US feral hogs threaten farms and spark disease concerns

An estimated six million feral hogs now roam at least 35 U.S. states, causing extensive damage to crops, pastures and native habitats. Their rooting behavior degrades soil, fouls waterways and spreads disease, costing American agriculture billions of dollars each year. Control efforts are hampered by the animals' rapid reproduction and adaptability, making the invasive population hard to curb.

The growing hog population also raises a new biosecurity risk. The re‑emergence of the New World screwworm, a flesh‑eating parasite eliminated from the United States decades ago, could find a hidden host in feral swine. Experts warn that if the screwworm establishes in wild hogs, eradication would become exponentially more difficult, threatening livestock and wildlife health. The USDA’s recent pork report noted declining lean‑hog futures amid these broader concerns.

Stakeholders such as the Texas Farm Bureau and federal agencies are urging stronger management strategies to limit the ecological and economic impact of this invasive species.