Domestic swine have been viewed as important for the adaptation and spillover of IA from birds into human populations as they are sensitive to both avian and mammalian (including human) influenza viruses [1]. However, in much of Eurasia and North America wild swine are geographically widespread, abundant and often come in close contact with humans in rural and agricultural settings. Until recently, little attention has been paid to this as an alternate route for IA transmission to human and domestic populations and its significance is not clear.
Therefore, the monitoring of the exposure of wild mammals to IA was viewed as essential as potential vectors impacting domestic animals and public health.
Objective
A preliminary serological survey was carried out to assess the likelihood of Influenza A (IA) infection in wild boars and begin to characterize the role of wild boars in the epidemiology of the IA virus.