A serological survey of brucellosis in wild boar (Sus scrofa ) in Poland

Abstract

Brucellosis remains a significant public health concern due to its zoonotic potential and the substantial economic losses it causes in animal husbandry. While many European livestock populations are free from Brucella infections, wildlife - particularly wild boars - continues to serve as a reservoir for these pathogens. The aim of this study was to obtain up-to- date data on the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in wild boars in Poland. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 serum samples from wild boars were collected: 500 from animals hunted across Poland in 2023, and 500 from animals hunted in 2024 in six voivodeships with the highest seroprevalence recorded in the previous year. All samples were tested using an indirect enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). Results: Anti-Brucella antibodies were found in 141 (28.2 %; 95 % CI 24.3–32.1 %) serum samples collected in 2023 and in 143 (28.6 %, 95 % CI 24.6–32.6 %) samples collected in 2024. Conclusion: The wild boar population in Poland continues to act as a reservoir for Brucella spp., although the current seroprevalence does not significantly differ from that reported in a similar study conducted twelve years ago. Moreover, the seroprevalence observed in wild boars from the selected high-prevalence voivodeships does not significantly differ from that in animals hunted nationwide. Regular and more frequent serological surveys are recommended.