Investigation of PRRS Virus Infection in Hungarian Wild Boar Populations during Its Eradication from Domestic Pig Herds.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) significantly impacts the pig farming industry globally, leading to economic losses due to reduced productivity. This study focuses on assessing the presence and impact of PRRS within Hungarian wild boar populations amidst efforts to eradicate the virus from domestic pig herds. We used a combination of serological and virological tests on samples collected from wild boars across Hungary to evaluate the prevalence of PRRS virus and its potential transmission risks to domestic pigs. Our findings reveal a low seropositivity rate in wild boars, suggesting a minimal role of wild boars in the transmission of PRRS to domestic pig populations. Moreover, no relationship was found between domestic pig and wild boar densities, emphasizing the limited interaction and consequent risk of disease spread between these populations. We confirm the effectiveness of Hungary's PRRS eradication measures among domestic herds and highlight the negligible risk posed by wild boars in re-introducing the PRRS virus.

Constructing STR multiplexes for individual identification of Hungarian red deer.

Red deer is the most valuable game of the fauna in Hungary, and there is a strong need for genetic identification of individuals. For this purpose, 10 tetranucleotide STR markers were developed and amplified in two 5-plex systems. The study presented here includes the flanking region sequence analysis and the allele nomenclature of the 10 loci as well as the PCR optimization of the DeerPlex I and II. LD pairwise tests and cross-species similarity analyses showed the 10 loci to be independently inherited. Considerable levels of genetic differences between two subpopulations were recorded, and F(ST) was 0.034 using AMOVA. The average probability of identity (PI(ave)) was at the value of 2.6736 × 10(-15). This low value for PI(ave) nearly eliminates false identification. An illegal hunting case solved by DeerPlex is described herein. The calculated likelihood ratio (LR) illustrates the potential of the 10 red deer microsatellite markers for forensic investigations.

First description of hypospadias and inguinal bilateral cryptorchidism in mouflon (Ovis Gmelini Musimon) - short communication.

A mouflon showing severe weight loss and cachexia was examined. The animal had horns and a male-like body frame but the preputial fur was missing. The scrotum was completely absent. Both testicles were located next to the inguinal canal under the skin, and appeared only slightly smaller than normal. The prepuce was located in a perianal position under the anus and it resembled a vulva. The penis was underdeveloped and curled up inside the prepuce like an enlarged clitoris. The bulbourethral region and the urinary bladder looked normal. The orifice of the urethra was located in its normal position, but the glans penis appeared deformed. Microscopic examination of the testicles revealed mild degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and a marked proliferation of the interstitial connective tissue with Leydig cells still present. There were no marked changes in the bulbar part of the penis but the apical part exhibited marked interstitial fibrosis. This is the first description of hypospadias and cryptorchidism in mouflon.

Iodine distribution in the environment as a limiting factor for roe deer antler development.

The iodine-containing hormones produced by the thyroid gland play a role in the complex neuro-hormonal regulation of antler development. The proper function of the thyroid depends on the adequate iodine supply of the organism, which is directly related to the iodine content of food and drinking water. The purpose of this study was to explore the connection between the iodine content of the water base, which has a strong correlation with the iodine concentration of environmental components available to animals, and the antler weight of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) shot in Hungarian hunting areas. Using a general linear model, controlling for the collective effects of other environmental factors (deer population density, harvest rate, land use, and soil fertility information), the iodine content of the water base explained 51.4% of the total variance of antler weights. The results suggest that antler weights increase with increasing iodine concentration regardless of other factors; thus, the environmental iodine distribution can be a limiting factor suppressing roe deer performance assessed here as antler weight. Further experimental studies of controlled iodine uptake are needed to define the exact physiological iodine requirements of roe deer bucks.

Endemic papillomavirus infection of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

Roe deer papillomavirus (CcPV1) infection has been identified as an endemic disease in roe deer populations of the Carpathian basin in Central Europe (Hungary, Austria and Croatia). The disease is characterised by easily recognizable skin tumours similar to deer papillomavirus infection of North American deer species. In 2006, a questionnaire study was conducted among all Hungarian game management units (GMUs) in order to assess the distribution of the disease and its major epidemiological features. Categorical information was collected about disease occurrence, trend and frequency of detection, on primarily affected age classes in both sexes, and association of lesions with mortality. Replies were received from 539 GMUs representing 50.9% of total GMU territory and disease presence was reported by 295 (54.7%) GMUs. Older age classes of both sexes were found to be more affected. Association of various environmental factors with disease occurrence was evaluated and data were collected on the occurrence of similar skin lesions in other European countries. Pathological features of CcPV1 infection were described and the localisation of both CcPV1 antigen and DNA was characterised by immunohistochemistry and in situ DNA hybridisation in skin lesions. Virus presence was also demonstrated by PCR and PCR product sequencing.