Human Health & Safety Concerns
Feral swine are known to carry diseases that can affect people, including brucellosis, leptosirosis, salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis, E. coli and trichinosis. Diseases such as pseudorabies and sarcoptic mange can affect pets such as dogs and cats.
Click here to learn more about WS’ National Wildlife Disease Program and its work related to feral swine diseases.
Health and Safety Issues Related to Hunting Feral Swine
In many areas, hunters harvest feral swine during state-regulated hunting seasons. There is some risk of hunters contracting illnesses such as brucellosis through contact with infected animals and consumption of inadequately cooked meat. Click here to learn more.
 Hunters can take precautions to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Click the brochure to view, “Wild Hog Hunting: Stay Healthy on Your Hunt!”
Health and Safety Issues Related to Feral Swine and Agricultural Crops
Feral swine have been implicated in cases of human illness and death due to fecal contamination of crops. In September 2006, an outbreak of E. coli O157 was linked to consumption of fresh, bagged, baby spinach, with 26 states and Canada reporting 205 cases of illness and 3 deaths. The contaminated spinach was traced back to a single California farm, where the outbreak strain was isolated from nearby cattle feces and feral swine feces.
Click here to learn more.
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