Australia is facing a looming biosecurity challenge that could carry devastating economic and environmental consequences: the intersection of feral pig populations and exotic livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF).
The August 2025 issue of The Report magazine warns that in a worst-case scenario, a large, multi-state FMD outbreak could cost the nation an estimated $80 billion over ten years. While livestock movements and exports would be immediately halted, another factor could make containment even harder—feral pigs.
A Widespread and Destructive Presence
Feral pigs now occupy around 45% of Australia’s landmass. Highly mobile and extremely adaptable, they:
Their wide range and mobility mean that, if infected, they could act as disease carriers between properties and regions, further complicating containment efforts.
Why They’re So Hard to Control
Controlling feral pigs is notoriously challenging:
• Populations are often underestimated, making baiting or poisoning campaigns less effective.
• If more than 70% of a local pig population isn’t removed annually, numbers quickly bounce back.
• Once pigs survive an eradication attempt, they often become wary and harder to target in the future.
Dr Heather Channon, National Feral Pig Management Coordinator, emphasises that single-method control approaches rarely work. The key lies in coordinated, long-term, multi-method strategies supported by strong local knowledge.
Disease Risk Adds Urgency
In the event of an FMD or ASF outbreak, feral pigs could:
• Spread the virus through movement and contact with contaminated material.
• Act as secondary hosts, sustaining outbreaks longer.
• Force authorities to expand eradication efforts far beyond domestic herds.
Preparedness requires better population data, strong landholder cooperation, and sustained funding—elements often missing from short-term government programs.
Conservationists on the Frontline
The Threat Looms feature also highlights the vital role of conservationists and volunteers, such as those protecting the endangered bridled nail-tail wallaby in Queensland. Their pest control work against pigs and other feral predators not only supports native species but also strengthens biosecurity by keeping potential disease vectors in check.
Hope Is Not a Strategy
Australia’s biosecurity experts agree: waiting for an outbreak before acting is a dangerous gamble. Investment in feral pig management now—before diseases arrive—is essential to safeguard our agriculture, environment, and economy.
