Feral hogs in Georgia: disease, damage and control [Dec. 2006]

Feral Hogs in Georgia: Disease, Damage and Control
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section

Feral Hogs In Georgia: Disease, Damage and Control

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) Game Management Section

Authors:

Kent Kammermeyer, John Bowers, Bill Cooper, Dan Forster, Ken Grahl, Todd Holbrook, Carmen Martin, Scott McDonald, Nick Nicholson, Mike VanBrackle, Greg Waters

Editors:

Jim Simmons, Adam Hammond, Kevin Lowrey, Doug Hoffman, Don McGowan, Julie Robbins, Bill Fletcher

Photos:

Kent Kammermeyer, Bill Fletcher, Bill Cooper

DNR Publication State of Georgia December 2006
The Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer and offers all persons the opportunity to compete and participate in each
area of DNR employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or other nonmerit factors.

Game Management Offices

Region I

Armuchee

(706) 295-6041

Region II

Gainesville

(770) 535-5700

Region III

Thomson

(706) 595-4222

Region III

Thomson (Augusta)

(706) 667-4672

Region IV

Fort Valley

(478) 825-6354

Region V

Albany

(229) 430-4254

Region VI

Fitzgerald

(229) 426-5267

Region VII

Brunswick

(912) 262-3173

Headquarters Social Circle

(770) 918-6416

Acknowledgements
We express our appreciation to all involved WRD personnel for their assistance in reviewing and editing this booklet. We also thank the WRD Public Affairs Office for booklet design, layout and editorial input.

Table of Contents
Feral Hog Facts ..................................................... 1
Introduction............................................................ 1 Identification ................................................. 2 Distribution ................................................... 3 Biology, Reproduction and Behavior............. 3
Parasites and Disease .......................................... 4 Swine Brucellosis ......................................... 4 Pseudorabies ............................................... 5
Damage .................................................................. 6
Control Methods ................................................... 7 Restrictions .................................................. 7 Shooting ....................................................... 8 Live Trapping ............................................... 8 Hunting With Dogs ....................................... 10 Fencing ........................................................ 10 Fermented Corn Recipe .............................. 10

