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.