PigBait’s Research Library brings together scientific studies, university publications, government reports, and historical research addressing the growing challenges associated with wild pigs.
Our objective is to make credible research more accessible to landowners, wildlife management professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
The library covers wild-pig behavior, population dynamics, disease and biosecurity, environmental impacts, control technologies, and management strategies.
Each resource will identify its original source and publication date, with links to supporting research whenever available. Historical studies will be distinguished from current findings.
Our goal is to connect research with practical knowledge, supporting informed decisions and more effective wild-pig management.
Browse Research by Topic
Disease & Biosecurity
Explore scientific research on diseases, parasites, and pathogens associated with wild pigs. Topics include risks to livestock, wildlife, and human health; disease transmission; food safety; and biosecurity measures designed to reduce exposure and protect agricultural operations.
Bartonella Bacteria Found in Feral Pigs — Southeastern United States
Original Study: Bartonella spp. in Feral Pigs, Southeastern United States
Authors: Adam W. Beard and colleagues
Published: May 2011
Source: CDC — Emerging Infectious Diseases
Researchers examined blood samples from 76 hunter-harvested feral pigs in North Carolina. Bartonella bacterial DNA was detected in 15 animals (19.7%).
Several Bartonella species identified in the study are associated with diseases affecting humans and animals. The findings raised questions about potential exposure risks for hunters, wildlife professionals, and individuals handling feral pigs.
However, the study did not establish that feral pigs transmitted these bacteria to humans or livestock. Additional research was recommended.
E. coli O157:H7 in Feral Swine Near Spinach Fields — California
Original Study: Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Feral Swine near Spinach Fields and Cattle, Central California Coast
Authors: Michele T. Jay and colleagues
Published: December 2007
Source: CDC — Emerging Infectious Diseases
Research Summary:
Following a major 2006 E. coli outbreak associated with contaminated spinach in California, researchers investigated possible sources of bacterial contamination near agricultural fields.
The outbreak resulted in 205 reported illnesses and three deaths.
Investigators identified outbreak-associated E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in feral swine, cattle, soil, sediment, and surface water collected near implicated spinach fields.
The findings demonstrated that wild pigs can carry this dangerous bacterial strain and may contribute to contamination risks in agricultural environments.
However, researchers did not establish that feral swine caused the spinach outbreak. The precise pathway of contamination remained uncertain.
This historical study highlights the importance of understanding interactions among wild pigs, livestock, agricultural production, and water resources.
Hepatitis E Virus Transmission from Wild Boar Meat — Japan
Original Study: Hepatitis E Virus Transmission from Wild Boar Meat
Authors: Tian-Cheng Li and colleagues
Published: December 2005
Source: CDC — Emerging Infectious Diseases
Research Summary:
Researchers in Japan investigated a case of hepatitis E infection involving a woman who had consumed wild boar meat.
Laboratory testing identified hepatitis E virus (HEV) genetic material in both the patient’s blood and a sample of the wild boar meat she had consumed.
Genetic analysis revealed a 99.95% sequence match between the virus recovered from the meat and the virus identified in the patient.
The findings provided strong evidence of foodborne transmission of hepatitis E from wild boar meat to a human.
This study demonstrated an important public-health concern associated with consuming inadequately cooked wild game.
Although conducted in Japan, the research illustrates why proper handling, preparation, and cooking of wild-pig meat are important considerations for hunters and consumers.
Historical Research Note: This 2005 study documents a specific transmission event. It does not establish the current prevalence of hepatitis E among wild-pig populations in the United States.
Environmental Impact
Explore research examining the environmental consequences of wild-pig populations, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, water contamination, vegetation loss, and impacts on native wildlife. Studies address the ecological and economic effects of wild pigs on forests, wetlands, agricultural lands, and natural ecosystems.
Wild Pigs and Water Quality — Louisiana Research Study
Original Study: Detection of Feral Hog Impacts to Water Quality and Wildlife
Authors: Michael Kaller, Bret Collier, Eric Achberger, and Oliva Barry
Published: 2016 (research conducted in 2015)
Source: LSU AgCenter — Report submitted to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Research Summary:
Researchers investigated water quality at 40 locations in Louisiana to evaluate potential contamination associated with feral hog populations.
The study detected several types of bacteria, including E. coli, Leptospira, Klebsiella, and Salmonella.
DNA fingerprinting identified matches between E. coli bacteria collected from water samples and those obtained from feral hogs at 22 of the 40 sampling locations.
These findings provided evidence that feral hogs can contribute to bacterial contamination of natural water resources.
However, researchers did not establish that feral hogs were responsible for every pathogen detected or every instance of water contamination.
The study highlights an often-overlooked consequence of wild-pig populations: potential threats to water quality, wildlife habitats, livestock, and public health.
Control Technologies
Explore research on wild-pig control methods, equipment, and emerging technologies. Topics include trapping systems, exclusion and fencing, hunting, toxicants, reproductive control, bait delivery systems, and innovative approaches to population management. Research examines effectiveness, environmental safety, regulatory considerations, and practical field applications.
