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Table 2 Explicative variables and hypotheses

From: Risk factors for contacts between wild boar and outdoor pigs in Switzerland and investigations on potential Brucella suis spill-over

Variables

Hypotheses: situations increasing the risk of contacts between pigs and wild boars

Run-out type: concrete vs mixed vs pure pasture

Pure pasture as run-out (is less protected than concrete or mixed run-out)

Fattenig vs mixed vs breeding farm

Breeding farm (presence of several sexually mature sows attractive for boars)

Corn culture

Corn culture next to the enclosure (food source)

Grass cutlure

Grass culture next to enclosure (food source)

Distance enclosure-farm < 5 m

The larger the distance between the pig enclosure and the farm buildings, the higher the risk (lower disturbance by human presence)

Distance enclosure-farm < 50 m

Distance enclosure-farm < 100 m

Distance enclosure-farm < 500 m

Distance enclosure-houses < 5 m

The larger the distance between the pig enclosure and the houses, the higher the risk (lower disturbance by human presence)

Distance enclosure-houses < 50 m

Distance enclosure-houses < 100 m

Distance enclosure-houses < 500 m

Distance enclosure-forest < 5 m

The shorter the distance between the pig enclosure and the forest, the higher the risk (proximity to wild boar habitat)

Distance enclosure-forest < 50 m

Distance enclosure-forest < 100 m

Distance enclosure-forest < 500 m

Herd size: < 50 pigs vs > 50 pigs

Small herd size (less intimidating and thus more attracting to wild boar).

Breeding sow: absence vs presence

Presence of breeding sow in the enclosure (attractive to wild boar males)

Breeding hog: absence vs presence

Absence of breeding hog in the enclosure (presence is considered a protective factor)

Landrace/Large White vs other breeds vs Mangalitza

A specific pig breed may be more attractive to wild boars

Other animal species near the enclosure: absence vs presence

Absence of other animals near the enclosure (less disturbance)

Access to run-out whole year vs part year

Access of domestic pigs to run-out the whole year (higher exposure, in particular potential higher contact risk for sows during the wild boar rut)

Presence of farmer around the farm

Absence of farmer near the enclosure (lower disturbance by human presence)

Presence of walkers around the farm

Absence of walkers near the enclosure (lower disturbance by human presence)

Fence type: solid vs flexible

Flexible fence (solid walls provide better protection against wild boar intrusions)

Fence height: < 60 cm vs > 60 cm

Low fences (<60 cm; easily passed by wild boars)

  1. Single variables and hypotheses regarding their influence on the occurrence of contacts between outdoor pigs and wild boar.