FERAL HOG FACTS
* It is illegal to stock, move or release any hogs that are not certified to be disease-free according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture standards.
* Feral hogs carry serious diseases that are transmissible to humans and domestic animals.
* Feral hogs are non-native invasive pests that compete directly for food and cover with many species of wildlife including deer, wild turkey and quail.
* Hogs can damage habitats resulting in the elimination of rare or endangered plants and animals.
* Hogs can destroy agricultural crops, including food plots for deer and turkey. * A combination of shooting, trapping or exclusion fencing can reduce or
control hog damage. * There is no closed season and no limit on hogs on private land. Hunting over
bait, from a vehicle or at night with a light over 6 volts is prohibited. A hunting license is required for all hunters 16 years or older (except for residents on land owned by them or their immediate family residing in the same household). * Landowners and leaseholders with landowner permission may qualify for a feral hog control permit to help alleviate hog damage and control hog numbers. Permit holders are allowed to shoot from a vehicle, use a 12-volt light and/or shoot hogs in the vicinity of bait. Contact a WRD Regional Game Management Office for assistance. * Always wear protective gloves when handling feral hogs or meat. * Always cook hog meat to a minimum temperature of 170 degrees F and/or freeze at 0 degrees F for a minimum of 20 days.
INTRODUCTION
Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) in Georgia include some nearly pure Eurasian or Russian wild boar, free-ranging domestic hogs, and all manner of hybrids between the two extremes. Feral hogs (a term covering all free-ranging hog combinations) prefer the cover of dense brush for protection, but also may be found in mature woodlands and grassy areas. During hot weather they spend much of their time wallowing in swamps, wetlands, ponds, and streams close to protective cover.
Feral hogs are omnivorous and will eat anything from grain to carrion. Plant matter constitutes an important part of their diet. Acorns are preferred when available. They also consume roots and invertebrates such as centipedes, leeches, earthworms and crayfish. In certain areas, cultivated crops and row crops make up a significant portion of their diet. Feral hogs have been known to travel up to seven miles to feed on agricultural crops such as corn and soybeans. They also prey on ground nests, young wildlife, livestock, and other small vertebrates.
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IDENTIFICATION Most feral hogs are domestic hogs that have escaped into the wild or have been
released for hunting purposes and are free-ranging (See Map-Page 4). Their size and color vary greatly and depend upon their domestic breed and their nutrition during development. The number of generations they have lived in the wild also seems to influence their appearance. Descendants from stock whose ancestry has been in the wild for generations or even centuries tend to have the classic long snouts and lean appearance of the legendary "razorback" of southern folk culture.
Eurasian or Russian Wild Hogs Pure Eurasian wild hogs (often referred to as "Russian" boar) differ in appear-
ance from the average feral hog in Georgia. This hog usually has longer legs, a larger head and a longer, flatter snout. Eurasian piglets are reddish brown with black longitudinal stripes. As the animals mature, the stripes disappear and their color changes to gray grizzled or black. Eurasian hogs generally have longer guard hair and a more distinct mane of guard hair running from the neck to the base of the tail than the domestic hog.
Eurasian Hog Sow and Young:
Hogs can reproduce at six months of age and can have up to thirteen offspring in
one litter.
Hybrids Eurasian wild hogs and hybrids originating from escapees of a Hooper Bald,
North Carolina enclosure in the 1920's subsequently spread into Tennessee and parts of the North Georgia Mountains. In recent years, the illegal transportation and stocking of hogs statewide has increased dramatically. As a result, more hybridization has occurred and few individuals of the pure Eurasian strain are found in Georgia. Many hybrid offspring have retained characteristics of the Eurasian wild hogs.
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DISTRIBUTION Feral hogs (Sus spp.) are not native to North America. The only pig-like ani-
mals native to North America are the peccaries (Tayassu spp.) found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. There are documented accounts of hog introductions in the Americas as early as 1498 and hogs came to the New World with many early European explorers. Since these initial introductions, hog populations have expanded into interior Georgia and the Carolinas. The expansion of hog populations in Georgia has also been accelerated by the illegal relocation of hogs throughout the state. Feral hogs are now found in virtually all counties in the state.

BIOLOGY, REPRODUCTION AND BEHAVIOR

Adult weight:

100 to 500+ pounds. Very large hogs (500+ pounds)

are generally from domestic stock.

Adult height:

3 feet (males are generally larger than females).

Color:

Varies from solid black, gray grizzled black, brown, blond, white or red to spotted or belted.

Feet/Track:

Similar to deer tracks, except toes have more round or blunt tips and often show widely splayed dewclaws.

Gestation period:

115 days.

Litter size:

Four to eight, but may be as large as thirteen.

Age at first breeding: Six to 10 months.

Number of litters:

One or two litters per year. Young may be born at any time of the year.

Social structure:

Generally travel in family groups normally comprised of two or more sows and their young. Adult boars are generally solitary, only joining a herd to breed.

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PARASITES AND DISEASE
Feral hogs are susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites in Georgia. Hogs can carry the nematode, Trichinella spiralis, which causes trichinosis in people. Although rare in Georgia, people can get trichinosis by consuming undercooked pork containing the parasite. To avoid trichinosis, pork should be cooked to a minimum of 170 degrees F. Freezing meat at 0 degrees F for a minimum of 20 days also destroys this pathogen.
Two of the most serious diseases found in Georgia include swine brucellosis and pseudorabies. Hunters and farmers need to be aware that feral hogs can transmit these diseases to domestic hogs. These diseases are likely to occur in all parts of Georgia, but have been tested for in only 34 counties. Swine brucellosis has been confirmed in 7 counties. Thirty-six of 866 (4%) hogs tested were positive for swine brucellosis. Pseudorabies has been confirmed in 13 counties with 198 confirmed positive out of 1,562 (13%) hogs tested. Swine brucellosis and pseudorabies both are transmissible to domestic pigs and swine brucellosis can be transmitted to humans.

