Feral Swine Disease Risks and Impacts to Dogs

Feral Swine Disease Risks and Impacts to Dogs
Why are feral swine a threat to my dogs?
Feral swine (also known as wild hogs, feral pigs, feral hogs, and wild boar) are
strong and resilient animals. They have adapted to living in extreme conditions
and can often survive disease infections that may sicken or kill dogs. Feral
swine also carry many parasites that can be transmitted to dogs, either through
direct contact or in the environment.

How can feral swine affect my dogs?
Unrestrained dogs and hunting dogs are more likely to approach and
chase feral swine putting these dogs at higher risk for disease or injury.
Feral swine will generally run to avoid conflict with a dog, but if a dog is
not restrained and chases the animals then the risk for attack increases.
Feral swine can severely injure a dog with their long, sharp tusks. In
addition to the risk of physical injury, dogs can be exposed to many
disease pathogens carried by feral swine.

Pseudorabies: an important disease of concern for dogs
exposed to feral swine
Antibody prevalence of pseudorabies
virus in feral swine

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

One of the most dangerous diseases that
can be transmitted by feral swine to dogs is
pseudorabies (also known as “mad itch” or
Aujeszky’s disease) because it is often fatal
to dogs. Dogs become infected through
nose-to-nose contact, contaminated water
or feed, ingestion of infected tissues,
airborne virus, or contaminated clothing,
equipment or surfaces. Symptoms may
include fever, vomiting, excessive salivation,
severe itching, incoordination, and seizures.
Death can occur suddenly within a few
days of exposure. Contrary to what the
name suggests, pseudorabies is not related
to rabies, but the symptom of excessive
salivation gives it the name. Unfortunately
there is no vaccine or treatment for
pseudorabies in dogs and it is rare for dogs
to recover after exposure.

Feral Swine Disease Risks and Impacts to Dogs
Diseases of Concern for Dogs Exposed to Feral Swine
Disease

Symptoms

Pseudorabies

Fever, vomiting, excessive salivation, severe itching, incoordination, seizures, and
sudden death.

Brucellosis (caused
by Brucella suis)
Leptospirosis
Tularemia
External Parasites

Swollen lymph nodes, swollen testicles, infertility, abortions, and can cause chronic
illness.
Fever, shivering, lethargy, jaundice, and kidney and/or liver failure.
Fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, ulcers in the mouth, and jaundice.
Fleas and ticks cause skin irritation, discomfort, and itching as well as having the
potential to transmit many diseases (i.e. Lyme (ticks) and plague (fleas)).

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as round worms or tape worms generally cause diarrhea,
vomiting, potbellied appearance, dull coat, and weight loss.

How can I protect my dog from feral swine disease risks?
• If feral swine exist in your area, take additional
precautions to prevent interactions between them
and your dogs. See the map if you are unsure
whether feral swine are in your area.

Feral swine presence by county 2016

• Keep your dog restrained or controlled to prevent or
minimize direct contact with feral swine.
• Do not feed dogs raw or undercooked feral swine
meat or organs or allow them to play with, roll in, or
consume any part of a carcass.

• Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows signs
of illness, and specify that your dog has been in
contact with feral swine.
• Wash your hands and wear proper personal
protection (i.e., gloves) when handling feral swine
(i.e. field dressing) or a sick dog that has been in
contact with feral swine. Many feral swine diseases
have the potential to be transmitted to multiple
species, including people.

Want to Learn More?
Call the APHIS Wildlife Services program in your State at 1-866-4-USDA-WS
or go to www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-damage/stopferalswine to learn
more about the problems caused by feral swine, as well as to seek advice
and assistance in dealing with damage.