Feral Pig Control Programs
09 Sep 2022
North Coast Local Land Services are assisting landholders to manage the impacts of feral pigs on biodiversity and farm productivity with funding from the NSW Government’s Bushfire Recovery Stimulus Program.
Feral pigs are highly adaptive opportunistic feeders known to eat roots, edible plants, and small native species. As they forage in the soil they destroy native habitat, promote soil erosion and weed establishment and contribute to contamination of sites and fouling of water sources.
Dean Chamberlain, Invasive Species Team Leader with North Coast Local Land Services, said “Having the ability to travel up to 5 km in one-night, feral pigs can cause intense damage across a large area.
“Feral pigs can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and brucellosis, which can be spread to both livestock and humans with significant health implications. They are also susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, should it enter the country.”
Livestock producers should put measures in place, where possible, to prevent feral animals coming into contact with their stock. This could include making sure boundary fences are in good order and developing an integrated pest control program.
“Over the past two years many North Coast landholders have been involved in feral pig control using both baits and panel traps which have proven very successful.”
“Landholders can contact us for advice on specialised baiting techniques and the use of a control toxin called HOGGONE which we use specifically to target feral pigs” Dean said.
North Coast Local Land Services will provide landholders with all materials, support, and training to implement a control program. Contact your nearest Local Land Services office to speak to a Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299.
