Central West Local Land Services are advising landholders that the devastating conditions across the region provide a prime time to undertake control programs to effectively reduce feral pig populations.

Whilst Local Land Services understands that many landholders are under immense pressure with hand feeding, staff are receiving reports that this has seen feral pigs drawn into more concentrated areas.

Senior Biosecurity Officer Craig Ridley said landholders are particularly seeing an increase in feral pig presence around these feeding points.

“The drought conditions are seeing feral pigs seeking out feed and water from places they would normally avoid, “ Mr Ridley said.

“They are proving quite resourceful in accessing feeders and other feeding points, and cohabitating with livestock to do so.”

Cohabitation of feral pigs with livestock at feed and water points greatly increases the chance of spreading disease.

“Feral pigs can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and brucellosis, which can be spread to both livestock and humans with significant health related implications to both,” Mr Ridley said.

While the situation is not ideal, it presents an opportunity to carry out trapping, baiting or a combination of both to effectively reduce the population.

“We are advising landholders to take action while these pest species are gathered in larger than normal numbers,” Mr Ridley said

Local Land Services biosecurity staff can assist landholders with technical advice on best practice control methods, including trap design and set up, and, where appropriate, the supply of poison.

To find out more about feral pig control, visit the website to review the Central West Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan or contact your nearest Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299.