HUNTER Local Land Services Biosecurity team is working closely with the Bulahdelah and District Wild Dog Group to control and remove new feral pig populations that have entered the Myall valley over the last 18 months.

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The pigs are having a negative impact on sensitive habitats that are currently regenerating from last season’s devastating bushfires.

They also cause damage and disrupt important breeding habitats for native fauna and have even been known to kill and eat small native mammals, frogs and birds.

Hunter Local Land Services Biosecurity Team Leader Luke Booth said feral pigs can carry a range of diseases and the community is working together to eradicate this new population.

“Over the last 18 months our Biosecurity Officers and members of the Bulahdelah and District Wild Dog Group have trapped and removed 77 pigs from the area adjoining the Myall National Park,” said Luke.

“Feral pigs cause a huge amount of damage to native habitats, and we are particularly concerned at the impact an established population could have on sensitive areas still recovering from last summer’s bushfires.

“It is great to see the community and landholders are actively working together to stop the feral pig population expanding in this area.”

A population of pigs were detected in the Myall Ramsar wetlands, an area valued for it’s important biodiversity of flora and fauna.

The littoral rainforest in the wetlands also hosts significant fauna including the Green Thighed Frog, Stuttering Frog, Grey Headed Flying Fox and Spotted-tailed Quoll.

More than 22 pigs were trapped and removed from land surrounding the fragile wetland habitats over the last eight months alone.

Feral pigs create significant soil disturbance, altering drainage, increasing turbidity and sedimentation and greatly assisting the spread of weeds.

Feral pigs can also carry disease and parasites that affect stock and pose a disease risk to humans (eg brucellosis). They are a major potential host of a number of exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.

If you suspect feral pig activity on or near your property, please contact the Hunter Local Land Services team on 1300 795 299 or report to FeralScan https://www.feralscan.org.au.