Officials from the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are encouraging deer hunters with a valid hunting license to shoot feral swine (free-ranging pigs) in 50 Michigan counties.
"It is critical that feral swine are removed from the landscape as soon as possible," said Douglas Reeves, DNR Wildlife Division acting chief. "Feral swine populations cause crop damage, pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of domestic swine, and negatively impact wildlife populations and ecosystems. They can be dangerous to humans as well."
Officials said state law protects livestock that has temporarily escaped from farms; so special precautions are necessary to guard farmer's property, but the state also wants to keep feral swine populations from becoming established. On April 12, 2007, a resolution to prevent the establishment of feral swine in Michigan was passed by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Commission.
"We will take aggressive enforcement action to protect the health of domestic swine and to eliminate feral swine from the wild in Michigan," said State Veterinarian Steven Halstead. "Our goal is to safeguard the livestock industry as well as the environment from these unwelcome invaders."
Sam Hines, executive vice president of Michigan Pork Producers Association, warned that "the production of domestic swine in Michigan is a $700 million industry and feral swine present a risk to the industry."
County prosecutors are aware that shooting feral swine in 50 counties is permitted and have assured MDA officials that individuals who shoot feral swine in those counties will not be prosecuted.
Feral swine may be taken in the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Cheboygan, Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lake, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne.
Feral swine can carry diseases such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis (TB) and trichinosis, which may impact the state's domestic swine industry and Michigan's wildlife. Therefore, MDA and DNR have set up a program to test these harvested animals for certain diseases.
DNR staff will assist hunters in submitting samples for free disease testing. Blood collection kits also are available at the USDA Wildlife Services office in Okemos and should be obtained prior to entering the field. A person will need the vials with them to gather blood immediately after shooting a pig.
A person field-dressing swine, especially in the northeastern Lower Michigan TB area, should wear gloves. If the lungs, ribcage or internal organs from a feral swine look abnormal (multiple tan or yellow lumps), the meat should not be eaten. The carcass should, however, be removed from the environment and brought to a DNR field office for testing.
It is highly unlikely a person will contract a disease by eating cooked meat of feral swine. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, feral swine should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. to kill the parasite that causes trichinosis.
State law prohibits the release of any species having the potential to spread serious diseases or parasites, to cause serious physical harm, or to otherwise endanger native wildlife, human life, livestock, domestic animals, or property. Intentional release of swine in Michigan is a felony and may be punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years.
The DNR reminds hunters to be certain of their targets before shooting. Feral swine usually range between 60 pounds and 300 pounds, but can weigh even more. They tend to be dark brown or black with thick, bristly hair and often have tusks.
Feral swine tend to frequent swamps and drainages near agricultural fields. Feral swine may not show up regularly at any given site, therefore hunters need to take advantage of the first opportunity to shoot the swine because they likely will not get a second chance.
When shooting a pig, aim for the shoulder or slightly ahead of the shoulder. The vital area of a pig is more forward than a deer.
If you see or shoot any feral swine, please contact the DNR at (517) 336-5030; e-mail: brownkr@michigan.gov or call the MDA at (517) 373-1077 or the USDA Wildlife Services at (517) 336-1928.
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx