4,647 Less Ferals in the Upper Hunter

A total of 4,647 feral pigs, deer, goats, foxes and wild dogs have been culled in the Upper Hunter during a three week aerial shooting program by Hunter Local Land Services.

The area covered properties from Merriwa to Cassilis and from Murrurundi to the edge of the Barrington Tops in areas where water and feed are critically low.

Luke Booth, biosecurity team leader said the program will benefit local farms and native species struggling in the drought.

“Feral pigs pose the most significant biosecurity risk to agriculture in New South Wales,” said Mr Booth.

“Not only do they carry endemic parasites and diseases that can affect both humans and other livestock, they cause significant damage to pastures, crops and native vegetation,” he said.

“The lack of water and feed means many pest species are coming closer to farms, searching for available resources, which is adding to the pressure already being felt by local landholders,” he said.

“Assisting landholders to control pest species is a crucial part of our role, especially when landholders are being impacted by the current drought,” said Mr Booth.

In total 2,285 pigs, 2,297 deer, 38 goats, 20 foxes, and seven wild dogs were controlled during the program.

Landholders are also being encouraged by Local Land Services to participate in baiting programs and report wild dog sightings and pest animal problems to the local biosecurity officer.

More intensive control programs planned for later this year.

Scone biosecurity officers: Richard Ali: 0429 722 944 or Jonathan Randle: 0429 342 995.