Media release

19 June 2013

Release of wild pigs condemned

The illegal release of wild pigs near a beef herd has led the farm owner to speak out about the risk they pose to bovine tuberculosis (TB) control.

Wild pigs can carry TB and have the potential to infect areas in which the existing wildlife population is free of the disease, particularly if hunters leave the head and offal in the bush. Possums and ferrets scavenging on this material can become infected themselves and spread the disease to surrounding cattle and deer.

The Department of Conservation is also concerned about the damage wild pigs cause to native species. The department plans to do everything possible to ensure they do not become established in bush around the Karioi area of Raglan, where Phillip Swann operates a 200-hecatre beef and sheep property.

The area is free of TB-infected wild animals. However, Mr Swann has recently seen an influx of wild pigs around his farm.

“As a beef farmer, I have a lot to lose if TB reared its head in this area. People need to consider the possible consequences of transporting and releasing wild pigs that could well be carrying the disease,” said Mr Swann.

“It’s about educating people who release these pigs that enough is enough. We’re talking about farmers’ livelihoods here which could be threatened if TB was introduced,” he said.

TBfree New Zealand Northern North Island Programme Manager Brent Webster said releasing wild pigs could undo the effort put into ensuring the area remains free of the disease.

“We are working hard to eradicate bovine TB from New Zealand and releasing wild pigs into the forest is a major threat to this goal,” said Mr Webster.

Hunters should also be aware of the risks when handling infected wild pigs. It is possible to get TB from infected animals or their carcasses.

“You should always practise good hygiene when hunting wild pigs, including disinfecting all knives and other gear after use, cover any cuts on your hands and arms and wash after cutting up animals,” said Mr Webster.

Department of Conservation Waikato Area manager Matt Cook said the deliberate release of pigs into conservation parks and reserves is an offence under both the Reserves Act and the Wild Animal Control Act.

“The department has spent a great deal of time and effort over many years clearing wild goats, feral cattle and other pests from Mount Karioi – part of the Pirongia Forest Park – due to the extensive damage they inflict on our native species,” said Mr Cook.

“The deliberate release of pigs into such areas is extremely disappointing, given that they, in their own way, are just as destructive as wild goats and feral cattle,” he said.

Mr Cook said wild pigs have been released in the Karioi area on previous occasions but have never become established in pest proportions. The department will put whatever effort is necessary into preventing that from happening as a result of this latest illegal release.

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