The detection of hepatitis E virus in feces samples of dead pigs in the period from 2011 to 2015 in Slovenia

Between years 2011 and 2015 a total 566 individual feces samples of dead pigs were examined for the detection of nucleic acid of hepatitis E virus (HEV) by real time RTPCR method. In the five-year follow-up period the presence of HEV was demonstrated in an average of 8,83% of feces samples. The lowest percentage of HEV positive samples was detected in year 2013 (4,21%) and the highest in 2014 (12,50%). The cycle threshold values obtained by real time RT-PCR method for positive samples varied from 23 up to 40, reflecting the presence from high to low quantities of HEV in feces. Although HEV does not cause clinical picture of the disease in pigs, the presence of the virus in the feces of dead pigs confirmed that HEV is circulating in Slovenian pig farms. These infections can not be underestimated because of the potential transmission of HEV from pigs to humans.