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Here's an except from an AGNote from up your way in the NT. Parasites and Diseases Feral pigs are potential hosts of a number of parasites which could be detrimental to human health. In particular, they are recorded as being a host of leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.) and sparganosis (Spirometra erinacei), the latter tending to be more prevalent in pigs inhabiting the wetter swamp areas. Feral pigs may also be early infected with the diseases melioidosis (Pseudomonas pseudomallei) and swine brucellosis (Brucella suis). Infections of game meat workers with brucellosis and leptospirosis are well documented in Queensland. Hunters and game meat operators should observe good hygienic practices when dressing and handling feral pigs. Field-caught pork should be well cooked before it is eaten. Pigs in the Northern Territory may have many helminth parasites including lungworm (Metastrongylus spp.), stomach worm (Physocephalus sexulatus, Hysotrongylus rubidus), thorny-headed worm (Macracanthorynchus hirudinaceus) and the kidney worm (Stephanurus dentatus). They are also an end host of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) with the occurrence of T.B. in feral pigs closely linked to the presence of T.B. infected stock (cattle, buffalo). The removal of T.B. infected stock has resulted in the incidence of M. bovis infections in feral pigs declining to virtually zero. From elsewhere: 7. Swine Brucellosis This disease occurs in feral pigs in Australia, and commercial herds rarely become infected. A swine brucellosis tested herd scheme operates in Queensland that allows pig producers to buy pigs from accredited free herds. Orion whom I hunted with on the last trip is a qualified butcher and also previously owned small goods factories and he didn't think the feral pigs were worth touching. Also he told me something which I previously did not know, that it is actually illegal to transport feral pork across State boundaries. Interestingly Walgett does have a feral pork processing facility and you can buy inspected feral pork directly from them. Every local lad has a traytop 4WD ute and a large spotlight on it. |