“People need to consider the possible consequences of transporting and releasing wild pigs that could well be carrying the disease,” says Phillip Swann, Raglan.
“It’s about educating people who release these pigs that enough is enough. We’re talking about farmers’ livelihoods here which could be threatened if TB was introduced.”
TBfree New Zealand Northern North Island programme manager Brent Webster warns releasing pigs could undo the effort put into ensuring the area remains TB free.
“We are working hard to eradicate bovine TB from New Zealand and releasing wild pigs into the forest is a major threat to this goal,” says Webster.
Hunters should also be aware of they could get TB from handling infected animals or their carcasses.
“You should always practise good hygiene when hunting wild pigs, including disinfecting all knives and other gear after use, cover any cuts on your hands and arms and wash after cutting up animals,” he adds.
The Department of Conservation is also concerned about the damage wild pigs cause to native species.
“The department has spent a great deal of time and effort over many years clearing wild goats, feral cattle and other pests from Mount Karioi – part of the Pirongia Forest Park – due to the extensive damage they inflict on our native species,” says DOC’s Waikato area manager Matt Cook.
“The deliberate release of pigs into such areas is extremely disappointing, given that they, in their own way, are just as destructive as wild goats and feral cattle,” Cook says.
