A net trap used for feral pigs. Photo: Local Land Services.
The NSW Government’s Local Land Services (LLS) department is encouraging farmers to take advantage of subsidised baiting, trapping and training to combat the outbreak of feral pigs across the state.
There are an estimated 23 million feral pigs throughout Australia. The NSW Government says numbers have increased in areas such as the Riverina, Southern Tablelands and South Coast since 2020.
“There’s reports of feral pigs weighing well over 100 kilograms charging through the paddocks, trashing food crops and killing calves and lambs at the drop of a hat,” NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said.
“These pests are bigger than the people trying to control them – and they are costing landholders many thousands of dollars in lost production and control costs that they simply can’t keep up with.
“They’re superspreaders of disease and reproduce at a rate that means we need to cull many millions a year to break the breeding cycle, so we have a fight on our hands that we simply can’t face alone.”
Mr Martin said resources were desperately needed to tackle the “super” pests and stop them spreading across the states.
“Unfortunately, the feral pig problem will only grow unless more landholders become involved in controlling them. It’s important to take action now to help protect your land, livestock, crops, pastures and waterways,” LLS’s invasive species team leader Toby O’Brien said.
Some feral pigs can weigh up to 100 kg. Photo: Biosecurity Queensland.
LLS is currently delivering the 2024-25 $13.1 million Feral Pig and Pest Program on behalf of the NSW Government, building on control activities LLS has coordinated with landholders in previous years.
Support available to landholders includes tailored advice and help to coordinate control programs with landholders and their neighbours; free skill building events to equip landholders with the latest tools and advice to manage feral pigs; free Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) courses; subsidising the cost of 1080 poison and grain to eligible landholders for feral pig control programs and free hire of monitoring and trapping equipment (subject to availability).
Mr O’Brien said managing feral pigs and pest animals was the responsibility of all landholders as part of meeting their general biosecurity duty, under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
“There isn’t just one solution that suits all properties and pests. An effective control program should use a combination of control methods and is best run in coordination with surrounding properties,” he said.
“Our biosecurity team can offer tailored advice suited to your property and can assist in coordinating group programs with your neighbours.”
NSW MP Stephen Lawrence says his government is trying to address the problem.
“The government is … progressing with work to target feral pig numbers, particularly after the recent wet season … over the past nine months, feral pig numbers have been reduced by 110,000 — well above the original target of 87,000,” he told parliament.
To get involved in the Feral Pig and Pest Program or find out what activities are happening in your area, call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 and ask to speak with your local biosecurity officer.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
