Alberta Enacts Strict Rules to Control Invasive Wild Boar Population

The Alberta government has declared wild boars “a pest in all circumstances,” introducing stringent regulations that will take effect on December 1, 2023. These new rules make it illegal to keep, buy, sell, or transport wild boars in the province without a special permit. Moreover, no new wild boar farms will be permitted, and hunting or trapping of these animals is largely banned, with exceptions only for landowners who may kill wild boars on their property.

Hannah McKenzie, Alberta’s wild boar specialist, explained that these measures are necessary due to the significant dangers posed by the existing wild boar populations. She highlighted the risk of these animals facilitating the spread of foreign animal diseases, including African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, which could have devastating financial consequences for the pork industry and broader livestock sector.

“In addition to damaging agriculture and the environment, wild boars pose a serious risk for the introduction and spread of these diseases,” McKenzie said.

The term “wild boar” refers to the Eurasian wild pig and its hybrids with domestic swine. These animals were introduced to Canada in the late 20th century for farming purposes. However, many escaped captivity and have since established feral populations, particularly in the Prairie provinces. As these populations grow, the Alberta government is responding with measures similar to those implemented in other jurisdictions that have faced similar challenges.

The Alberta government is currently working with 12 existing wild boar farms, which now face two options: comply with more stringent regulations or accept compensation to exit the industry. The province is offering $590 per boar along with compensation for fencing, with the overall program expected to cost around $2.6 million. This financial support comes from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, which has allocated $3 million for wild boar management in the current budget.

Charlotte Shipp, programs manager for Alberta Pork, acknowledged the difficulties these new regulations present. “Wild boar producers are also producers for Alberta Pork too, so it’s a difficult position to be in,” she noted.

Shipp emphasized the importance of balancing industry risks while ensuring that producers remain vital parts of their rural communities. The threat posed by African swine fever is notable; while harmless to humans, the disease can decimate pig populations. A recent outbreak among wild boars has been reported in Spain, raising alarms in the agricultural sector.

Despite the government’s efforts, monitoring wild boar populations remains a challenge. McKenzie pointed out that traditional survey methods, such as aerial surveys, are often ineffective. Wild boars are primarily nocturnal and prefer dense forest habitats, making them difficult to track.

Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and an advocate for stricter regulations, expressed his concerns about the ecological impact of wild boars. He described them as “incredibly destructive,” pointing out their habit of uprooting the ground, which harms native ecosystems. Brook argued that banning sport hunting, while seemingly counterintuitive, is necessary as it has not proven effective in managing wild boar populations. “Hunting does not eliminate them fast enough and often breaks up groups, causing further dispersal,” he explained.

The Alberta government’s initiative to control the wild boar population reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the ecological and economic threats posed by invasive species. With the new regulations in place, officials hope to mitigate the potential for an ecological disaster while supporting local agricultural producers.