Missouri\u27s Feral Hog Task Force: Addressing Increasing Feral Swine Populations

Feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations are expanding in size and distribution in Missouri and other parts of the United States. Increases of this invasive species are a serious concern because of the damage they cause and diseases they carry. Affected stakeholders in Missouri formed a task force in 1998 with sixteen member agencies and organizations to develop a program for the control/eradication of feral hogs in the state. The task force identified three objectives with appropriate supporting strategies to help achieve the ultimate goal: protection of Missouri \u27s public health, agricultural economy, and natural resources through eradication of feral swine in Missouri. The task force has been an essential vehicle in working toward these objectives during a time when member agencies and organizations are tight on funding. The collaboration has accomplished several tasks that could not have been implemented by any single participant. This paper presents the successes and shortcomings of Missouri\u27s efforts and provides recommendations to other states that may implement feral hog control

Distribution and Disease Prevalence of Feral Hogs in Missouri

No attempts have been made to document the distribution of feral hogs (Sus scrofa) in Missouri. Also, antibody prevalence for pseudorabies virus and swine brucellosis have not been reported from Missouri. Our objectives were to characterize the current distribution of feral hogs in Missouri and to determine prevalence and distribution of feral hogs with antibodies against selected important diseases. We collected feral hog sighting data both from the public and Missouri Wildlife Services and Missouri Department of Conservation wildlife biologists. We determined prevalence of antibodies against pseudorabies virus, swine brucellosis, tularemia, and classical swine fever. From 2000 to 2005, the public reported 115 hog sightings statewide. We evaluated 321 feral hog sera for antibody presence from 1993 to 2005. Antibodies against pseudorabies virus and classical swine fever were not detected; however, 1 feral hog had antibodies against swine brucellosis (0.3% prevalence) and 1 feral hog had antibodies against tularemia (1.3% prevalence). Continued disease surveillance is critical to be able to react to any diseases that are found and eliminate them before they become established in feral hog populations in Missouri