Sows might serve as the breeding grounds for wild pig populations, yet recent research indicates that boars act as the primary disseminators of diseases.
The study, published in the the peer-reviewed journal eLife in February analyzed the movements of 146 wild boars across nine sites in Queensland and New South Wales to develop models illustrating how diseases spread within feral animal groups.
Tatiana Proboste, a research fellow at the University of Queensland’s (UQ) School of Veterinary Science, examined over ten years' worth of data collected from GPS collars placed on pigs supplied by the New South Wales and Queensland state governments.
"Men are actually the main transmitters of the virus," Dr Proboste stated.
They are playing a highly important role as a bridge between various groups.
Considering disease spread, this could play a crucial part.
Doctor Proboste mentioned that although female pigs exhibited robust social connections among themselves, male pigs were more likely to spread diseases.
"Male pigs engage more frequently with various groups of swine, while female pigs tend to move around less and primarily remain within their own social circle," she explained.
Data from our study indicated increased interaction among wild boars during summertime, suggesting that diseases could potentially disseminate over greater distances and at quicker rates from December through February.
Invasive species are regarded as harmful environmental pests and are recognized for carrying multiple hazardous diseases and parasites, including foot and mouth disease, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and .
Matt Gentle, affiliated with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and who worked alongside UQ on this initiative, mentioned that the information will be instrumental in forecasting the potential dissemination of biosecurity risks within pig communities.
"Enhancing the information for disease readiness models is crucial," stated Mr Gentle.
These models are employed to assist in forecasting outcomes should there be an illness outbreak among pig populations.
We can examine the pace of dissemination and explore management strategies to minimize its spread.
Population problem
The exact number of feral pigs in Australia remains unknown; however, young females can start breeding at just four months old and may produce up to three litters annually, with each litter containing as many as 12 piglets.
The National Feral Pig Action Plan, which is a government-supported initiative led by the industry for managing pig populations, has gauged the numbers at over 3.5 million. However, they suggest that the total might potentially rise up to an astounding figure of around 25 million.
The strategy designed to control and lessen the effects of wild pigs suggests these animals can be found across approximately 45 percent of the nation.
Population control of feral pigs typically occurs via aerial shootings or baiting initiatives, as stated by Heather Channon, the National Feral Pig Management Coordinator, who mentioned these methods should ideally coincide with the breeding cycle.
"Female wild pigs act as the production centers for feral pig populations. Without effective management of these females, the issue will escalate," Dr Channon stated.
We should concentrate on both the males [boars] and females [sows].
Bucks cover more extensive territories compared to does and will encounter various clusters for breeding purposes.
Doctor Channon mentioned that these animals inflict damages amounting to $156 million annually on the Australian economy for both control measures and losses.
"Feral pigs exert significant influence over both Australia's natural ecosystems and our farming sectors," she stated.
They exhibit remarkable resilience, adaptability, and high intelligence.
This indicates that managing them becomes quite difficult.
Gender complexity
Farmers have grown more worried about the number of animals and their impact as their populations increase. The biosecurity risk presented by feral pigs .
Although the insights will help shape emergency responses during disease outbreaks, Dr Proboste stated that decreasing the population is a complicated matter.
"Theoretically, yes, we might consider managing male populations regarding disease spread," she stated.
I believe in reality, it’s quite challenging to concentrate solely on the males since the control methods usually address both genders.
Jamie Petrie, who serves as the president of the Capricornia Pest Management Group, specializes in control programs in Central Queensland.
He mentioned that one among numerous non-profit organizations assisting property owners address this concern across the state, stating the numbers had grown so much that techniques targeting only one gender were no longer sufficient.
He mentioned, 'This isn’t just about a few women and men.'
The number of pigs is uncontrollable.
