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Emerging Issue | Feral Hogs: Damage, Disease and Disposal

As the winter months approach, feral hog season begins to ramp up. If you talk to any farmer or rancher in the Southwest, chances are they have dealt with feral hogs at some point. In 2023, Texas had the highest number of feral hog reports. They continue to be a common nuisance among property owners, not just because of the damage they inflict but the disease they can spread affecting livestock and humans.

Damage

The population and range of feral hogs across Texas have expanded dramatically since they are extremely adaptable animals with a high reproductive rate. They can cause various kinds of agricultural and environmental damage, mostly by rooting, wallowing and depredation. 

While property damage can be costly and extremely frustrating, producers and workers should also be aware of the diseases that can be spread to humans and livestock since feral hogs are susceptible to a variety of infectious and parasitic diseases.

Disease

Most notable among these diseases is Swine Brucellosis, a bacterial disease of animals and humans. It is transmitted through reproductive discharges (semen and afterbirth) and, once infected, a hog is a carrier for life. Brucellosis is contagious to humans; chronic symptoms range from severe flu to arthritis and meningitis. Humans can be treated with antibiotics, but there is no cure for livestock.

Control Methods

Hogs can be controlled with exclusion, snares, live traps, shooting and aerial hunting. In Texas, feral hogs are considered free-ranging exotic animals and may be taken at any time of the year by any legal means. Contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for more information about the legal status of feral hogs. The Texas Animal Health Commission regulates the trapping and moving of feral hogs to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Safe Handling & Disposal

Handlers should minimize their contact with the carcass as feral hogs can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, pets, and livestock. When moving a carcass, sturdy gloves should be worn when handling. For further protection, handlers can construct a hog puller to help move carcasses with even less physical contact. During carcass disposal one should make sure to practice the following safety precautions:

  • Wear protective equipment.
  • Wear rubber or latex gloves, eye protection, and a mask. 
  • Avoid contact.
  • Avoid direct contact with the hog's fluid, organs, or bare skin. You should also avoid contact with visibly ill animals or those found dead. 
  • Wash up.
  • After handling the hog, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and dry with a clean cloth. You should also clean all tools and reusable gloves with a disinfectant, such as diluted bleach. 
  • Dispose of properly.
  • Carcasses can be burned or buried. 
  • It is important to note that brucellosis can be contracted from feral hogs and other game animals through field dressing, butchering, handling, or preparing raw meat for cooking and eating meat that is not thoroughly cooked. It is recommended that raw meat not be fed to dogs, as infected dogs can pass the disease to people.

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