Wild boars in Argentina and Spain flagged as carriers of zoonotic parasites and bacteria

In La Pampa province, Argentina, a wild boar captured during a hunting event was found to be infected with Trichinella sp., the parasite that causes trichinosis. The infection was confirmed using artificial digestion at a mobile laboratory of the National University of La Pampa, highlighting that the parasite continues to circulate in regional wildlife and emphasizing the need for meat testing before consumption.

A separate epidemiological study in the province of Málaga, Spain, examined 80 urban wild boars and discovered that more than 90% carried infectious pathogens. About 86% tested positive for at least one zoonotic agent, with frequent detections of hepatitis E, Blastocystis spp., Ascaris suum, Brucella spp., Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157. Researchers warned of a public‑health risk and called for permanent One Health surveillance, stricter urban biosecurity, and public awareness campaigns.