There is an increase in cases of Aujeszky's disease among wild boars in Germany. This infectious disease is also dangerous for cats and dogs, reports the German online publication swr.de, citing a statement from the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of Germany (MLR).
According to the ministry's data, from 2020 to 2023, the dangerous infection has been repeatedly recorded in the wild boar population inhabiting the forests of the Main-Tauber district in southwestern Germany. As noted by the publication, wild boars are carriers of the virus but do not show signs of the disease themselves. At the same time, in cattle, dogs, and cats, this disease causes severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to the animal's death. Humans and horses are not susceptible to this virus, but its spread among wild boars poses the greatest danger to hunting dogs.
Experts assert that superficial contact of a dog with the carcass of an infected boar does not pose a threat, however, consumption of raw meat from a sick animal guarantees the transmission of the infection. The incubation period ranges from one to five days, after which the dog may exhibit symptoms such as shortness of breath, lethargy, excessive salivation, severe itching, and vomiting. Usually, a few days after the first signs appear, the infected animal loses consciousness and dies. Currently, no treatment for Aujeszky's disease has been developed.
Diagnosing the infection is complicated by the fact that it does not manifest external symptoms in wild boars. Infected animals appear completely healthy, and the infection can only be detected after shooting. On average, the number of registered cases ranges from 5 to 20 per year. However, according to MLR, more than 260 cases have been recorded from 2020 to 2023.
It is worth noting that in the 1980s, Aujeszky's disease caused significant damage to German pig farming enterprises. The infection was managed through vaccination. Since 2002, no cases have been reported among domestic pigs. Nevertheless, due to the increase in cases among wild animals, the country's veterinary services have urged farmers to adhere more strictly to biosecurity measures.
