Pathological and serological findings in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park (Central Italy)

The Italian Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park represents one of the largest protected areas in Europe, and it is particularly suitable for the preservation of the wild fauna including some endangered species, such as Abruzzi chamois, Apennine wolf and Marsicano brown bear. Wild boar population residing within the National Park Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga has been sharply increasing and negatively impacts on sensitive ecosystems and human activities. Thus, a management plan, based on wild boar capture by means of catch fences and slaughter, has been implemented. About the 77% of wild boars under study were "young adult" (aged 4-12 months, body weight = 20-60 kg), and the remaining 23% were adult (aged > 12 months). At slaughterhouse, pathological findings have been recorded from 101 wild boars. Microscopic investigations have been carried out on diseased, as well as on apparently healthy tissues. Blood samples collected from 126 wild boars were tested for Aujeszky's disease virus, Brucella suis and Leptospira interrogans. Lesions were mainly caused by parasites, and parasitic bronchopneumonia by Metastrongylus spp. was most frequently observed (92%). Hepatic white spots (28%), lymphoproliferative nodules, hepatic distomatosis (3%), Cysticercus tenuicollis (15%) and hydatid cysts (6%) were also commonly detected. Serology demonstrated a high prevalence of Aujeszky's disease (35%) and Brucella suis (15%) antibodies in the population under study. Zoonoses represent about the 60% of emerging public health concerns, and the majority of emerging infectious diseases arise from wild animals. In that context, wild boar is of particular relevance because of its extreme adaptability in different habitats, its wide geographical distribution and its high reproductive rates. The implementation of this management plan represented a good chance to face the wild fauna living within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. Pathological findings herein described, along with concurrent microbiological, serological and parasitological investigations, contribute to evaluate the health status of wild boar population residing in such a relevant protected area.