The role of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in circulation of trichinellosis, toxocarosis and ascariosis in the Slovak Republic

Abstract

Abstract Wild boars (Sus scrofa) can play a significant role in circulation and maintenance of certain parasites in the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of trichinellosis, toxocarosis and ascariosis in wild boars hunted in the Slovak Republic in 2003 and 2004. Anti-Trichinella antibodies were detected in 1.3 % out of 1035 wild boars investigated. No significant differences were observed regarding the positivity of wild boars according to age and sex in both years. The examination of 1173 wild boars for anti-Toxocara antibodies revealed 7.2 % seropositive individuals. Anti-Ascaris antibodies were detected in 6.1 % out of 411 animals examined. Both, anti-Trichinella and anti-Toxocara antibodies were determined in 0.6 % cases. Presence of anti-Trichinella and anti-Ascaris antibodies was recorded in 0.8 % animals. Concurrent infection caused with Toxocara and Ascaris was observed in 1.5 % individuals. This study concentrates on the role of wild boars in circulation and on the maintenance of trichinellosis, toxocarosis and ascariosis in the Slovak Republic.