feral Pigs
About
Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) have been in Australia since European settlement, with the first recorded release by Captain James Cook at Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, in 1777. Initially introduced as livestock, many pigs escaped or were deliberately released, leading to the establishment of wild populations. By 1880, they were already considered a serious pest in parts of New South Wales.
These invasive animals cause significant damage to Australian agriculture. They prey on newborn lambs, destroy crops, damage fences, foul water sources, and compete with livestock for food. Their impact costs farmers millions of dollars annually.
Beyond economic losses, feral pigs pose a serious biosecurity risk. They are potential carriers of diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, which could devastate Australia's livestock industry. As feral pigs now occupy nearly 45% of the country, this means they pose a significant threat.
Control methods
Chemical
There are strict laws and regulations on using poisoned baits such as 1080 and strychnine to control feral and invasive animals.
Physical
Physical control methods for feral and invasive animals in Australia requires adherence to local regulations and consideration of animal welfare standards.
Best practice methods are:
Ground shooting: Shooting is effective for reducing local pig populations, particularly in accessible areas. It should be conducted by trained professionals using high-powered rifles to ensure humane euthanasia. Aerial shooting from helicopters is also used for large-scale control in remote regions.
Trapping: Large, heavy-duty traps are used to capture feral pigs. Free feeding before setting traps increases success rates. Once captured, pigs must be humanely euthanised to prevent relocation and further spread.
Exclusion fencing: Well-constructed fencing can prevent feral pigs from accessing valuable agricultural land. Electric or reinforced fences are particularly effective in protecting crops and livestock from pig damage.
PHBG is able to supply a Matlock pig trap to landowners as part of a coordinated pig trapping program. Click the green button below to enquire or read more on the equipment page.
Biological
There are currently are no effective biocontrol methods for managing feral pig populations in Australia.
Report a feral pig hotspot
With your help, the PHBG can identify locations of feral animals. We want to know about populations that concern or affect you. Click the green button below to open the reporting form in a separate tab.
Additional Resources
Factsheets
Glovebox Guide to Managing Feral Pigs (Pestsmart)
The facts of 1080 baiting (Pestsmart)