Provincial government taking aim at feral pig problem

Saskatchewan is taking steps to limit the impact of feral pigs and wild boars on the province.

With experts saying wild boars and feral pigs are running amok in Saskatchewan, the provincial government on Wednesday announced it was planning regulations for licensing existing commercial wild boar farms and imposing a moratorium on any new farms.

Regulations also will be developed under The Pest Control Act, which the government said “would specify the various monitoring and control efforts as well as public obligations to report.”

As well, the province is doubling to $200,000 its annual funding for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Feral Wild Boar Control Program.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities recently asked the government to develop a long-term solution to the wild boar/feral pigs issue in Saskatchewan.

“Increasing feral pig surveillance and eradication efforts, along with declaring them a regulated pest, are proactive measures to help ensure the health of both the agriculture industry and the natural environment in Saskatchewan,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a release.

“These are substantial steps that improve risk management and protect the resilience and security of our agriculture industry, which is a critical component of our provincial economy.”

Feral pigs can damage hay and cropland, spread invasive plant species, harass livestock and wildlife, and spread livestock diseases.

People who see wild boars or feral pigs are urged to call their local crop insurance corporation office or 1-888-935-0000.