Feral pig control program still open

There are still opportunities for landholders in the east of the Murray region to trial HOGGONE® to control feral pigs. The control program will largely focus on properties in areas affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires, such as Holbrook, Wymah, and the Upper Murray region.

There are concerns about the impact of pest animals on the recovery of biodiversity and farm production following the bushfires. This is why we are urging any landholders who spot feral pig activity on their properties to report it to Local Land Services. Our Biosecurity Officers can help and will provide all the materials, support and advice landholders need to undertake a suitable control program.

Feral pigs are highly destructive and can cause significant damage to pasture, crops, and infrastructure, prey on native wildlife, damage wetlands, foul water and stress livestock. They also carry diseases that can be spread to both livestock and humans. With the ability to travel large distances, feral pigs can have a huge impact on biodiversity and farm productivity.

Working with neighbours, and incorporating other control techniques such as trapping and shooting, increases the likelihood of a successful program in your area.

What is HOGGONE®?

HOGGONE® is a fast-acting and highly toxic feral pig bait designed for the control and management of feral pigs. HOGGONE® contains sodium nitrite, a common human food preservative, which feral pigs are very susceptible to. Unlike other poisons, such as 1080, the residue of sodium nitrite in the dead pigs does not endanger domestic animals, making it safer to use in areas where landholders don’t want to use 1080 poison.

HOGGONE® must be used in specially designed bait boxes that limit access to non-target animals.

Landholders can work with Local Land Services to organise a feral pig poison program and we also have pig traps available for hire.

If feral pigs are a problem on your property contact your local Biosecurity Officer to discuss your options. Biosecurity Officer contacts: Stephen Wilson 0427 362 618, Liz O’Grady 0427 362 703 or Claire Hockley 0419 839 049.

This program has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for wildlife and their habitat.