Elevated Exposure to Influenza a Viruses in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa), Texas, USA

Journal of Wildlife Diseases 2026

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Authors: Kayleigh Chalkowski, Ryan S. Miller, Jeffrey C. Chandler, Alessandra Campos, Bailey L. Arruda, Amy L. Vincent Baker, Tavis K. Anderson, Jason M. Klemm, Vienna R. Brown, Kurt C Verauteren, Nathan P. Snow, Kim M. Pepin
DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-25-00031
Cited by: 0
References: 23

Abstract

Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in mammals have increased globally, underscoring the need to assess influenza A virus (IAV) exposure in species that bridge wildlife, livestock, and human interfaces. We collected serum from 396 wild pigs (Sus scrofa, hybrids of wild boar and domestic swine) between October 2022 and May 2023 on a cattle ranch in north central Texas, USA, to estimate IAV seroprevalence and identify ecologic correlates of exposure. Using commercial blocking ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition assays, we report high recent exposure of wild pigs to IAVs (seroprevalence 40%, n=396). Seropositivity was highest in individuals that were female, >2 yr old, sampled during spring (compared with fall or winter), and/or sampled

Fields of Study & Subjects

Influenza Virus Research Studies Respiratory viral infections research Infectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Publisher
Wildlife Disease Association
Volume
62
Issue
1
Pages
185–191
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN