Detection of HEV RNA Using One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR in Farrow-to-Finish Pig Farms in Bulgaria.

(1) Background: HEV is a zoonotic, foodborne pathogen. It is spread worldwide and represents a public health risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV RNA in farrow-to-finish pig farms in different regions of Bulgaria; (2) Methods: Isolation of HEV RNA from pooled samples of feces was performed using a QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit followed by HEV RNA detection using a single-step real-time RT-PCR with primers and probes targeting the ORF 3 HEV genome; (3) Results: HEV RNA was detected in 12 out of 32 tested farms in Bulgaria (37.5%). The overall percentage of HEV-positive pooled fecal samples was 10.8% (68 of 630 samples). HEV was detected mostly in pooled fecal samples from finisher pigs (66/320, 20.6%) and sporadically from dry sows (1/62, 1.6%) and gilts (1/248, 0.4%); (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm that HEV circulates in farrow-to-finish pig farms in Bulgaria. In our study, we found HEV RNA in pooled fecal samples from fattening pigs (4-6-months age), shortly before their transport to the slaughterhouse indicating a potential risk to public health. The possible circulation of HEV throughout pork production requires monitoring and containment measures.