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Kentucky's Wild Swine Threat: Billions in Damage

Summary

  • Feral swine cause billions in damage, destroying crops and ecosystems.
  • These intelligent animals transmit fatal diseases to livestock and humans.
  • Kentucky aims to eradicate wild pigs within five to seven years.
Kentucky's Wild Swine Threat: Billions in Damage

Feral swine populations are soaring in eastern Kentucky, leading to billions of dollars in damage and posing a significant threat to agriculture and the environment. These highly adaptable animals, originally introduced for sport, are now estimated at over six million nationwide, present in 35 states.

Their destructive behavior includes obliterating crops and forests, degrading water quality, and displacing native wildlife. Wild pigs can also transmit up to 45 diseases and parasites, endangering livestock and humans. The Kentucky Wild Pig Eradication Task Force is actively working to protect the state's agricultural interests.

Recognizing the intelligence and adaptability of these animals, Kentucky is employing trapping as the primary eradication method, with a goal of complete removal within five to seven years. Farmers are urged to report sightings and utilize free removal services offered by state and federal agencies.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.
Feral swine are estimated to cause $1.5 billion in damage annually across the United States, with significant impact in Kentucky.
Yes, feral pigs can transmit up to 45 diseases and parasites to both livestock and humans, some of which can be fatal.
Kentucky has established an Eradication Task Force and offers free removal services, primarily using trapping methods.

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Kentucky Feral Swine: Billions in Damage