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Feral Swine Disease Surveillance

Last Modified: Jul 27, 2020
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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:

• pseudorabies*
• swine brucellosis*
• classical swine fever*
• African swine fever
• bovine tuberculosis
• influenza
• PRRS
• anthrax
• tularemia
• West Nile virus
• E. coli
• salmonella
• trichinosis
• streptococcus
• ticks, fleas, lice
• internal parasites

*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:

*Surveillance manuals available upon request

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