News African swine fever
Wild boar population in US a ticking time bomb
Now that feelings about African swine fever (ASF) are running high in Germany, concerns are also increasing in other countries. In America, it is feared that the feral pig population is a ticking time bomb. In Canada, the pig sector is even asking the government to set aside a large amount in case the disease enters the country.
The growing wild boar population in America is a ticking time bomb, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports. The number of wild boars is increasing rapidly, according to experts, if ASF were to strike, the situation could hardly be controlled.
Over the past 3 decades, the wild boar population has spread from 17 to at least 39 states. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, there are an estimated 1,5 million wild boars in Texas. There are more than 500.000 wild boars in Florida and it is estimated that there are between 1 and 2 million in the southeastern United States, the University of Florida reports.
According to the USDA, the pig population is estimated to cost the US about $2,5 billion a year in damage and control costs. "As the feral pig population continues to expand across the country, these damages, costs and risks will only increase," the USDA added.
More efforts
As the population continues to grow, more and more efforts are needed to keep the situation under control. According to Ryan Brook, a swine biologist, wild boar numbers have spiraled out of control in North America and many more operations are needed to control population growth.
Canada is asking for $50 million
There are also major concerns about ASF in Canada. It is feared that the disease will knock on the door there too. Canadian pork producers have already gone through a period of great concern after meat processing largely came to a standstill in the corona crisis. With fears surrounding ASF on the rise, they are asking the government to set aside $50 million to serve as a reserve should ASF penetrate the country.
Rick Bergmann, chairman of The Canadion Pork Council, says Canadian pork producers and the government have already invested significantly in prevention measures in recent years. According to him, millions of dollars nationally have already been spent on optimizing biosecurity on farms. According to Bergmann, this is not enough. "More can and should be done, and that's where the $50 million demand is coming from."
Situation in Germany
Meanwhile, in Germany, there is still a lot of search for wild boars. The number of confirmed ASF cases has now risen to 20 and all cases concern wild boars in the Brandenburg area.
Chanti Oussoren
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