December 27, 2006

LANSING - The Michigan departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) today added eight counties to the list of regions where hunting of feral swine will be allowed. The aggressive animals can carry disease, damage crops, displace wildlife, and severely impact the environment by disrupting the ecosystem. Feral swine are also prolific with the ability to produce as many as three litters of three to nine piglets each in a single year.

"State and federal officials are developing a plan to eliminate feral swine throughout the year, while still protecting the rights of legitimate livestock owners and the health of their animals," said Dr. Steven Halstead, State Veterinarian. "An additional eight counties have been added to the list of regions where feral swine may be hunted and we are asking hunters who hold a valid license to continue to assist us in removal efforts."

Hunters with a valid hunting license of any type may now shoot feral swine through March 31in the following additional counties: Alcona, Alpena, Branch, Cass, Clinton, Osceola, Presque Isle, and Shiawassee. County prosecutors are aware that shooting feral swine in these counties is permitted and any potential owners of the feral swine have been contacted and do not claim ownership.

During the 2006 hunting season, seven feral swine were taken by hunters in Gratiot, Hillsdale, Midland, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Shiawassee counties. There was one sighting each in Branch, Cass, Clinton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Oakland, Saginaw and Washtenaw counties and one feral swine was hit by a vehicle in Alpena County. Sightings in Branch, Oakland, Saginaw and Washtenaw counties indicate multiple animals, as sows with piglets were reported.

A reminder: It is highly unlikely a person will contract an illness by eating thoroughly cooked meat of feral swine. Pathogens and parasites found in meats are killed by cooking to an internal temperature of 170.6 degrees F.

USDA Veterinary Services has provided funding for disease surveillance to protect the domestic swine industry. While there is no indication that these animals are carrying disease, precautionary testing is being conducted. Shooters are encouraged to bring the carcass to a DNR Field Station where the heads will be removed for testing. Those who plan to have the swine mounted should ask the taxidermist to submit the heads to the DNR.

If you see or shoot any feral swine please contact: DNR at (517) 336-5030 or via email brownkr@michigan.gov; MDA at 1-800-292-3939 and press "4" for the Animal Industry Division; or USDA Wildlife Services at (517) 336-1928. For more information on Zoonotic diseases or a map listing the counties with feral swine, go to: www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.