Domestic pigs raised in traditional farm facilities or backyard settings are vulnerable to diseases harbored by feral swine. (Photo by 

 USDA-Agricultural Research Service.) 



Potential for the Transmission of Diseases Between 

 Feral Swine and Domestic Pigs — Swine diseases 

 such as brucellosis, PRV, and classical swine fever 

 (CSF) have been eradicated from domestic pig 

 populations. But domestic pigs raised in traditional 

 farm facilities or "backyard" settings are vulnerable 

 to diseases harbored by feral swine. The objectives 

 of this study were to determine (1) serum antibody 

 levels to PRV, brucellosis, CSF, and porcine 

 reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in 

 Texas feral swine populations; and (2) the frequency 

 of feral swine contact with domestic swine. 



Results showed the prevalence of antibodies to 

 brucellosis, PRV, and CSF in feral swine was 11, 30, 

 and percent, respectively. Also, feral swine from 

 southern Texas were 8 times more likely to have 

 been exposed to PRV than to brucellosis; whereas, 

 feral swine from eastern Texas were 1.3 times 

 more likely to have been exposed to brucellosis 

 than to PRV. Seven radio-collared feral swine (19 

 percent of the study group) came within 300 feet of 

 domestic swine facilities, providing opportunities for 

 disease transmission by fenceline contact, while 33 

 feral swine (89 percent) used habitats within 1 mile 

 of domestic swine. (Contact closer than 1 mile is 

 considered a threat to the health of domestic swine 

 via aerosol transmission.) 



Invasive Species and Technology 

 Development Research Program 



TITLE: Development and Assessment of Methods 

 and Strategies To Monitor and Manage 

 Mammalian Invasive Species, With an 

 Emphasis on Rodents 



GOAL: Review the current biological status 

 of established and potential invasive 

 mammalian species, with an emphasis 

 on rodents in the United States and its 

 territories, and investigate promising 

 methods and strategies for surveillance, 

 management, and eradication. 



The National Invasive Species Council has 

 documented the serious threat posed by invasive 

 or introduced plants, invertebrates, disease agents, 

 and vertebrates to agriculture, property, natural 

 resources, and human health and safety in the 

 United States. It is estimated that invasive species 

 result in at least $138 million per year in losses, 

 damage, and control costs. About 300 species 

 of invasive vertebrates have been accidentally 

 or purposefully introduced into the country, 

 including about 20 species of mammals. These 



30 Developing Methods 



