News Release Distributed 09/09/10

New Louisiana laws may help stop feral hogs from impeding other wildlife populations such as deer and turkey. The elusive hogs also cause property damage and devalue land leased for hunting.

A sizeable herd of feral hogs can contaminate streams, ponds and lakes from which deer drink, endanger livestock through disease transmission and tear down fences, said Ricky Kilpatrick, LSU AgCenter forestry agent.

A law enacted in June 2010 allows hunting feral hogs, nutria and beaver at night on private property from February to August, Kilpatrick said. Texas landowners have had some success in controlling feral hog damage through night hunting, said Michael Kaller, LSU AgCenter wildlife and fisheries specialist.

LSU AgCenter research indicates feral hogs also can transmit harmful bacteria to humans who come into contact with contaminated water during swimming or boating, Kaller said. These same bacteria may reduce fish populations and angling opportunities.

Kilpatrick said the Louisiana Forestry Association lobbied for the laws because feral hogs uproot trees, which also impedes the forestry industry.

Feral hogs compete with deer for food, and they also eat carcasses and other animals, including young deer, turkey and livestock, Kilpatrick said.

When feral hogs are brought for sale, they are tested for brucellosis, a disease that can spread to livestock and cause animals to abort. Based on this testing, five percent of Louisiana feral swine are believed to be carrying brucellosis, Kaller said. Therefore, hunters and trappers should take precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks, when handling feral hogs.

No one should trap feral hogs and then have them anywhere around domestic swine, Kilpatrick said. Feral hogs are attracted to domestic swine and will readily transmit disease and attack perceived rivals, Kaller said, adding that domestic herds exposed to feral hogs may be destroyed if local feral hogs test positive for disease.

Jerry Dison, who is in charge of maintenance at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station near Bossier City, has had success with portable snare traps.

His traps are fashioned from a 10-feet long piece of aircraft cable. Dison anchors one end to a solid object such as a tree or post. With the other end, he makes a loop with a sliding lock or heavy-duty washer. When an animal steps in the loop, the lock or washer tightens the loop capturing the animal as it moves forward.

Dison staggers eight to 10 snare traps across an area that shows signs of active hogs. He uses gloves to avoid leaving a scent on the trap and the possibility of coming in contact with brucellosis, bacteria that cause disease in humans.

Another law, which was effective Aug. 15, limits free range for domestic hogs, Kilpatrick said. Owners of hogs will have to keep their hogs penned and be responsible if the hogs damage a neighbor’s property.

“Feral hogs come and go. They grow smart to trapping and move on,” Kilpatrick said. “They move up and down creeks. Landowners may think they go away, but they’ll be back at some point.”

Landowners have reported hog damage to wildlife food plots, levees and roads, Kaller said. Damage and control expenses average around $400 per year with some landowners spending several thousand dollars.

Landowners also report that hog populations have rapidly increased and expanded over the last decade, Kaller said.

“Individual efforts are not sufficient. Cooperative efforts among neighbors and prevention are the only real solutions," Kaller said.