Seroepidemiological Survey of Aujeszky's Disease Virus in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) in Korea

Aujeszky"s disease caused by Aujeszky"s disease virus (ADV) is one of the most important diseases in the pig industry. In this study, we conducted a seroepidemiological survey of ADV in wild boars and raccoon dogs in South Korea. In total, 217 wild boar sera collected between March and August 2013, and 96 raccoon dogs between 2011 and 2012 were screened for the presence of antibodies against ADV. The sero-positive rates in wild boars and raccoon dogs tested for ADV were found to be 3.55% (8/225) and 0% (0/96), respectively. The presence of virus neutralization antibody titer against ADV means that small number of wild boars was infected with ADV and AD may be circulated continuously in Korean wild boar populations, and that wild boars may act as a potential reservoir of ADV. Therefore, to achieve the declaration of AD free, effective preventive measures to block transmission of AD should be taken to the wild boars.