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Feral Pigs in the US

Feral Pigs can be also known as wild pigs, wild hogs, feral swine, “Swine that have lived all (wild) or any part (feral) of their lives free-roaming" (USDA- APHIS, 1998). If you have feral pig presence near your farm or property, these resources provide information regarding the possible impacts to your land and/or livestock.

General Information about Feral Pigs
Swine Diseases

Feral pigs can carry at least 30 viral and bacterial diseases and nearly 40 parasites that can be transmitted to humans, pets, domestic swine other livestock, and wildlife. Below are listed some of common swine diseases.

Pseudorabies:

Seneca Valley Virus:

PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome):

PEDV (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus):

African Swine Fever: 

African Swine Fever (ASF) has never been found in the USA but has spread further in the last few years. Previously only located in Africa, South America and parts of Europe, in 2018 China reported its first case. Since August 2018, it has spread throughout every Chinese province and to almost every Asian country, including the Phillipines and Indonesia. ASF is a virus that is highly deadly to all types of pigs including feral and domestic pigs, but does not affect humans. ASF spreads quickly and has a high mortatlity rate in pigs ranging up to 100%. The virus can be spread easily via shoes, clothing and farm equipment. As of 2019, there is no vaccine available. Learn more about ASF symptoms and precautions to prevent the spread of this disease to the US.

African Swine Fever: How to Stay One Step Ahead

EFSA’s new practical guide on African swine fever: what it is and how to protect domestic pigs from infection. From causes and symptoms to precautionary measures, a list of best practices on how to protect farm animals and wild boar populations from ASF. Video can be found here.

Other Swine Diseases:

If you did not find the disease you looking for, check these links to find information on other types of diseases seen in swine.

 

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are those that can spread from animals to humans. The most common way of transmission of the zoonotic pathogens (bacteria, virus) and parasites from feral swine to humans is through handling and butchering feral swine or eat meat that has not been cooked.  Learn more about some of the main diseases (leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, brucellosis, tularemia, thrichinellosis, swine influenza, salmonella hepatitis, and pathogenic E. coli harbored in feral pigs that can be spread humans, including farm workers and hunters.

General Disease Risks from Feral Pigs:

Brucella Suis:

Leptospirosis:

Swine Influenza:

Foodborne Pathogens

Common foodborne pathogens associated with undercooked pork products include Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and Campylobacter. Information about how to protect yourself and family from these types of pathogens. Also see our Food Safety page.