Serological survey of Peaton virus among wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

Peaton virus (PEAV) is a type of arthropod-borne virus similar to Akabane virus (AKAV), belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus. AKAV infection is common in cattle, but previous reports have suggested that pigs may play a role in transmission cycle. In addition, antibodies against AKAV were detected in wild boars (Sus scrofa). By contrast, PEAV could infect cattle and pigs, but it remains unknown whether PEAV infects wild boars. This study aimed to reveal the possibility of PEAV infection in wild boars by conducting a serological survey. Consequently, the seropositive rate of PEAV was 26.5% in 264 free-living wild boars in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. This is the first study to report the detection of antibodies against PEAV in wild boars.