Abstract
European wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an introduced invasive species that now constitute a major threat to agriculture and the natural ecology of the environments they now inhabit. Wild pigs also carry many diseases known to infect wildlife, humans, and livestock. Two of these diseases, pseudorabies (PRV) and brucellosis, constitute major diseases in the United States. Better data are needed regarding the prevalence of these diseases in wild pigs to understand and manage the potential risks to wildlife, humans, and livestock. From July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2017, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency personnel trapped and euthanized 4,727 wild pigs, of which 2,991 were tested for PRV and brucellosis. Of the wild pigs successfully tested and county recorded, 2.52% (73/[2,829+73]) were positive for PRV antibodies and 2.09% (59/[2,768+59]) were positive for brucellosis antibodies. Although the overall incidence of PRV and brucellosis seropositive wild pigs was low across the state, there were counties with high prevalence of past exposure. Disease issues will likely increase as wild pig populations expand across Tennessee. Efforts to educate the public regarding the disease potential of wild pigs should be increased and options made available for control.
Recommended Citation
Muller, Lisa I.; Poudyal, Neelam C.; Applegate, Roger; and Yoest, Chuck
(2019)
"Control Efforts and Serologic Survey of Pseudorabies and Brucellosis in Wild Pigs of Tennessee,"
Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 13:
Iss.
1, Article 20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26076/d4y3-hs16
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol13/iss1/20
Included in
Animal Diseases Commons, Biosecurity Commons, Other Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons
