Big News for Squeal on Pigs!
On April 23, 2024 the Governments of Canada and Manitoba released information on how they plan to support the efforts made by Squeal on Pigs! to control and reduce the population of invasive wild pigs in the province of Manitoba.
The news comes at a crucial time, with the warmer weather now building across the province farmers are spreading manure in their fields. Although this practise is beneficial, it can also have an impact on swine animal health if the manure comes from sick pigs. Wild pigs are susceptible to the same porcine illnesses as domestic pigs, and while farmers can quarantine afflicted animals, wild pigs are able to spread the illnesses picked up from the manure.
Squeal on Pigs! will receive $2.6 million in funding through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support their efforts in educating the public of the threat of wild pigs, how to report sightings and to remove as many pigs as possible.
The news release recognizes the threat wild pigs present to domestic livestock, crops and human health. For further details about the actions Squeal on Pigs! takes to deserve this funding, we’d recommend reading our previous blog post - Squealing on Wild Pigs: How PCR Testing can Help Control Invasive Species.
The News Release can be found in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada section of the Government of Canada official website on the following link: Canada and Manitoba governments support Squeal on Pigs.
As always, if you spot wild pigs or evidence they’ve been in your local area, please report the information to Squeal on Pigs by calling 1-833-SPOT-PIG (1-833-776-8774) or visit their website to fill out their Wild Pig Report Form.
Knowing the signs of wild pigs is just as important as spotting the animals themselves. To familiarize yourself with the tell-tale evidence wild pigs have been nearby, Squeal on Pigs! has multiple resources available to help educate people on what to look for, including a Digital Brochure.
Please review our Reference Guide for more details on porcine illness and take a look at our Animal Diagnostics page to see what we offer to help prevent the spread of porcine illness in Manitoba.