Enzootic vesicular stomatitis New Jersey type in an insular feral swine population.

Free-ranging feral swine from Ossabaw Island, Chatham County, Georgia, were serially bled and tested for vesicular stomatitis New Jersey type serum neutralizing antibody to determine the intensity and progression of annual vesicular stomatitis activity. From November 21, 1981 to October 11, 1982, and from March 15, 1983 to October 14, 1983, 307 and 340 swine were sampled, respectively. Seroconversions were initially detected during the first week of June and continued into September in both 1982 and 1983. Serologic results indicate a seroconversion incidence during 1982 and 1983 of approximately 12% and 60%, respectively. Similar patterns in timing and affected geographic area were observed during both years, with the earliest viral activity and highest incidence restricted to the southern portion of the island. Clinical vesicular stomatitis was not seen during 1982. However, during 1983, vesicular stomatitis New Jersey type virus was isolated from vesicular lesions on two swine.