Pig numbers explode and move closer to town

RESIDENTS in Scone are concerned wild pigs are now on the edge of residential areas as NSW Farmers confirm numbers are skyrocketing throughout the state.

Two wild pig carcasses were found near the culvert on Gundy Road on the edge of the Scone township, which appeared to have been hit by cars. 

Residents near Scone Heights have also seen evidence of damage caused by wild pigs in the paddocks adjoining the residential area and are concerned about the danger posed to domestic animals, children living in the area and the broader risk of swine brucellosis.

Bruce Duncan, NSW Farmers wild dog coordinator said the wet weather conditions have created the perfect breeding conditions for wild pigs and wild dogs and has called for increased animal control.

Wetter than normal weather has seen back to back breeding cycles, stretching farmers trying to minimise the destruction the animals are causing.

Surface water has dried up causing wild pigs and dogs to head to permanent water points, such as farm dams.

“The damage caused by a wild pig is truly amazing if you haven’t seen it before,” Mr Duncan said.

“They can quickly rip through fields and fences, attack lambs and goat kids, and can bring disease as well,” he said.

“Combine that destruction with the loss of livestock to wild dog attacks, and you’ve got a big problem for agriculture,” Bruce Duncan said.

There are estimated to be more than 23 million feral pigs in Australia, costing agriculture more than $100 million per year.

James Jackson, president of NSW Farmers said they have asked the government to extend commitment to vertebrate pest management.

“Farmers are regularly trapping more than 60 pigs in a single week, it’s just a huge problem at the moment,” Mr Jackson said.

“As we see continued high prices and demand for livestock those losses will continue to sting the back pocket, which is why the work of people like Bruce is so important,” he said.

“The government is getting some great data through the GPS collaring project, which allows them to better understand how the animals move around the landscape, so they can better control these pests,” James Jackson said.