Feral hogs are rapidly becoming a nuisance for farmers and ranchers in Texas and across the nation. To help combat the growing population of the destructive species, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $20 million program.
Led by the Wildlife Service of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the program will tailor activities to each state’s situation and works with other federal, state, tribal and local entities, according to a USDA news release.
APHIS plans to have the program operating within the next six months, focusing on testing for feral hog diseases most concerning for U.S. pork producers. Swine brucellosis, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, swine influenza and pseudorabies are among the diseases to be tested to ensure U.S. domestic swine are safe to export.
Coordinating projects with Canada and Mexico also will take place.