History of Feral pig in Timeline
Feral pigs are domestic pigs that have become wild and are primarily found in the Americas and Australia. They are often called razorbacks or wild hogs in the United States and can interbreed with wild boars.
1978: Eradication of Swine Fever
By 1978, swine fever was declared eradicated in the United States, posing concerns for commercial pig farmers who feared feral pigs could reintroduce the disease.
1987: Feral Pigs as Agricultural Pests
Since 1987, feral pigs have been recognized as the most significant mammalian pest affecting Australian agriculture.
1990: Feral Pig Population Explosion
The feral pig population in the United States experienced a significant increase, growing from 2 million across 20 states in 1990 to triple that number within 25 years, spreading to 38 states.
1994: Feral Boars Recognized as Pest in Brazil
By 1994, the presence of feral boars as a pest in Brazil was acknowledged by the press.
1995: Uncle Earl's Hog Dog Trials
Since 1995, Uncle Earl's Hog Dog Trials in Louisiana has been a popular annual event showcasing the speed of bay dogs in catching feral pigs.
2004: Commercialization of Feral Pig Meat
Between 2004 and 2009, approximately 461,000 feral pigs killed in Texas underwent federal inspection and were commercially sold for human consumption.
August 2005: Licensed Hunting of Feral Boars in Brazil
Starting in August 2005, licensed private hunting of feral boars and their hybrids was permitted in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as a measure to control their invasive population.
2008: Expansion of Licensed Hunting in Brazil
By mid-2008, the need to control the feral boar population in Brazil led to the expansion of licensed hunts to the states of Santa Catarina and São Paulo.
2009: Commercialization of Feral Pig Meat
Between 2004 and 2009, approximately 461,000 feral pigs killed in Texas underwent federal inspection and were commercially sold for human consumption.
2012: Documentation of Feral Pig Attacks
By 2012, over 100 documented attacks on humans by feral pigs in the United States were recorded, with five resulting in fatalities, highlighting the potential danger posed by these animals.
2013: Feral Pigs: A Growing Problem
In 2013, the United States faced a significant feral pig problem, with an estimated population of 6 million causing billions of dollars in property and agricultural damage annually. Their impact extended to ecological damage, reducing vertebrate species richness in invaded forests by 26%.
February 2017: Approval of Kaput Feral Hog Lure
In February 2017, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller authorized using Kaput Feral Hog Lure, a pesticide containing warfarin, to control the feral pig population.
November 26, 2019: Fatal Feral Pig Attack in Texas
On November 26, 2019, a 59-year-old woman, Christine Rollins, tragically lost her life in Anahuac, Texas, after being attacked by a group of feral pigs, marking the fifth documented fatal attack in the US since 1825.
September 2022: Feral Pigs Threaten New Zealand's Goats
In September 2022, a goat farm in Brooklyn, New Zealand, reported significant losses due to feral pigs killing and consuming their young goats, highlighting the devastating impact of these invasive animals.