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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.

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John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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