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A New Toxicant Tool Decreases Feral Hog Populations in Texas

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 02:23:34 GMT

Explosive numbers , deadly destruction , devastating economic impact . Is it possible to control the spiraling feral hog population in Texas?

A new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service study shows a warfarin-based toxicant could help slow the out-of-control feral hog numbers by serving as an effective option for landowners and to help minimize damage on their property.

“Texas A&M AgriLife experts are the leading authorities on feral hog control in the nation, and we are the first to test this in a real-world application and to show that this warfarin-based toxicant can be effective for reducing these pests,” explains John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. “Unabated feral hog populations threaten our natural resources, our livelihoods and our quality of life, and our goal, as a land-grant institution, is to provide safe, effective, science-backed solutions for all Texans.”

The two-year study took place on 23 sites in 10 counties across the various regions of the state. Conducted by Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management associate professor and AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist John Tomeček, and Michael Bodenchuk, director of Texas Wildlife Services, the teams were able to effectively and efficiently reduce feral hog numbers with diligent application of the product, according to a release .

“Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service was tasked with evaluating the product’s ability to reduce feral hog numbers and damage in regions across the state and seasons of the year,” Tomeček says. “We found that it can be highly effective when utilized correctly and saw no access to the toxicant by non-target species when all feeder devices functioned properly.”

This study is an important step in the fight to curb the economic and environmental impact of feral hogs in Texas and across the nation, Sharp says. With more than 3 million feral hogs causing more than $500 million in damage to agriculture and private property throughout Texas each year , feral hogs are a burden that also destroy native wildlife and disturb native ecosystems.

Toxicant as a Tool

Researchers conducted field evaluations of a low-dose warfarin-based toxicant to determine its efficacy in various regions of the state and to assess the product’s ability to help landowners prevent property damage and economic harm from feral hogs. AgriLife Extension specialists worked with private landowners on recommended application methodologies to provide real-world testing conditions for the product and the suggested best practices, the release explains.

Bait that included warfarin was placed in specially designed dispensers that prevent access by non-target species, Tomeček says. Feral hogs were conditioned to access the bait before the product was applied. Once the product was applied, feral hogs consumed lethal doses within five days of consistent access to the bait.

Tomeček points out that the product is not considered acutely toxic to non-target animals in the event some might gain limited access to the bait. It’s also not found at lethal levels within the tissue of deceased feral hogs.

The key is to “correctly and consistently” use the warfarin-based toxicant.

After a trial period of close supervision and instruction, landowners in the study applied and managed the bait themselves. During the project, the Texas A&M AgriLife team made several discoveries that will help increase efficacy of the product when applied, the release said.

Landowners who checked the feeder for mechanical issues and replaced bait consistently as part of their regular maintenance schedule reported sharp declines in feral hog numbers and damage levels over the seasons of the year.
Landowners who did not adhere to instruction reported mixed to low success in curbing feral hog numbers on their property. These results were true, regardless of the season of the year or the region of the state where the trial was being conducted.

With threats of African swine fever (ASF) and other foreign animal diseases getting closer to the U.S., wild hog control is becoming an even more critical topic as wild hogs serve as vectors of disease.

Read More About Feral Hogs:

Feral Swine: USDA Monitors World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species

A Sport Utility Vehicle for Disease: Wild Pigs Wreak Havoc in Louisiana

Missouri’s Feral Hog Problem Turns a Corner

Texas Pork Producers Face Uphill Battle with Wild Pigs

Is Aerial Gunning the Answer for Uptick of Wild Hogs?

Is Missouri’s Feral Hog Population on the Decline?

Feral Swine Eradication Program Should Be Permanent, Senators Urge

Destructive, Formidable, Invasive: How is the U.S. Managing the Feral Hog Population?

Feral Swine Test Positive for Pseudorabies at Colorado Farm

Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:56:42 GMT

As misinformation regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock filter through social media, there are facts begging to be set straight.

Recently, a claim was made saying producers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines.

According to USDA spokesperson, Marissa Perry says, “There is no requirement or mandate that producers vaccinate their livestock for any disease. It is a personal and business decision left up to the producer and will remain that way,” in response to the claim, Associated Press shared in an article .

National Pork Board’s Director of Consumer Public Relations, Jason Menke echoed the statement to AP, noting that the decision to use vaccines and other medical treatments to protect animal health and well-being are made by the farmer under the direction of the herd veterinarian.

To further explain mRNA vaccines and shed light on controversies, Dr. Kevin Folta, a molecular biologist and professor at the University of Florida, shares his viewpoint and experience with the technology.

What are mRNA Vaccines?

First introduced to the population through the COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccines have been in development for decades, says Folta in a recent AgriTalk segment.

