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Rotaviruses (RVs) belong to the Rotavirus genus within the Sedoreoviridae family, comprising nine recognized species (A–J). These double-stranded RNA viruses possess a triple-layered capsid composed of multiple structural proteins. Their most significant species, the RVA, was first isolated from cattle in 1969 and has since been identified in several other hosts, including pigs and humans. RV infections can cause gastroenteritis in a wide range of mammalian and avian species, resulting in diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting. Severe clinical disease is most commonly observed in young animals and children under five years of age. Histopathological changes typically include shortening of the intestinal villi and morphological changes of epithelial cells in the small intestine, leading to a reduction of the absorptive capacity.

The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of the three most common RV species, RVA, RVB, and RVC, in the Hungarian pig population. We analyzed oral fluid samples collected from 18 generally healthy, large-scale pig farms. Moreover, we aimed to genotype and perform phylogenetic analysis of Hungarian virus strains based on the VP7 gene, for which fecal swab samples were also included.

In total 172 oral fluid samples were collected from pigs of 8–10 and 18–20 weeks of age, and tested for the presence of RVs using RT-qPCR. At least one RV species was detected on every farm, indicating frequent subclinical circulation of the viruses. RVC was the most prevalent species, detected on 72% of the farms, followed by RVA and RVB, which were present on approximately half of the farms. Age-specific analysis revealed higher infection rates in younger pigs for all three RV species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Hungarian RVA strains belonged to genotypes G9 and G11, the single RVB strain to genotype G12, and the RVC strains to genotypes G6 and G7, all of which are commonly found in pigs. Some sequences showed close genetic relatedness to porcine strains from Austria, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, suggesting regional epidemiological connections.

In summary, our findings confirm that RVs are widespread in Hungarian pig populations. However, further large-scale studies needed to better understand their prevalence and genetic diversity.