Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that infects both humans and domestic animals. Although HEV has been detected in sheep, the risks of transmission along the food chain via the mutton industry chain remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess the occupational risk of HEV infection among sheep industry workers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among sheep workers in various settings, including smallholder farms, slaughterhouses, and retail markets. Serum samples from these workers, as well as from individuals in the general population, were collected and tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial ELISA kits. Risk factors for HEV seropositivity across different occupational environments were analyzed using logistic regression. The seropositivity rate among sheep industry workers was 53.0% (132/249), significantly higher than that in the general population (13.3%, 33/249). Multi-variable analysis revealed a markedly increased risk of HEV infection among smallholder sheep farmers (adjusted OR = 10.1, 95% CI: 6.3–16.3). In contrast, there was no significantly elevated risk among people working in retail markets or slaughterhouses. The results indicate that occupational exposure to sheep is associated with a heightened risk of HEV infection, particularly in smallholder farm settings. Strengthening HEV control measures for HEV in high-risk occupational environments is essential for long-term public health prevention and elimination efforts.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), poses a significant risk for zoonotic transmission, especially with the increasing wild boar population in China. Following the annual wildlife disease surveillance, we conducted a serosurvey to determine the prevalence of TB in wild boars. We collected 512 serum samples from 25 counties of Xinjiang, Northwest China, and used ELISA to detect antibodies against bPPD. TB seropositivity was defined as a mean sample OD450nm ≥ 2×the mean negative control OD450nm, and employed cluster analysis with purely spatial scan statistics using the Bernoulli model. Results: The seropositivity was 10.0% (51/512), with higher rates in farmed wild boars (12.0%, 47/391) than feral wild boars (3.3%, 4/121), indicating a greater risk in farmed wild boar populations. Spatial analysis revealed two clusters near the Sino-Kazakh border, underscoring the need for targeted surveillance and control measures to prevent zoonotic transmission. Conclusion: Xinjiang is a endemic area for MTBC exposure, with farmed wild boars posing higher risk. Findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance, control measures, and international collaboration to prevent zoonotic transmission.