The emergence and spread of swine coronaviruses represent a growing challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health. These viruses exhibit high mutation rates, recombination potential, and the capacity for cross-species transmission. Among the most relevant pathogens are PEDV, TGEV, PRCV, PHEV, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV, which have caused significant outbreaks in swine production systems worldwide, with severe economic consequences. Recent evidence demonstrates coronavirus circulation in wild boar populations across Europe, including Italy, Spain, and Germany. Although wild boars are not confirmed as primary reservoirs, their ecological behavior and increasing overlap with domestic pigs raise concern over their potential role in maintaining viral circulation. Future research priorities should focus on developing a more integrated and coordinated system for the control of swine coronaviruses, including strengthened surveillance in both domestic pigs and wild boar populations, the use of molecular epidemiology techniques to identify emerging variants, and structured collaboration among veterinary, ecological, health, and regulatory sectors. Finally, investment is needed in the development of next-generation vaccines and diagnostic tools to address the considerable genetic variability of swine coronaviruses and to improve the prevention and early detection of and response to future epidemic threats.

The Bacillus cereus group (B. cereus group) comprises several closely related species that share high genetic similarity but display markedly different phenotypic traits and pathogenic potential. Reliable and rapid discrimination at the species level remains challenging using conventional microbiological and molecular methods. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was evaluated as a rapid phenotypic approach to differentiate seven members of the Bacillus cereus sensu stricto (B. cereus s.s.), Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis), Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringensis), Bacillus mycoides (B. mycoides), Bacillus toyonensis (B. toyonensis), Bacillus wiedmannii (B. wiedmannii) and Bacillus weihenstephanensis (B. weihenstephanensis). A collection of 190 isolates previously characterized by whole genome sequencing was analyzed using the IR Biotyper system. Spectral data were processed through multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis, following a hierarchical classification strategy. FTIR spectroscopy enabled clear discrimination of B. anthracis from other members of the B. cereus group and allowed the separation of several additional species based on distinct spectral signatures. A further discrimination step permitted differentiation between B. cereus sensu stricto and B. thuringiensis, with minimal overlap. These findings demonstrate that FTIR spectroscopy represents a promising and rapid tool for species-level discrimination within the B. cereus group. While the results should be considered preliminary for species represented by a limited number of isolates, this approach shows strong potential as a complementary method to molecular techniques in routine diagnostics in food safety and veterinary microbiology.

In recent years, the wild boar population has increased in Italy. Wild boar is one of the most problematic species from a sanitary point of view because it represents a dangerous reservoir of pathogens and viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the circulation of coronaviruses in wild boars, a group of viruses known for their ability to spill over between species. As part of the wild boar population control plan established by the Basilicata region relating to this species, 625 animals were analyzed from May 2024 to January 2026. Nasal swabs were collected at the slaughterhouse in the province of Potenza. Screening was conducted using pan-coronavirus PCR through a nested PCR assay targeting the conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region. Out of all samples analyzed, 1.9% were positive for Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus (PHEV), marking the first identification of this neurotropic coronavirus in wild boars in Italy. The detection of PHEV in free-ranging populations highlights the potential for viral circulation at the wildlife–livestock interface and underlines the importance of integrated surveillance systems to prevent possible interspecies transmission and minimize the risk of spillover to domestic pig herds.