Released May 6, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – When it comes to H1N1 influenza, feral hogs are more at risk of catching it from humans than humans from them, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert.
"With the interest in hunting and trapping feral hogs in Texas, the question has come up about the relationship between the H1NI influenza virus and feral hogs," said Billy Higginbotham, AgriLife Extension wildlife and fisheries specialist, Overton. "At this point there is absolutely no evidence that feral swine are carrying this influenza."
But there are other risks from feral hogs, particularly swine brucellosis," he said. The disease has long been eliminated from U.S. domestic swine herds, but feral hogs carry it. Hunters can contract the disease if they do not wear protective gear when field-dressing and butchering feral hogs.
"Texas Animal Health Commission testing shows that about 10 percent of the feral hog population in the state has been exposed to swine brucellosis," Higginbotham said. "As a result, we recommend that hunters and trappers that will be field-dressing feral swine wear latex or rubber gloves and eye wear, and this will prevent the incidences of feral swine brucellosis being transmitted to humans."
Feral hog meat is safe as long as it is thoroughly cooked, he said.
The human symptoms of swine brucellosis closely resemble those of common influenza, Higginbotham said. Currently there is no vaccine for swine brucellosis.
The biggest risk from feral hogs remains an economic one, he said.
Feral hogs damage and dirty ponds and streams by wallowing, root up roads and hay fields, devastate newly planted corn fields, undermine fences and steal livestock feed. Because they are aggressive and will eat some of the same foods, they will compete with white-tailed deer and other wildlife species.
Based on a 2004 statewide survey conducted by Texas A&M University, Higginbotham estimates damages caused by feral hogs is $52 million annually.
More information about feral hogs and their control in Texas can be found at http://feralhogs.tamu.edu .
--30--
http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=1176
Contact: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191, rd-burns@tamu.edu
