BRUCELLA-SUIS BIOTYPE 2 INFECTION OF WILD BOARS (SUS-SCROFA) IN BELGIUM

We describe the first case of enzootic Brucella suis biotype 2 brucell osis in wild swine (sus scrofa) in Europe where the disease seems to b e enzootic in hares (lepus capensis). 13 Brucella suis biotype 2 strai ns were isolated from 141 samples (9,2 %). The serological diagnosis o f brucellosis is still problematic in swine. In our study the slow agg lutination test was found unsatisfactory. The plate agglutination test and the complement fixation test are found satisfactory, at the popul ation level, if used in parallel and if the sample size is sufficient. We propose the use of an ELISA detecting all bacteriological positive animals. This test can be used on poor quality serum that can not be screened with classical tests. 39 % of the sera are classified positiv e with the ELISA. According to the biology of the Brucella suis biotyp e 2 infection in swine (self-limiting disease) and to the excellent sp ecificity of this test in domestic pigs, our results suggest that ther e is a heavy circulation of this bacteria. The contamination of cattle by direct or indirect contact with infected wild swine or hares might be possible. Therefore, the implication of Brucella suis biotype 2 be side Yersinia enterocolitica 0:9 in the occurence of positive serology in brucellosis screening tests in cattle is discussed.