From Wildlife to Fork: Hepatitis E and Tuberculosis in Wild Boars and the Role of Traceability in Consumer Safety

The present study aimed to monitor the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in wild boars (Sus scrofa) captured within the Ripa Bianca Nature Reserve (Jesi, Marche region, Italy). Between November 2024 and July 2025 (monitoring ongoing), a total of 34 wild boars were culled as part of a broader surveillance plan also targeting Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp., foodborne pathogens of recognized relevance (project code: D43C24002320002). Following culling, carcasses were subjected to on-site post-mortem inspection by the Competent Authority and subsequently transported to the Official Laboratory for sampling. From each animal, a liver sample was collected for the detection of HEV using Real-Time PCR. Simultaneously, the lungs, liver, and retropharyngeal, submandibular, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes were inspected macroscopically; any suspicious lesions were further analyzed via Real-Time PCR for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of HEV in 50% of the liver samples tested (95% CI: 34.07–65.93). Regarding tuberculosis surveillance, 5 out of 34 animals (14.71%; 95% CI: 6.45–30.13) presented macroscopically suspicious lesions in the head lymph nodes. However, all molecular analyses on these samples were negative for MTBC. In one case, Mycobacterium avium was identified. The findings related to HEV infection confirm a potential risk to consumers, especially in cases where traditional processing and consumption practices do not include sufficient thermal inactivation. The preliminary data on MTBC surveillance underscore the importance of post-mortem inspection during slaughter but also highlight the crucial role of laboratory diagnostics in identifying pathogenic microorganisms responsible for foodborne diseases, thereby supporting a more accurate and effective risk assessment process. Evidence underscores the potential for food-borne transmission of HEV and MTBC. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the main risks associated with the consumption of undercooked or raw meat or meat products is crucial. For these reasons, the implementation of established safety standards in the production and distribution of game meat must be ensured to safeguard public health.