorabies virus (PRV), is an acute, often fatal disease affecting mainly pigs and incidentally other animals. While eradicated in several countries, PRV persists in wild boar populations, posing a risk to domestic pigs. This study investigates PRV prevalence in wild boars in the region of Epirus, located in the northwest of Greece. During the 2021-2022 hunting season, 110 lung samples from hunted wild boars were collected and analyzed for PRV DNA and cytopathic effects in cell cultures. PRV DNA was detected in 19 samples (17.3%), 18 of which exhibiting cytopathic effects, allowing for virus titer determination. Notably, in one sample, PRV DNA was detected without a cytopathic effect. These findings underscore the continued presence of PRV in Greek wild boars, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent transmission to domestic pigs and other animals.