Animal Control Technologies (Australia) Pty Ltd
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PIGOUT® and Feral Pig FAQ
A feral pig
Frequently asked questions about feral pigs
- Are feral pigs from one source?
- Most feral pigs in Australia descend from breeds of the domestic pig. The main contributors were probably the European Berkshire and Tamworth breeds which had already been heavily modified by cross-breeding with other breeds and Asian bloodlines
- How far do feral pigs move?
- Individuals can move up to 55 kilometres to go from one watercourse to another in search of food or in response to major prolonged disturbance due to control programs. Most feral pigs retain a strong attachment to their home range, even when subject to minor disturbances such as low level hunting. This is, however, habitat dependant.
- What is the social structure of feral pigs?
- Feral pigs are social animals and form a variety of groups. The most common grouping is one or more sows and their piglets, but groups may also consist of young sows, bachelor males and other combinations. Bachelor males generally stay together until they are about 18 months old after which they tend to be solitary and only join groups for mating or to feed on localised sources of food. The size of feral pig groups varies considerably across Australia. In the open country of western NSW the group size is usually about 10, but may increase to 50 or more especially if the range of the animals is restricted to remaining water points during drought.
- Do they need water and cover?
- The distribution of feral pigs in Australia is mainly restricted by the availability of adequate water. They can withstand high temperatures but only where there are adequate supplies of water and shelter from the heat of the day. They tend to avoid the extremes of the day by being active at night and in the early morning and evening. Water is less important in the cooler forests where they can be active for much longer during the day.
- How many feral pigs are there in Australia?
- Estimates of feral pigs numbers vary anywhere between 3.5 and 23.5 million. It is very difficult to accurately estimate a total number as their distribution and abundance can vary greatly due to changing environmental conditions from year to year. Numbers drop dramatically during drought but can increase greatly in a run of good seasons. Feral pig densities in different habitats vary from about one pig per square kilometre in drier woodland and grazing land up to 40 per square kilometre in wetlands and floodplains that are seasonally flooded.
Frequently asked questions about PIGOUT®
- How long does it take for PIGOUT® baits to break down?
- PIGOUT® baits are designed to break down over time with the action of moulds and bacteria in the soil. Breakdown varies with temperature and soil moisture from a week or more in wet tropical conditions, to two months in dry arid areas. PIGOUT® baits should either be retrieved from bait sites before working dogs are re-introduced to an area that has been baited, or any dogs muzzled to prevent them picking up an old bait.
- Is 72mg of 1080 enough for an average feral pig?
- The average weight of a feral pig is about 50kg and hence will be controlled with one PIGOUT® bait. However, due to individual susceptibilities to 1080 and the potential for larger boars to access baits, cluster baiting to allow pigs to locate at least one or two baits should occur.
- Should a lure trail be used?
- No. Lure trails are not necessary, however free-feeding with PIGOUT® Free Feed Baits prior to laying of poison baits is encouraged to maximise the number of pigs at a bait site.
- How far apart should I place the baits?
- Baits should be laid in clusters where feral pigs are known to be active rather than laid individually or at set distances as pigs feed in groups.
- Can baits be regurgitated?
- PIGOUT® baits are designed to digest quickly in the stomach of the feral pig, and are less prone to regurgitation than whole meat baits, however some pigs may regurgitate bait material during toxicosis.
- Are farm livestock at risk from PIGOUT® baits?
- Livestock are not commonly attracted to PIGOUT® baits. Nevertheless it is prudent to ensure stock cannot access the baits once laid.
- Can PIGOUT® be used in aerial campaigns?
- Yes. Where aerial application of baits is permitted, PIGOUT® baits can be successfully deployed from the air. Check with the regulations in your state or territory as to the legalities of aerial application.
- How do I order PIGOUT® baits?
- Contact your usual 1080 baiting source: Qld - Local Gov. LPO or Biosecurity Qld LPO, NSW - RLPBs, ACT - EACT, SA - NRM officers, NT - Parks & Wildlife, WA & Vic - Leading rural merchants. (PIGOUT® is subject to the same permit & indemnity requirements from these agencies as fresh meat or grain baits containing 1080.) See the State 1080 Regulations page on this site for more information.
Animal Control Technologies
46-50 Freight Drive
Somerton, Victoria, 3062
Australia
Telephone +61 3 9308 9688
Fax +61 3 9308 9622
E-mail: enquiries@animalcontrol.com.au
