In the context of swine diseases, what poses a risk to domestic swine from feral swine?

The risk to domestic swine from feral swine is significantly tied to the infection rates of diseases like Brucellosis and Pseudorabies. Feral swine can carry these pathogens without showing obvious symptoms of illness, which allows them to act as reservoirs for the diseases. When feral swine come into contact with domestic livestock, they can transmit these infections, leading to outbreaks that can reduce productivity, increase mortality, and ultimately affect the economic viability of domestic swine operations.

Brucellosis, caused by the Brucella bacteria, can lead to reproductive issues and decreased fertility in infected swine, while Pseudorabies, caused by the Suid herpesvirus 1, results in neurological symptoms and significant mortality rates in piglets. The presence of these diseases in feral swine populations highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling feral populations to protect domestic swine health.

Furthermore, while factors such as high feral swine populations, poor health management practices, and vaccine resistances can contribute to the overall risk environment, it is the specific high infection rates associated with diseases like Brucellosis and Pseudorabies that pose an immediate and direct threat to the health of domestic swine.