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Short Communications

First TBEV serological screening in Flemish wild boar

, DVM, MSc, , Dr., , Professor, Dr., , , Dr., , Dr., , Dr., , Dr., , Dr., , Dr., , Professor, Dr., , Dr. & , Dr. show all
Article: 31099 | Received 25 Jan 2016, Accepted 14 Mar 2016, Published online: 15 Apr 2016
 

Abstract

In the frame of a Flemish wildlife surveillance in 2013, a serological screening was performed on sera from wild boar (Sus scrofa; n=238) in order to detect tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)-specific antibodies. Neutralising antibodies were titrated with a seroneutralisation test (SNT), using two cut-off titres (1/10–1/15). Seven wild boars were found TBEV-seropositive and showed moderate (>1/15) to high (>1/125) SNT-titres; three individuals had borderline results (1/10–1/15). This study demonstrated the presence of TBEV-specific antibodies in wild boar and highlighted potential TBEV-foci in Flanders. Additional surveillance including direct virus testing is now recommended.