What are feral swine?

In Georgia, feral swine are defined as “as any hog which has lived any part of its life in a wild, free-ranging state and is currently in such state or has been taken.” Pigs were first introduced to North America by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century.  Some of those escaped and some were released intentionally.  However, some people believe that most wild free ranging pig populations originated with animals imported by early English colonists who settled Virginia in the early 17th century.  Other introductions followed additional English colonies in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.  Additionally, in the early 1900’s the Eurasian wild boar was introduced for sport hunting and interbred with free-ranging domestic pigs.  Due to farm abandonment from world wars, the depression and the Dust Bowl along with the unique features of pig biology, the feral swine population increased rapidly.  In the time since, human transport of feral swine and continued feral swine population growth resulted in the spread of the wild invasive animals throughout the southeastern United States. 

Can feral swine be eradicated in Georgia?

While eradication of feral swine in Georgia is not probable, effective control of the current population and preventing invasion of new areas are feasible and essential to preserve our cropland, timber, and natural resources.  Additionally, effective control methods are vital to lessen the economic impact for farmers and landowners.  

Are feral swine and wild pigs the same animal?  

Feral hog, wild hog, feral pig, wild boar, feral swine, razorback, and wild pig are comparable terms and refer to the same biological species – Sus scrofa. 

Why are feral swine a concern?

Feral swine pose an extensive threat to Georgia’s economic engine, agriculture, and the natural resources that are critical to a thriving ecosystem.  The wild animals damage natural environmental areas and directly compete with other wildlife for food sources and habitat. Wildlife affected by wild pigs include, but are not limited to deer, turkey, foxes, quail, raccoons, squirrels, salamanders, small mammals, and waterfowl. Additionally, feral swine damage water ways and riparian zones, contributing to erosion and decline of aquatic species habitat. Feral swine also cause damage to crops, trees, and agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation.  It is estimated that these damages total $150 million in the state each year. Feral swine biology—rapid reproduction rates, rooting behavior, wide-ranging diet, and movement in family groups—all compound this negative impact. 

What are the basic biology characteristics of feral swine?

Physically feral swine resemble the look of domestic swine and will vary in color.  Feral swine are highly mobile and nomadic.  Depending on food access, the size of feral swine can differ.  Feral swine have the highest reproductive rate of any hooved mammal of its size.  Females have a gestation period between 112 and 115 days and can typically produce two litters per year.  Litter size can fluctuate from 3 to 13 piglets but an average of 4 to 6 piglets per litter is most common.  

Do feral swine pose a threat for diseases?

Feral swine can carry or transmit up to 30 viral and bacterial diseases and host a minimum of 37 parasites that can transmit to humans, livestock, wildlife, and pets.  Additionally, disease concerns present a substantial risk to the domestic swine operations and pork industry. 

What type of diseases can be transmitted to humans?

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animal to human.  Feral swine can carry zoonotic diseases such as: brucellosis, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis, sarcoptic mange, tuberculosis, tularemia, anthrax, E. coli, and trichinosis.  

What diseases can infect wildlife, livestock, and pets?

Diseases introduced to wildlife populations and livestock by feral swine can cause a difficult situation with an extensive financial burden.  Wildlife, livestock, and pets can develop the following diseases from feral swine:  pseudorabies, bovine tuberculosis, swine brucellosis, classical swine fever, and vesicular stomatis.  

How can I control feral swine?

Feral swine are intelligent animals that can quickly learn and adapt to surrounding environments and potential threats. While there are many methods of control, including night shooting, aerial shooting, baiting and shooting, by far the most effective method of control is large corral style trapping. This removes an entire family group at once, which prevents members of the family group learning to avoid capture from observing individuals within one group that is trapped or hunted. Excluding the animals from an area using appropriate fencing is possible for livestock/domestic animal protection, high-valued crops, and small areas, but can be very costly and is not always effective.