The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau commended the Game Commission for its decision to take action to eradicate feral swine (free ranging wild pigs) in the Commonwealth.

The Commission issued an order removing protection on feral swine in 64 of the state’s 67 counties, while trapping efforts will continue in Butler, Bedford and Cambria Counties.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has been monitoring the problems caused by feral swine for years and urged the PGC to take action against the invasive species. According to the PGC, feral swine can cause tremendous damage to habitat and property, and pose a real threat to wildlife and the biosecurity of the state's multi-million-dollar pork industry.

“Pennsylvania farmers are deeply concerned about the damage these wild animals cause to crops and the potential for feral swine to spread disease to healthy farm animals. In addition, feral swine are a threat to other wildlife and their natural habitat and a potential danger to humans who encounter them,” said PFB President Carl T. Shaffer.

The Game Commission’s decision allows licensed hunters to take feral swine at any time in an effort to rid the state of these animals. Farm Bureau was pleased with the Commission’s decision to deal with the problem now, rather than creating a hunting season for feral swine.

“We believe the decision will help stop the growth of feral swine populations before we have an irreversible population that can’t be eradicated,” added Shaffer.

Earlier this year, Dauphin County farmer Ken Bechtel testified before the Commission on behalf of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s State Wildlife Damage Committee.

“We are concerned that Pennsylvania could become negatively affected by these invasive species as is the case in other states. Animal health on farms could be severely impacted by feral hogs if their populations are allowed to grow. Some farms in Pennsylvania have already experienced crop damage due to these animals,” said Bechtel.

Links: Game Commission Takes First Step in Effort to Eradicate Feral Swine

Video Blog: Audubon PA Urges Taking More Deer, Eradication of Feral Swine

5/23/2008