He adds that the technology’s potential in human health makes it a likely candidate to have a place in animal health as well. However, “the technology is being maligned in social media, and is now shaping decisions at the level of state legislature,” Folta says. This leads to the growing importance that producers and consumers become more educated on the topic.

What Folta believes began in January of this year, based on claims with very little data, certain advocates against mRNA vaccines are concerned that mRNA vaccines are in use and development in livestock. Additionally, these vaccines may then be present in the food these animals provide.

Why mRNA Vaccines Are Not Present in Food

“It’s not in your food. It’s a vaccine for the animal that, just like any vaccine, protects the animal from disease,” Folta says.

Current mRNA vaccines being used in swine are injected into the muscle, Folta explains, which causes the development of the immune response protein to then stimulate the body to work against the virus.

“In the absence of the virus, it’s kind of like giving the virus or giving the body a ‘wanted’ poster that says, ‘when this individual comes along, and this virus comes along, work against it,’ and it’s all gone within hours,” he adds.

The mRNA never leaves the cells from where it was injected. RNA is a very unstable molecule that must be kept cold, buffered and in solvent, to remain viable, Folta explains.

Additionally, any licensed vaccine comes with a minimum time before that animal can enter the food chain, also known as the “withdrawal time,” says Alan Young, professor in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at South Dakota State University and founder of protein platform (non-mRNA) vaccine company Medgene.

The Animal’s Genes Are Not Altered

While mRNA vaccines include genetic code, Folta says the use of a mRNA vaccines does not alter the animal’s genes in any way.

“This [mRNA] is an intermediate between the gene itself and the products that the gene encodes. So, it’s like having a blueprint and a house. The mRNA is like the construction worker. It takes the blueprint and manufactures the house. In the case of the cell, it takes the DNA blueprint and then takes a little bit of that information to build part of the final structure. The mRNA is just that intermediate, it does not change the genes. It doesn’t change the DNA itself,” he explains.

What are the Benefits of mRNA Vaccines?

More flexibility and faster response to new disease, Folta describes as reasons why mRNA vaccines are becoming more popular.

Traditional vaccines require large amounts of a virus to be raised and purified before being injected to elicit an immune response, he adds. Meanwhile, mRNA encourages the body to make a little piece of protein to elicit the desired immune response.

“It’s much cleaner, much easier. If you’re moving parts in this machine, to make this product that induces an immune response, it’s so good in so many ways,” Folta says.

In pork production specifically, researchers are working with mRNA vaccines that will work this way against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is a viral disease that causes economic loss totals around $664 million per year in the U.S. (Holtkamp et al., 2013).

Additionally, the use of mRNA technology adds another tool to the toolbox, which may be helpful in combating diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF), avian influenza and other food-animal diseases.
“This stands to be a revolutionary technology if we don’t get in the way,” Folta adds.

Are There Risks to mRNA Vaccines?

Folta says everything has some sort of risk, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risk.
As seen with the COVID-19 vaccines, in rare cases, people experienced side effects from the vaccine. However, Folta is encouraged by the initial results in livestock.

“If you look in animals where these [vaccines] have been used, there have been no unusual effects noted. Everything potentially has risk, but it’s monitored, and especially in large animal populations, we can look very carefully at that for surveillance,” he explains.

mRNA Enters State Legislation

While some consumers spread misinformation about the use of mRNA vaccines, the ideas have also crept into state legislation.

The Missouri House Bill 1169 , with a special hearing set for Apr. 19 on the matter, aims to require a label be used on meat from animals treated with an mRNA vaccine, identifying the “potential gene therapy product.”
This bill falsely claims that mRNA vaccines would modify the genes of the organism, Folta explains.

mRNA vaccines are simply another modality that can protect animal health, which results in healthy animals producing the best and safest food products, Folta says, and provides producers with more options to help combat disease.

“To have affordable food, we need to have continual innovation in the animal, medical, veterinary space and mRNA vaccines are safe and an effective way to treat the animal that does not change the final product,” he adds.

The COVID-19 pandemic simply “broke the seal” to the development of these new modalities that will change the way human and animal diseases will be treated in the years to come.

More on Vaccines:

Genvax Technologies Secures $6.5 Million to Advance Novel Vaccine Platform

Cattle Veterinarians Have New Vaccination Guidelines

Don’t Assume That Old Refrigerator Is Good Enough To Store Vaccines

OTC Livestock Antibiotics Will Require Prescription June 11

A Round-Up of Pork Industry News

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

From new products to impact report details, the pork industry shows dedication to continuous improvement. Here’s a look at recent news from key players and emerging startups.

Hormel Foods Launches 16th Annual Global Impact Report

Hormel Foods Corporation announced the launch of its 16th annual Global Impact Report, detailing the company’s progress in its corporate responsibility and environmental, social and governance goals in 2021.

