First Record of Pseudorabies in Feral Swine in Nebraska

Authors

Sam Wilson, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Alan R. Doster, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Justin D. Hoffman, McNeese State UniversityFollow
Scott E. Hygnstrom, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2009

Citation

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 45(3), 2009, pp. 874–876

Comments

Copyright Wildlife Disease Association 2009

Abstract

In 2007, two new populations of feral swine were discovered in Nance and Valley counties, Nebraska, USA. Necropsies and serologic testing was done on two individuals from the Nance County herd. Results indicated that a lactating sow had positive antibodies for pseudorabies virus (PRV). Investigations conducted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Law Enforcement division confirmed that the infected individual was transported illegally to Nebraska, USA, from Texas, USA. All domestic swine herds located within an 8 km radius of the infected individual tested negative for antibodies to PRV. Our results provide a clear example of how diseases can spread because of anthropogenic activities and highlight the need for disease surveillance and monitoring in the import of invasive species.