Investigation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in some territories of Russia

Samples of blood sera and internal organs were collected from 90 shot wild boars (Sus scrofa) in five regions of Russian Federation. Blood sera were tested for antibodies against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, samples of internal organs (lungs, lymph nodes, spleen) were tested by polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) for PRRSV antigen. The result of our investigation showed that all samples were negative. However, PRRSV is widespread in domestic swine throughout Russia including the examined regions. Since the results show the absence of PRRSV infection in wild boars in the five examined regions of Russia, wild boars seem not to play any role in the epidemiology of PRRSV in Russia.     

Relaxin,a male hormone?

Summary Convincingly demonstrated by immunocytological methods in females of several mammalian species, relaxin has not yet been localized in the male. Immunocytologically, a related antigen was identified in adult normal boar testes using an anti- [NIH P-relaxin/HSA] antiserum free of anti HSA Abs. A strong reaction was observed in interstitial cells, a weaker but very clear one in Sertoli cells. NIH P-relaxin and HCl-acetone extracts of either corpora lutea from pregnant sows or boar testes inhibited the immunofluorescence of the reactive structures in the boar testes as well as in ovaries of pregnant sows. Ethanol-acetone precipitates from boar rete testis or caudal epididymal fluids inhibited the reaction of interstitial and Sertoli cells, but this inhibition in the sow was limited only to degenerative ovarian structures, probably due to an insufficient level of inhibiting antigen in these two seminal fluids, in contrast with the very high concentration of relaxin in luteal cells of pregnant sows. Specific immunofluorescence was observed neither in ectopic testes of adult monocryptorchid boars (contrary to scrotal testes in these same animals) nor in testes of prepuberal pigs. The specificity and meaning of these results are discussed.     

Relationship between carcass weight, adipose tissue androstenone level and expression of the hepatic 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in entire commercial pigs

Boar taint is a major meat-quality defect in pigs and is due to excessive accumulation of skatole and androstenone in adipose tissue. The present work investigated the relationship between carcass weight, levels of skatole and androstenone in adipose tissue, and expression of the hepatic androstenone-metabolising enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), in 22 entire male and 22 entire female crossbred pigs (Large White (40%) × Landrace (40%) × Duroc (20%)). Animals of each gender were divided into two subgroups (11 pigs in each subgroup): (i) conventional weight (carcass weight 59 to 77 kg) and (ii) heavy weight (carcass weight 84 to 95 kg). No relationship between carcass weight and adipose tissue skatole level was found for entire male pigs (r2 = 0.013, P > 0.05). There was a significant negative relationship between carcass weight and expression of the hepatic 3β-HSD protein (r2 = 0.502, P < 0.001) and a significant negative relationship between 3β-HSD protein expression and androstenone level in adipose tissue (r2 = 0.24, P < 0.05) in entire males. No relationship was found between carcass weight and 3β-HSD protein expression in female pigs (r2 = 0.001, P > 0.05). 3β-HSD expression was 59% higher in conventional-weight male pigs when compared with heavy-weight animals (P < 0.05) and 36% higher in heavy-weight females when compared with heavy-weight males (P < 0.05). It is concluded that an increase in slaughter weight of entire commercial crossbred Large White pigs is accompanied by inhibition of expression of the hepatic 3β-HSD protein, which might result in a reduced rate of hepatic androstenone clearance with its subsequent accumulation in adipose tissue. It is suggested that regulation of pig hepatic 3β-HSD expression is under the control of sex hormones.     

Identification and Prevalence of Globocephalus samoensis (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) among Wild Boars (Sus scrofa coreanus) from Southwestern Regions of Korea

This study describes the first record of Globocephalus samoensis (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) recovered in wild boars from southwestern regions of Korea. Gastrointestinal tracts of 111 Korean wild boars (Sus scrofa coreanus) hunted from mountains in Suncheon-si, Gwangyang-si, and Boseong-gun between 2009 and 2012 were examined for their visceral helminths. G. samoensis, as identified by morphological characteristics of the head and tail, were recovered from the small intestine of 51 (45.9%) wild boars. Worms were found from 7 of 28 wild boars (25.0%) from Suncheon-si, 40 of 79 (50.6%) from Gwangyang-si, and all 4 (100%) from Boseong-gun. The length of adult females was 7.2±0.5 mm, and the thickest part of the body measured the average 0.47±0.03 mm, while those of males were 6.52±0.19 and 0.37±0.02 mm, respectively. The buccal cavity was equipped with a pair of large and bicuspid subventral lancets near the base of the capsule. The average length of spicules of males was 0.45±0.02 mm. By the present study, G. samoensis is recorded for the first time in southwestern regions of Korea. Additionally, morphological characteristics and identification keys provided in the present study will be helpful in the faunistic and taxonomic studies for strongylid nematodes in both domestic and wild pigs. The infection of G. samoensis apparently did not elicit pathologic lesions, as revealed by macroscopic observation during the autopsy of all wild boars in this study.     