Highlights from the company’s 2021 progress include:

• Launch of its 20 by 30 Challenge, striving to achieve 20 qualitative and quantitative goals and commitments by the end of 2030, to address the issues most relevant to the business and its stakeholders.

• Initiate and complete renewable energy wind and solar projects, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2023.

• Conducted animal care audits to ensure high standards are being met.

• Launch over 400 new retail and foodservice items, while reducing added sugars and sodium and continuing its clean-label initiative

• Pioneer a college degree program, supporting over 150 students who are dependent children of team members.

• Contribute over $8.5 million in hunger-relief donations and educational support.

The full report can be found on their website .

Feed Energy Company Announces New Product Line, StimGain

Joining its existing lineup of value-add animal health and nutrition products, Feed Energy introduces StimGain to support nutrition gains in dairy and beef cattle, poultry and swine.

Available Sept. 1, Feed Energy nutrition scientists and production teams have worked to develop these products aiming to contribute to feed efficiency and be designed for specific livestock needs. StimGain can also be used in combination with Feed Energy’s existing fat and oil-based products.

“This expansion allows us to advance our existing expertise within the livestock industry while continuing to provide innovative solutions that help our customers meet their goals,” Chris Snyder, CEO of Feed Energy said in a release.

Vidium Animal Health Earns Innovation Award at Animal Health Summit in Kansas City

A Phoenix-based startup, Vidium Animal Health, developing precision cancer detection in pets earned top honors as one of 11 startups presenting during the Emerging Companies event at the Animal Health Summit. In this “Shark Tank” type event, entrepreneurs pitched their idea seeking support of investors, potential partners in the audience and a panel of judges.

David Haworth, DVM and president of Vidium Animal Health, said in a release that the company plans to bring a genomic-based blood test that identifies specific DNA mutations present in a patient’s body, at a price point that is feasible to be incorporated into wellness exams. The startup aims to provide veterinarians information that allows them to choose targeted treatments that are more likely to be effective.

New Products Approved by FDA for Food Animals

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 15:25:57 GMT

The FDA announces, via industry press releases, that it has approved several products for use in food animals. The products include:

~ Vetoquinol’s Tulaven 100 (generic tulathromycin injection) for use in cattle and swine; and Tulaven 25 in calves and swine.

~ Bimeda’s ProstaMate (generic dinoprost tromethamine injection) for use in beef and dairy cattle to synchronize estrous cycles.

~ Virbac ‘s TIA 12.5% (generic tiamulin hydrogen fumarate) oral liquid concentrate for use in swine for treatment of swine dysyentery and swine pneumonia. FDA has also approved Virbac’s Tussilin 100 (generic tulathromycin injection) for use in cattle and swine; and Tussilin 25 in calves and swine.

This summary of information was provided by Lynn Fondon, DVM, MBA, in the Brakke Consulting Animal Health News and Notes distributed Dec. 3, 2021.

New Product In Battle With Feral Hogs

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:08:32 GMT

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced a new tool in the war against feral hogs with the release of a new hog contraceptive bait entering the market this week. A new product called HogStop is being released with the goal of curbing the growth of the feral hog population in Texas over time.

“The feral hog problem has exploded into a crisis,” said Commissioner Miller, “Texas farmers and ranchers need every tool they can get their hands on to stop these hogs. With this new product, we’re one step closer to my goal of making feral hogs an endangered species in Texas.”

According to recent reports, the feral hog population in Texas has swelled to over 2.6 million. Feral hogs cause an estimated $52 million in damages, not just to farm and ranch land, but to urban areas, parks, golf courses. Feral hogs were even responsible for at least one human death in the last few years.

An all-natural contraceptive bait, HogStop targets the male hog’s prodigious ability to reproduce. Feral hogs have the highest reproduction rate of any similar species and can produce a new litter every three months or so and can produce litters of up to 20.

“I am very excited about this new product, Hogstop,” Miller said. “This could be a great new weapon in the war on feral hogs. It appears that unlike other hog baits, this is not a poison. Instead, it interrupts the reproduction of this animal over time, and therefore makes the product more humane. Hogstop, or any other product that is available to help Texas farmers and ranchers curb the damage done by these feral hogs, is welcomed at the Texas Department of Agriculture.”

Hogstop is considered a 25 (b) pesticide by the EPA, and as such, does not have to be registered by TDA before use.

“Contraceptive baits like HogStop work to strike a blow against the exponential growth of the feral hog population in Texas,” said Miller. “As we fight to find other ways to eradicate these pests, these kinds of products can knock down the numbers over a period of time.”

For more information about HogStop, visit their website at www.hogstop.com