The Link Between Barcelona's Wild Boars and Hepatitis E

Urban areas of Barcelona are witnessing a rise in **wild boar populations**, which has significant implications for public health. These animals are known carriers of the **hepatitis E virus (HEV)**, a pathogen responsible for infecting over 20 million people globally each year. Research conducted by teams from the Faculty of Biology, the Institute for Research on Biodiversity (IRBio) at the University of Barcelona, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has uncovered a critical finding. **HEV strains found in wild boars** around Barcelona bear a molecular resemblance to those in humans residing in the same region. This discovery indicates that **wild boars could be vectors of hepatitis E**, potentially contributing to the spread of the virus among the human population in the metropolitan area. Understanding this connection is essential for managing both wildlife populations and public health risks, as controlling the wild boar population might be pivotal in reducing disease transmission.