Feral pigs

Background

Pigs were introduced into Australia with the First Fleet. They were often kept unrestrained and in semi-feral conditions, allowing them to escape.

Although pigs are more common in the northern and eastern states, an increasing number of feral pigs are being detected in South Australia.

Feral pig populations are expanding by natural dispersal and through illegal translocations, primarily for hunting purposes.

Impacts

Feral pigs are an agricultural and environmental pest. They:

  • prey on newborn lambs
  • eat crops
  • compete with livestock for pasture.

Feral pigs damage natural habitats through up-rooting vegetation and fouling waterholes. They can also spread weeds and damage infrastructure.

Feral pigs are hosts of parasites and diseases, such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, Brucella suis, and foot and mouth disease if it were introduced to Australia. These diseases pose a serious threat to:

  • the pork industry
  • other stock
  • wildlife
  • humans.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 lists predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs as a key threatening process to endangered species and ecological communities.

Controlling feral pigs

Landholders are responsible for the control of feral pigs on their properties under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.

The primary methods for controlling pigs are by:

You cannot move, sell, keep or release feral pigs.

Feral pig control activities must be compliant with the Animal Welfare Act 1985.

Some common pig hunting practices are illegal in South Australia under this Act. It is illegal to cut off a live pigs’ ears, or to use a pig-hunting dog to restrain or physically harm a feral pig. Other serious fines and jail time can apply.

We offer support to Kangaroo Island landowners via our feral pig eradication program.

Detecting feral pigs on your property

Signs of feral pigs include:

  • rooting (diggings)
  • wallows
  • pig tracks or scats
  • damage to fencing.

Reporting feral pigs

FeralPigScan provides a tool for reporting feral pigs, management activities undertaken and photos of the impacts of feral pigs. The information is used to identify practical solutions and coordinated control of feral pigs.

If you see feral pigs on mainland South Australia, notify your local Landscape South Australia board for control advice.

More information

How to report an established pest animal

If you see an established pest animal, we want to hear about it!

Report sightings via the Feral Scan website or app.

FeralScan
Page last reviewed: 14 Apr 2023

 


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