First evidence of hepatitis E virus in domestic pigs: a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study in the Bosnia and Herzegovina

Findings indicate widespread HEV in FB&H swine with environmental, food-safety, and occupational implications. Older-animal pattern reflects cumulative exposure; small-farm context and wildlife interface likely sustain transmission, whereas frequent cleaning reduces risk. Strengthened biosecurity, wildlife exclusion, feed oversight (including prohibition/monitoring of swill feeding), and improved hygiene, should form basis of One Health interventions to mitigate potential zoonotic transmission via the pork production chain.