Did you know that feral swine damage results in at least $3.4 billion each year in the U.S.? Experts project that 8% of feral swine in the U.S. are infected with brucellosis, which can sicken livestock and people, USDA says.
Those are just two of many reasons why USDA is fighting back against the negative impact of feral swine in the U.S. by making $35 million available for partnerships to protect American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health from these pests. The deadline to apply for these grants has been extended to this Friday, Sept. 25.
This is just a part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program led by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Working Families Tax Cuts Act delivers the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, USDA notes, including support for this program. The legislation extends the program for another five years with a $105 million total investment split between NRCS and APHIS.
Partners selected to participate in the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program will provide landowner assistance for restoration and on-farm trapping efforts and provide related services, like training. USDA says the funding for these services will be provided through grant agreements between partners and NRCS.
For more information about this funding opportunity and to apply, visit the notice of funding on Grants.gov.
How Can You Identify Feral Swine Activity?
Look out for these signs of feral swine:
- Extensive rooting or digging that often occur as feral swine search for food
- Muddy wallows in wet areas during warmer months
- Tree rubbing, which often occurs after wallowing
- Tunnels and trails leading through thick vegetation
- Hoof tracks in the mud near springs, ponds and streams
- Scat, which resembles dog feces, that may contain partially digested remnants of acorns, grain and the hair, scales or feathers of animal the feral swine have eaten
