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Feral Swine
False Rumors About Feral Swine Enforcement - Setting the Record Straight
False rumors are circulating about the manner in which the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is enforcing a 2010 Invasive Species Order declaring a certain species of swine prohibited in Michigan.
We'd like to set the record straight.
Read on to learn the facts about enforcement of the Invasive Species Order.
| Feral Swine in Michigan - A Growing Problem
 Like other Midwestern states, Michigan is experiencing a growing problem with feral or wild swine. Thirty years ago, there were no feral swine sightings reported in Michigan. By the end of 2011, more than 340 feral swine had been spotted in 72 of Michigan's 83 counties, and 286 have been reported killed. A sow can have two litters a year of four to six piglets. Based on their prolific breeding practices, it is estimated that feral swine in Michigan currently could number between 1,000 and 3,000.
Feral swine are a problem for two main reasons - they can host many parasites and diseases that threaten humans, domestic livestock and wildlife; and they can cause extensive damage to forests, agricultural lands and Michigan's water resources.
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More Information
• Voluntary inspections continue to protect Michigan farms,
natural resources against invasive swine
On April 17 and 18, 2012, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducted six inspections of properties that in the past may have possessed swine that are prohibited in Michigan. The compliance inspections were conducted with the full consent of the property owners. Each of the properties was found to be free of prohibited swine. The inspections were the most recent action taken by the DNR to enforce a December 2010 Invasive Species Order declaring a particular species of swine prohibited in Michigan. To date the department has conducted a total of 18 voluntary compliance inspections to enforce the Invasive Species Order. All the inspections were conducted on game ranches and breeding facilities. | • State enters next phase in protecting environment, farms from invasive swine
On Sunday, April 1, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began active enforcement of an Invasive Species Order declaring certain types of swine illegal in Michigan. As part of that effort on Tuesday, April 3 the department's Law Enforcement Division conducted inspections of six properties that in the past may have had prohibited swine. The inspections were conducted with permission of the landowners. Each of the properties was found to be free of prohibited swine and therefore in compliance with the Invasive Species Order. | • A Pickup Load of Pigs: The Feral Swine Pandemic Video
This film, made available by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, addresses the issue of wild pigs as a nuisance species of growing concern. The film discusses the biology, behavior and distribution of wild pigs, and the damage and threats they present to native wildlife, agriculture, forestry and public health in the United States. | • Feral Swine: Damage and Disease Threats (U.S. Department of Agriculture brochure)  | • Feral Swine video segment from Q1 Buck Pole
This segment from the Q1 Buck Pole TV show looks at Michigan's feral swine problem and what is being done about it. | • Part 413, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act - Transgenic and Nonnative Organisms | • Declaratory Ruling in the Matter of Michigan Animal Farmers Association | • Photo Illustration Showing the Characteristics of Prohibited Swine | • Invasive Species Order Amendment No. 1 of 2011 |
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Hunter and Property Owner Information
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Contact Information
• USDA Wildlife Services: 517-336-1928 (Nate Newman) | • Department of Natural Resources: 517-336-5030 (Michelle Rosen)
Rosenm@michigan.gov | • Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: 1-800-292-3939 |
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