Preliminary research on the distribution and numbers of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in the context of the African Swine Fever epizootic from 2018-2019

Abstract

African Swine Fever is an infectious, viral, highly contagious disease that affected the population of Wild Boars in Danube Delta in 2018. Prior to this zoonotic outbreak, the population of Wild Boar in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve was estimated to over 1,000 individuals. After the outbreak, in January and February 2019 we estimated a population of 60 - 300 individuals. The Wild Boar population in DDBR decreased by 75 – 95 %. In some areas the entire populations were depleted. Most affected areas were large stretches of reed bed and the coastal areas.

Keywords

• wild boar
• sus scrofa
• danube delta