Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus infection in the Irish pig population

BACKGROUND Hepatitis E is an acute viral disease of humans, occurring in explosive outbreaks in the developing world and as sporadic cases in returning travellers. Increasing recognition of indigenous transmission in Western countries suggests a zoonotic source of infection, most likely pigs. To determine if hepatitis E virus is present in Irish pigs, sera from 330 animals were examined for antibodies using a commercially available ELISA. FINDINGS Antibodies were detected in 89 pigs (27%) in 13 herds (81%). CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis E virus is present in most Irish pig herds and in many animals within these herds.