PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLA SP ANTIBODIES IN FERAL SWINE IN FLORIDA

Serum samples collected from feral swine (Sus scrofa) throughout Flori da (USA) from 1974 to 1989 were tested for antibodies to Brucella sp. by the card test, the standard tube test, the rivanol test or the comp lement fixation test. Seropositive swine were detected at six of 18 si tes with a composite prevalence of 23.4% (238 of 1,015 samples; range = 5.5% to 33.3%) for sites with seropositive swine. At one site for wh ich age and sex data were available there was no significant differenc e (P = 0.50) in seroprevalence between males and females. Antibody pre valence in adult (greater-than-or-equal-to 8 mo) and juvenile swine (< 8 mo), however, was significantly different (p < 0.05). Based on these data, Brucella sp. infections are limited only to certain populations of feral swine. To avoid the spread of Brucella sp. organisms, howeve r, relocation of feral swine is not recommended.