Prevalence of infection and genetic diversity of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Poland

Abstract

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a widespread, important pathogen of domestic swine and the causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome and other diseases and conditions referred to as "porcine circovirus diseases." Specific antibodies and DNA to PCV2 have also been detected in European wild boars and North American feral pigs. We collected 312 tonsil samples from wild boars shot in 13 of 16 districts of Poland, and tested them for PCV2 DNA using a real-time PCR. We detected PCV2 DNA in 75.6% of tested tonsils, and in particular, in 60% of samples from the 2006-07 season, and 91% from 2007-08. The phylogenetic analysis that included 12 PCV2 sequences from wild boars revealed that they belonged to two genetic clusters, PCV2b and PCV2a. We present data on prevalence of PCV2 in Polish wild boars and for the first time report the PCV2a genotype in Poland.