Feral Swine Impacts on Agriculture and the Environment — USDA Research
Original Study: Feral Swine Impacts on Agriculture and the Environment
Authors: Nathan W. Seward, Kurt C. VerCauteren, Gary W. Witmer, and Richard M. Engeman
Published: October 2004
Source: Sheep & Goat Research Journal, Volume 19 — USDA Wildlife Services researchers
Research Summary:
Researchers examined the expanding impact of feral swine on American agriculture, livestock, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems.
The publication reviewed several methods of controlling feral swine populations, including hunting, trapping, fencing, and other wildlife damage management practices.
The authors emphasized that no single control method provided a complete solution and that effective management required consideration of population density, environmental conditions, and the costs of implementing control measures.
Of particular importance, the researchers discussed the potential role of toxicants in feral-swine management.
They identified the need for a toxicant and bait-delivery system specifically targeting feral swine while minimizing exposure to non-target wildlife and the environment.
This research illustrates an important challenge in wild-pig management: developing control technologies that are effective against the target species without creating unacceptable risks to other animals.
Historical Research Note: Published in 2004, this paper provides historical context for the development of wild-pig control technologies. Its discussion of management techniques and toxicants should be considered alongside current scientific research and regulatory requirements
Scientific Research
Explore peer-reviewed studies, university research, government publications, and scientific investigations addressing wild-pig ecology, population dynamics, behavior, reproduction, disease transmission, and management effectiveness. This section connects researchers, wildlife professionals, and landowners with credible scientific findings that support informed decision-making.
Wild Boars as Sources of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Humans
Original Study: Wild boars as sources for infectious diseases in livestock and humans
Authors: X. J. Meng, D. S. Lindsay, and N. Sriranganathan
Published: September 2009
Source: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Research Summary:
This scientific review examined the role of wild boars as potential reservoirs of infectious diseases affecting domestic livestock, wildlife, and humans.
Researchers reviewed evidence concerning bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections associated with wild-boar populations.
Diseases discussed included hepatitis E, brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, trichinellosis, and several important diseases of domestic swine.
The authors examined how interactions between wild pigs, livestock, hunters, and agricultural environments can create opportunities for disease transmission.
Particular attention was given to the risks associated with handling infected animals, consuming contaminated meat, and contact between wild and domestic swine populations.
The publication highlights the importance of wildlife disease surveillance, livestock biosecurity, and continued scientific investigation.
Historical Research Note: Published in 2009, this review provides an important scientific foundation for understanding disease risks associated with wild pigs. Disease distribution, prevalence, and scientific understanding have changed since publication and should be evaluated against current research.
Historical Archives
Explore historical research, scientific publications, industry reports, and archived materials documenting the evolution of wild-pig management. This collection includes selected materials from earlier Wild Pig Feeder (WPF) research, providing historical perspectives on population expansion, agricultural damage, disease concerns, control technologies, and regulatory developments. Original publication dates and sources are identified to distinguish historical findings from current research.
Feral/Wild Pigs: Potential Problems for Farmers and Hunters — USDA 2005
Original Publication: Feral/Wild Pigs: Potential Problems for Farmers and Hunters
Published: October 2005
Source: USDA — Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Publication: Agricultural Information Bulletin No. 799
Research Summary:
This historical USDA publication examined the growing problems associated with feral swine populations across the United States.
The bulletin addressed agricultural damage, livestock disease risks, environmental impacts, and the challenges facing farmers, hunters, and wildlife management professionals.
Of particular historical interest, the publication included a map illustrating the expansion of wild-pig distribution between 1998 and 2004.
The report also discussed swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, and the importance of preventing disease transmission between wild and domestic swine.
The publication illustrates how federal agencies were communicating the growing wild-pig problem during the early 2000s and provides a reference point for examining subsequent changes in population distribution, management strategies, and scientific understanding.
Historical Research Note: This publication was issued in 2005 and subsequently superseded by updated USDA guidance. Population estimates, distribution maps, disease information, and regulatory recommendations should not be interpreted as current.
WPF Archives — Wild-Pig Disease Awareness
Original Document: WARNING — Feral Swine/Wild Pig Disease Awareness
Organization: Wild Pig Feeder (WPF, Inc.)
Publication Date: Undetermined — document references USDA information from 2013.
Archive Summary:
This historical WPF publication was developed to increase awareness of diseases and parasites associated with feral swine.
The document emphasized the importance of protective equipment, proper handling procedures, sanitation, and precautions when hunters, landowners, and wildlife professionals encounter wild pigs.
It also directed readers toward government agencies, universities, and scientific resources for additional information concerning disease transmission and prevention.
The publication provides a historical example of efforts to communicate the public-health and livestock risks associated with expanding wild-pig populations.
Historical Research Note:
This document is preserved for historical reference. Disease statistics, safety recommendations, and regulatory information may have changed since its preparation. Current recommendations should be obtained from CDC, USDA APHIS, and appropriate veterinary and public-health authorities.