SWINE BRUCELLOSIS Swine brucellosis is caused by a bacterium similar to the bacteria that cause
brucellosis in cattle. It causes abortions in sows and infertility in boars. Feral hogs in 10 states, including some areas of Georgia have confirmed cases of swine brucellosis. It can be spread to domestic swine if infected hogs are introduced into or near local herds.
Other farm animals are rarely threatened by swine brucellosis, although cattle can become infected if they are exposed to the afterbirth of infected feral pigs. Humans can get swine brucellosis through handling infected tissues of pigs. Hunters are at risk when they clean or process feral hogs and should take the following precautions:

1.

Always wear disposable plastic or rubber gloves when dressing and

cleaning wild hogs. Avoid direct skin contact with blood and

reproductive organs.

2.

As soon as possible, wash hands with soap and hot water after

dressing wild hogs.

3.

Gloves should be properly disposed of in trash that is going to a landfill.

4.

Cook meat from hogs thoroughly (minimum internal temperature of

170 degrees F).

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The symptoms of swine brucellosis in humans are not distinctive. Most people report recurring fevers, chills, sweating, weakness, headaches, debilitating pain in muscles or joints, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some of these symptoms can persist for months. People who have these symptoms and have been exposed to feral hogs should consult a doctor about swine brucellosis.
PSEUDORABIES Another important disease harbored by feral hogs is pseudorabies. Despite its
name this disease is not related to rabies and does not infect people. A herpes virus causes pseudorabies.
Adult feral swine can be silent carriers of pseudorabies and periodically will shed the virus that causes the disease through the reproductive tract. Once infected, the hog is a lifetime carrier, and there is no effective treatment. Pseudorabies can be detected by blood testing and has been found in 11 states including parts of Georgia.
Pseudorabies can result in a fatal infection for other domestic animals including cattle, sheep, goats, dogs and cats. Infections in the domestic livestock industry can cause production and economic losses. Wild mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, opossums and small rodents also can be fatally infected. Although people are not at risk, hunters need to know that their dogs could become infected by exposure to infected hogs or their carcass remains.
There are laws that are intended to control of swine brucellosis and pseudorabies. Relocating pigs that have not been tested for these diseases is in violation of both state and federal law. It is important to follow the outlined sanitary handling procedures (page 5) in this booklet to prevent humans from becoming infected with swine brucellosis and to make sure that this disease and pseudorabies do not infect domestic farm animals and native wildlife.
Hunters and farmers need to be aware
that hogs can transmit diseases to domestic hogs,
domestic animals, wildlife and humans.
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DAMAGE

Damage caused by feral hogs has been reported in many Georgia counties.

Hogs compete with all species of native wildlife for important and limited natu-

ral food supplies, including hard and soft mast (especially acorns). The native

competitors at risk include high profile, high demand animals such as deer, wild

turkey, quail, black bear and ruffed grouse.

Since they compete heavily with deer, hogs can be extremely detrimental to

deer management programs. They also destroy the nests of ground nesting birds

and sea turtles and consume their eggs. Supplemental feeding can contribute to

the spread of diseases among hogs, native wildlife and between hogs and native

wildlife. Hogs also destroy, eliminate and prevent the re-establishment of valu-

able native plants and animals including threatened and endangered species. Hogs

contribute to sedimentation and bacterial contamination of natural waterways. All

of the above reasons are why hogs are not desired on public lands in Georgia.

On Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), National Forest lands, Army Corps

of Engineers lands, National Wildlife Refuges and other state and federal proper-

ties, hogs are considered an invasive, exotic, nuisance animal and their population

must be limited and controlled by hunting and in some cases, trapping and sharp-

shooting. The goal for most public lands is either elimination or population reduc-

tion to the point that there is no measurable impact on the habitat.

Agricultural crops commonly damaged by feral hogs include rice, sorghum,

wheat, corn, soy-

beans, peanuts, potatoes, watermelon and

Example of hog damage to field

cantaloupe. Damage

usually occurs in the

form of consumption,

rooting or trampling.

Hog predation on

livestock also can be a

problem in some

localized areas. Feral

hogs can kill and con-

sume lambs and kid

goats. Physical evi-

dence of hog predation is hard to detect because the entire animal may be con-

sumed. If hog predation occurs when kids and lambs are larger, the entire carcass

may be turned inside out, leaving the hide with little or no flesh except on the

head, neck and hooves.

CONTROL METHODS
The most effective method for controlling feral hogs is a combination of shooting, live trapping and hunting with dogs. All are legal methods of take in Georgia. There currently are no toxicants or repellents registered for the control of feral hogs. Electric fencing or hog wire fencing may have limited application to protect valuable crops or plants from hog damage. Programs that have reduced or eliminated localized hog populations succeeded by using a diversified management approach. This normally includes a combination of daytime shooting, pre-baiting and trapping, and night collections. It is not advisable to dog hunt where you bait, trap, or hunt or to repeatedly shoot near trapping sites. These techniques may cause feral hogs to become more wary, leave the area, or become more nocturnal in their habits.
For more information on hog control techniques, contact your local DNR Game Management office. USDA Wildlife Services also offers technical and operational assistance with hog control. USDA biologists are located in Athens (706-546-5637), Albany (229-734-4837), and Savannah (912-598-2654).
RESTRICTIONS Feral hogs are free-ranging, exotic animals and may be taken on private lands
at any time of the year, by any legal means with no bag limits. Hunting over bait and hunting from a vehicle are not legal except by special permit. Landowners and leaseholders with landowner permission may qualify for a feral hog control permit to help alleviate hog damage and control hog numbers. Permit holders are allowed to shoot from a vehicle, use a 12-volt light and/or shoot hogs in the vicinity of bait. WRD Regional Game Management offices issue hog control permits. Permits are not valid March 11 through May 15 or September 1 through the end of firearms deer season.
To hunt hogs, any person 16 years of age or older must have a valid Georgia hunting license - except for Georgia residents hunting on land owned by them or their immediate family residing in the same household. The current hunting regulations guide (available online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or through hunting and fishing license agents) provides details about WMA and public lands restrictions. Consult with any WRD Game Management Office (numbers listed at the front of this booklet) regarding any question about the legal status of feral hogs.

