Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmission via zoonosis has been implicated in sporadic cases of hepatitis E in Japan. We undertook a preliminary survey to see if wild hoar might be an HEV reservoir. Of 7 boars hunted at Taka-gun and Nishiwaki-city, Hyogo, Japan, from late March to early April 2004. 4(57%) were positive for IgG class anti-HEV, among which 3(43%) were positive for HEV RNA as well. These RNA-positive 3 boars were younger than the other 4 RNA-negative ones, based on the body weight at capture. These results stuggest that HEV is endemic in wild boars in this region, and may serve as an infection source for human beings and other animals.
