Walt Cottrell Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 11:00 a.m. Post subject: PA Farm News Walter O. Cottrell, MS, DVM Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Veterinarian Animal Diagnostic Laboratory Orchard Rd. University Park, PA 16802 814.863.8370 wcottrell@state.pa.us PA Farm News May 14, 2008 CAMP HILL -- Pennsylvania Farm Bureau commended the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for its decision to take action to eradicate feral swine (free ranging wild pigs) in the Commonwealth. The commission issued an order removing protection on feral swine in 64 of the state's 67 counties, while trapping efforts will continue in Butler, Bedford and Cambria Counties. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) has been monitoring the problems caused by feral swine for years and urged the PGC to take action against the invasive species. According to the PGC, feral swine can cause tremendous damage to habitat and property, and pose a real threat to wildlife and the biosecurity of the state's multi-million-dollar pork industry. "Pennsylvania farmers are deeply concerned about the damage these wild animals cause to crops and the potential for feral swine to spread disease to healthy farm animals. In addition, feral swine are a threat to other wildlife and their natural habitat and a potential danger to humans who encounter them," said PFB President Carl T. Shaffer. The Game Commission's decision allows licensed hunters to take feral swine at any time in an effort to rid the state of these animals. Farm Bureau was pleased with the Commission's decision to deal with the problem now, rather than creating a hunting season for feral swine.

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Monday, May 19, 2008