Diseases and Parasites
Feral hogs are susceptible to a variety of infectious and parasitic diseases.
The more hog populations increase and expand, the greater the chances that
they may transmit disease to other wildlife, to livestock and to humans.
External parasites that infest feral hogs include fleas, hog lice and ticks.
Internal parasites include roundworms, liver flukes, kidneyworms, lungworms,
stomach worms and whipworms. Hog diseases that could have severe
repercussions for agribusiness include swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, leptospirosis,
tuberculosis, tularemia, trichinosis, plague and anthrax. Exotic or
foreign diseases of concern include foot and mouth disease, African swine
fever, hog cholera and swine vesicular disease.
Swine brucellosis is a bacterial disease of animals and humans. It causes
abortions in sows and can cause infertility in boars. It is a threat to the swine
industry. It is transmitted through reproductive discharges (semen and afterbirth)
and, once infected, a hog is a carrier for life. Brucellosis is contagious
to humans; chronic symptoms range from severe flu to arthritis and meningitis.
Humans can be treated with antibiotics, but there is no cure for livestock.
Pseudorabies, a viral disease, attacks the central nervous system and can
be fatal to cattle, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, raccoons, skunks, opossums
and small rodents. It is not related to rabies and it does not infect humans.
Pseudorabies is a special concern to swine producers because it causes abortions
and stillbirths. Once infected, hogs are lifetime carriers and periodically
shed the virus through their noses and mouths. Livestock can be infected by
direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated feed or water,
or contacting contaminated equipment. Vaccinating livestock, particularly
swine, may help to curb the spread of the virus.
Anthrax is a soil-borne disease that occurs irregularly in Texas, usually
where the daily minimum temperature is at least 60 degrees F, where wet
periods are followed by long dry periods, and where soils are alkaline or neutral.
All mammals, especially ruminants, are susceptible to anthrax. Feral
hogs may come into contact with the bacteria while feeding or by interacting
with infected animals. Humans can contract the disease from contaminated
soil or animals. Vaccines are available for both humans and livestock.
Foot and mouth disease is a foreign animal disease of great concern
because it is highly contagious, spreads rapidly, can cause serious economic
losses, and can constrain international trade in livestock products. It is a viral
disease of ungulates (mainly cloven-hoofed ruminants, including swine) and
some rodents. It does not affect humans, but humans can spread the virus.
There is no known cure. Symptoms include fever and blister-like lesions on
the tongue, teats, lips, inside of the mouth, and between the hooves. Many
infected animals recover, but are permanently debilitated. The virus can be
spread by contact with infected animals and with contaminated feed, water
or equipment.
Livestock should be vaccinated appropriately, especially if they may have
contact with feral hogs. Anyone who handles a feral hog should wear rubber
gloves, particularly if there is contact with blood or reproductive organs.
18 Feral hog meat should be thoroughly cooked before it is eaten.
We do eat them but only in the winter, he says when it starts getting hot is when they get all the parasites !?