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SHOOTING Shooting during daylight hours or at night is an effective control method, espe-
cially if the areas of greatest hog activity are known. Hunting/shooting can be more effective than trapping when both are conducted concurrently. Trapping and hunting may be less effective during periods of high mast availability. Feral hogs quickly become aware of hunting pressure when they are consistently hunted or shot from the same stands or locations. A variety of techniques including stand hunting, stalk hunting, changing hours and locations may be necessary for effective control. It is not advisable to repeatedly shoot near trapping sites as this may cause hogs to change their behavior and avoid these areas. When shooting becomes ineffective, other techniques such as trapping or dog hunting may be used.
In Georgia, it is not legal to shoot hogs, deer or wild turkeys within 200 yards of bait or within sight of bait regardless of distance. At night a 6-volt, hand held light is legal for hunting hogs. Note: Hog removal permits allow a 12-volt light and shooting near bait (See page 8).
Landowners may seek hog control assistance from interested hunters or trappers. Many hunters perceive hogs as desirable game. In fact, increasing feral hog hunting opportunities on a tract of land is often the impetus for the illegal moving and stocking of hogs.
LIVE TRAPPING Live traps can be very effective for capturing feral hogs. Trap designs range
from "single catch" units having a door that closes when tripped to "multiple catch" traps with doors that allow hogs to root or push their way in one animal at a time. Trapping success is correlated to the availability of natural foods. Heavy fall acorn crops or large acreages of agricultural crops normally make hog trapping difficult.
Pre-baiting is extremely important for any successful trapping operation. Allowing hogs to become accustomed to feeding at a specific location prior to implementing trapping efforts increases the chances of success. Proven baits include whole corn, soured corn, peanuts, peanut butter, stale bread and table scraps.
Ideal pre-baiting sites include travel routes along creeks/rivers, trails, water sources and feeding areas. Bait should be placed at multiple locations initially and evaluated to identify consistently used sites. Once a good site has been selected, place a trap with the door removed or tied open. Place bait inside and outside of the trap for several days and allow the hogs to get comfortable with the trap. Set the door once it is determined that hogs are readily entering the trap. Traps should be checked at least once daily and more often at heavily used bait sites.
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This photo depicts a trap door corral trap that has proven effective for catching multiple hogs.
Hogs can become wary of trap sites where multiple catches have been made. In this case the trap should be relocated a short distance. Secure the door in the open position and begin pre-baiting again to see if the hogs will lose their fear of the trap.
Hog traps can be constructed out of lumber or metal livestock panels. Traps should be built in sections to allow easy disassembly for transport. Captured hogs will test the integrity of a trap, so be sure to adequately secure all corners when the trap is in use. Trap sizes vary, but an ideal size is 6 to 8 feet wide, 10 to 12 feet deep and 5 feet high. Construction plans are available from your local DNR Game Management office. Traps are also available commercially throughout the southeast. All Seasons Feeders (www.allseasonsfeeders.com) manufactures multiple catch traps. White Fencing Company (850-668-3242) in Thomasville builds custom traps.
This photo shows a
multi-catch metal trap
that is available commercially.
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HUNTING WITH DOGS In certain situations, trained dogs may be used to locate hogs. Dogs should be
properly trained for hog control to lessen the possibility of injury. Hogs will become particularly wary of dogs after they have been continuously harassed and other control methods may become necessary.
FENCING Fencing is the only guaranteed control measure available to hog producers.
Check with the USDA Veterinary Services (770-922-7860) for information on proper double fencing around hog operations to prevent contact between feral and domestic swine. Excluding feral hogs from valuable crops can be accomplished using several types of fencing, including hog wire and electric fence.
To be hog-proof, non-electric fences must be constructed of net wire or diamond mesh with 6 inches or less between vertical wires. Fences should be at least 36 inches tall and tightly stretched and, if necessary, buried beneath the ground. Hog proof fencing is difficult to achieve across terrain with dips and gullies and these features increase fencing costs substantially.
The "Peanut butter fence" that works for deer exclusion also will work for hogs. This is a one or two strand electric fence with multicolored high visibility (1-1 inch wide) polytape installed at 10 to 20 inches above the ground. Before initial use, dab a slurry mix of peanut butter and cooking oil on the tape at frequent intervals (3-6 feet apart) so that any initial contact by hogs will result in a memorable shock to the nose or tongue.
For more information and assistance, contact the local WRD Game Management office (see front of this booklet for phone numbers).

FERMENTED CORN RECIPE

1. Use large metal trash cans with re-sealable lid, 40-50 gallon size.

2. Per 150 pounds of corn: Add 8 pounds of sugar.

3. 4.

Add 1 to l packets of yeast.

OKpotoiloAnaidl:fAordad

5 packets of sweet smell.

grape,

strawberry,

or

raspberry

Jell-Oor

5. Add water 3-4" above corn. Note: Check daily to keep water level to

top of corn.

6. Place trash cans in direct sunlight. During warm weather corn should

properly ferment in 5 to 7 days.

7. Stir daily with shovel to properly mix contents.

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NOTES
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