A growing wild pig population sparks fear as threats of African swine fever (ASF) hitting U.S. soil are publicized. In Texas, the number of wild pigs could soon be nearly as large as the U.S. sow population of six million sows.
Wild pigs can vector 21 some odd diseases we are aware of – communicable to all livestock animals
Source: PORK, December 14, 108. Link.
When it comes to the environment, wild pigs take a toll on wildlife, soil, water and plants. . . Wild pigs harbor E. coli and can infect watersheds.
Also see: ASF nears; France to cull all wild boars at Belgium border, PORK, January 14, 2018. Link.
Also see: Search Results for: wild pigs, Animal Health Digest. Link.
INSIGHTS: The wild pig population has expanded from 19 states in 1985 to 39 states in 2016. Animal health pros represent one of the best educational resources to help explain the wild pig problem to the public. In this age of anthropomorphistic characterization, we must be a voice of reason.