Invaders Without Frontiers: Cross-border Invasions of Exotic Mammals

We address cross-border mammal invasions between Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, providing a detailed history of the introductions, subsequent spread (and spread rate when documented), and current limits of mammal invasions. The eight species involved are the following: European hare (Lepus europaeus), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and red deer (Cervus elaphus) were all introduced from Europe (Austria, France, Germany, and Spain) to either or both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. American beaver (Castor canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) were introduced from Canada to Argentine Tierra del Fuego Island (shared with Chile). The American mink (Mustela vison) apparently was brought from the United States of America to both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, independently. The native grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus) was introduced from Chilean to Argentine Tierra del Fuego. Few spread rates are available: the lowest are 10 km/yr and correspond to American beaver and American mink; intermediate rates are observed in muskrat and rather questionably, in grey fox; the highest rates (10–20 km/yr) are found among European hare and European rabbit. Because of their frequent migration, it is difficult to estimate the natural spread rate for wild boar and red deer. Not all mammal invasions in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia have been methodical advances of species; some involve an overlap of invasion fronts, with advances and retreats, and perhaps with re-invasions to different areas of either country. Because national policies with regard to introduced species may differ between countries sharing porous borders, it seems advisable to coordinate such policies in order to prevent the entry of unwelcome invaders.     

An evaluation of RAPD fragment reproducibility and nature

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment reproducibility was assayed in three animal species: red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) and fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ). Ten 10-mer primers (Operon) were tested in two replicate reactions per individual under different stringency conditions (annealing temperatures of 35 °C or 45 °C). Two estimates were generated from the data: autosimilarity, which tests the reproducibility of overall banding patterns, and band repeatability, which tests the reproducibility of specific bands. Autosimilarity (the similarity of individuals with themselves) was lower than 1 for all three species ranging between values of 0.66 for Drosophila at 45 °C and 0.88 for wild boar at 35 °C. Band repeatability was estimated as the proportion of individuals showing homologous bands in both replicates. The fraction of repeatable bands was 23% for deer, 36% for boar and 26% for fruit fly, all at an annealing temperature of 35 °C. Raising the annealing temperature did not improve repeatability. Phage lambda DNA was subjected to amplification and the pattern of bands compared with theoretical expectations based on nucleotide sequence. Observed fragments could not be related to expected ones, even if a 2bp mismatch is allowed. Therefore, the nature of genetic variation uncovered by the RAPD method is unclear. These data demonstrate that prudence should guide inferences about population structure and nucleotide divergence based on RAPD markers.     

Circular DNA in human and boar spermatozoa

Circular DNA molecules were isolated from human and boar whole spermatozoa or spermatozoal nuclei and measured for size by electron microscopy. The DNA molecules derived from both mammals were heterogeneous in size ranging from 0.07 to 17 μm; nearly 75% of the molecules were ?0.5 μm in length. The mean lengths were 1.0 μm and 1.5 μm for circular DNAs isolated from human and boar spermatozoa, respectively. The origin and function of these molecules remains unknown.     

New data in France on the trematode Alaria alata (Goeze, 1792) obtained during Trichinella inspections

The trematode Alaria alata is a cosmopolite parasite found in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), the main definitive host in Europe. In contrast only few data are reported in wild boars (Sus scrofa), a paratenic host. The aim of this paper is to describe the importance and distribution of Alaria alata mesocercariae in wild boars, information is given by findings of these larvae during Trichinella mandatory meat inspection on wild boars' carcasses aimed for human consumption. More than a hundred cases of mesocercariae positive animals are found every year in the East of France. First investigations on the parasite's resistance to deep-freezing in meat are presented in this work.     

Malposition and loss of the left mandibular permanent canine in a male wild boar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sus scrofa</Emphasis> L.)

Few cases of pathological alterations of the continuously growing, rootless permanent canines (tusks) of male wild boars have been described in the scientific literature. In this paper we present a case of loss of the left mandibular permanent canine in a male wild boar from the Slovak Republic. The opening of the canines alveolus was misplaced posteriorly, which was evidence of a malposition of the tooth. The boars left maxillary tusk showed overgrowth and lacked a distinct wear surface, indicating that it had not been in contact with the left mandibular tusk due to the latters malposition. Our findings suggest that the left mandibular tusk had also shown overgrowth. It is supposed that malposition and overgrowth increased the tusks risk of being damaged, and that a strong mechanical impact caused a complete or incomplete fracture of the tooth. It is further supposed that infection and inflammation of the tusks pulp occurred as sequelae of the fracture. The spread of the infection and inflammation through the large opening at the tusks growing end then led to chronic osteomyelitis of the surrounding mandibular bone. In the course of the disease process, the tusk or its remnant was shed from the mandible.