Texas Anthrax Triangle: Feral Hogs Pose Deadly Risk

Feral hogs in Texas have become a significant concern due to their potential to spread anthrax, a dangerous infection that can be fatal to humans. These invasive animals inhabit 250 of Texas's 254 counties, causing extensive damage annually. A particular area, known as the Texas Anthrax Triangle, is especially problematic, as it contains approximately three million feral hogs, nearly half of the nation's total.

The Texas Anthrax Triangle, encompassing towns like Uvalde, Ozona, and Eagle Pass, poses a heightened risk. Microscopic anthrax spores can lie dormant in the soil for decades, and feral hogs disturb this soil through their rooting and wallowing behaviors. This activity can lead to the hogs becoming infected, subsequently spreading the spores to other animals and humans through direct contact or inhalation.

While anthrax is treatable with antibiotics, especially when caught early, an untreated inhalation infection has a grim 90 percent fatality rate. The spores are highly resilient, resisting heat and disinfectants. Proper disposal of infected hogs, either through burning or deep burial, is vital to prevent reinfection and further spread, as these animals are known to scavenge carcasses and disturb the soil.