NWDP is involved in disease management, research, disease surveillance, emergency response, education and outreach for diseases of feral swine. There are around 4 million feral swine in the United States today. These animals, weighing in at up to 400 lbs., are non-native to the US and are considered invasive. They can be reservoirs of disease and may act as a host to a number of parasites, leaving the United States domestic swine industry vulnerable to disease.

Known Feral Swine Diseases and Threats: 

*Since 2006, NWDP has implemented disease monitoring programs for swine brucellosis, pseudorabies and classical swine fever across the nation.

In accordance with the Act of 1931; the Rural Development, Agriculture & Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1988; and Homeland Security Presidential Directives 8 & 9; NWDP is committed to protecting domestic animals, wildlife and humans from a major zoonotic disease outbreak through an effective surveillance program.
 

Partners to WS in the surveillance of feral swine diseases:

• Federal Agencies
• State Wildlife Agencies
• Domestic Swine Industry
• Laboratories
• Universities
• Wildlife/Animal Health Organizations

More information on feral swine:

• Disease Risks Associated With Increasing Feral Swine Numbers and Distribution in the United States (pdf, 964kb)
• Brucellosis and Hog Hunters Brochure (pdf, 1.40mb)
• APHIS Publication: Feral Swine: Damage and Disease Threats (pdf, 184kb)

*Surveillance manuals available upon request