Research from the University of Queensland has found the sex of feral pigs and seasonal conditions are likely to intensify potential disease outbreaks in pig populations.
Dr Tatiana Proboste from the School of Veterinary Science said understanding how pigs interacted was critical to protecting Australia from diseases that could impact national biosecurity and cost millions of dollars.
"Feral pig populations pose a significant health threat to Australian agriculture and people because they can be potential carriers of diseases such as African swine fever and Japanese encephalitis," Dr Proboste said.
"The estimated number of feral pigs varies from 2.4 to 4.4 million in Australia, which creates a risk to domestic pigs if there is a disease incursion.
"Disease outbreaks could devastate farmer's livelihoods and export markets."
Dr Proboste analysed the movements of 146 feral pigs tracked by GPS collars at 9 locations across Queensland and New South Wales.
The findings will inform emergency response strategies for disease outbreaks and inform government policy.
"Information from Australian populations ensures the response will be tailored to local conditions and be more representative," Dr Proboste said.
"Our research shows male feral pigs have a higher chance of spreading disease than females.
"Males interact more with different groups of pigs, whereas females travel less and mostly stay within their own herd.
"Our data also showed feral pigs have more contact with each other in summer, which means a disease is expected to spread further and faster between December and February.
"This research suggests that during a disease outbreak that involves feral pig transmission, a focus on male pigs could decrease the rate of transmission and help with containment."
The study was completed using data provided by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The research was published in eLife.
Media:
UQ Communications
