Controlling Feral Pig on the North Coast
FERAL PIGS
A pig can be identified as being feral if it:
- was born or has lived in the wild
- demonstrates wild and erratic behaviour
- is not domesticated
- has long coarse hair, an elongated snout, or sloping hindquarters.
IMPACT OF FERAL PIGS
Feral pigs cause damage to crops, pastures, water holes, fencing and can cause significant economic losses to agricultural production through predation of livestock, disease introduction and environmental damage.
Feral pigs create significant soil disturbance, altering drainage, increasing turbidity and sedimentation and greatly assisting the spread of weeds.
Feral pigs can also carry disease and parasites that affect stock and pose a disease risk to humans (eg brucellosis). They are a major potential host of a number of exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.
CONTROL OF FERAL PIG ON THE NORTH COAST
Feral pigs are increasing in parts of the north coast. The environmental damage and disease risks feral pigs pose reinforces the importance of controlling this pest.
As with any pest control program, a single method of control used in isolation may only provide limited control of pig populations. However, a coordinated program involving neighbours and multiple control methods will prove more successful.
A product having some success is HOGGONE® Sodium Nitrite Feral Pig Bait. It’s available through Local Land Services or your local produce store. Detailed information about the product can be found here.
For more information on pest species and biosecurity, visit Pestsmart and the Department of Primary Industries.
If you’re interested in this control method and would like assistance, contact your local North Coast Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299.
