Article
Agronomy
Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, Peter E. Schlichting, David A. Keiter, Joshua B. Smith, John C. Kilgo, George Wittemyer, Kurt C. Vercauteren, James C. Beasley, Kim M. Pepin
Summary: The study found that lethal removal of wild pigs via trapping can significantly reduce pig density at some sites, with a qualitative reduction observed at other sites. There was little evidence of shifts in pig home-ranging behavior following removal, but a nuanced response in movement behavior was observed at a fine-scale level. This research provides insights into the impact of trapping on wild pig movement and its management implications, demonstrating how targeted trapping can temporarily alleviate the pressure on species sensitive to wild pig consumption.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huashui Ai, Mingpeng Zhang, Bin Yang, Amy Goldberg, Wanbo Li, Junwu Ma, Debora Brandt, Zhiyan Zhang, Rasmus Nielsen, Lusheng Huang
Summary: Research on Eurasian pig populations revealed significant genetic haplotype differences and hybridization history. By analyzing Y chromosome data, the study uncovered three distinct waves of European gene introgression into Asian pig populations in the last 200 years, as well as the presence and distribution of European Y chromosomes in Chinese pig breeds. The European Y haplotype in Chinese pigs is associated with lean meat production, suggesting artificial selection as a driving force for its increased frequency.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Courtney F. Bowden, Jennifer N. Kiser, Ryan S. Miller, Alexandra C. Buckley, Paola M. Boggiatto, Rachael M. Giglio, Vienna R. Brown, Dorian Garrick, Holly L. Neibergs, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Scott E. Speidel, Timothy J. Smyser
Summary: This study investigated the association between host genetic factors and PRV infection status in feral swine using genomic analysis. A genomic region associated with PRV infection status was identified, and gene sets related to metabolic pathways were enriched in the analysis.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Eduardo Laguna, Jose A. Barasona, Antonio J. Carpio, Joaquin Vicente, Pelayo Acevedo
Summary: This study evaluated the permeability of different types of fences for wild boar and found that well-maintained big game proof fences were the most effective. However, they were vulnerable around watercourses.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Diego Rodrigo Torres Severo, Rafael Andre Werlang, Ana Paula Mori, Kelen Regina Ascoli Baldi, Ricardo Evandro Mendes, Soraya Regina Sacco Surian, Arlei Coldebella, Beatris Kramer, Iara Maria Trevisol, Teane Milagres Augusto Gomes, Virginia Santiago Silva
Summary: Wild boars hunted in Santa Catarina, Brazil, were found to carry various pathogens, including PCV2, Leptospira, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, indicating their potential role in pathogen transmission. Although important notifiable diseases like CSFV were not detected, the presence of antibodies against commercial production-affecting pathogens such as PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae suggests circulation of these agents among wild populations.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
John C. Kilgo, Mark Vukovich, Kyle J. Cox, Michael Larsen, Thomas T. Mims, James E. Garabedian
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of traditional trapping methods and whole-sounder removal strategies in reducing the population of wild pigs. The results showed that whole-sounder removal was more effective at reducing pig density. However, this method requires more time and expense for implementation.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Carolina Baruzzi, Nathan P. Snow, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Bronson K. Strickland, Jacques S. Arnoult, Justin W. Fischer, Michael P. Glow, Michael J. Lavelle, Benjamin A. Smith, Daryl Steakley, Marcus A. Lashley
Summary: Wild pigs are invasive species globally and have negative impacts on biodiversity and economies in their non-native habitats. Accurately predicting their body mass is important for eradication efforts. This study assessed the relationship between morphometric measurements and body mass of wild pigs, and developed equations to predict body mass using easily measured metrics. The equations were validated across different regions and could accurately infer wild pig body mass.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michaela Masilkova, Milos Jezek, Vaclav Silovsky, Monika Faltusova, Jan Rohla, Tomas Kusta, Hynek Burda
Summary: The study reveals that wild boars exhibit prosocial behavior and are capable of helping others, potentially influenced by factors such as empathy, learning, and social facilitation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Kaczynski, Bozena Lozowicka, Maciej Perkowski, Izabela Hrynko, Wojciech Zon
Summary: The study investigated the concentrations of neonicotinoids in wild boars from hunting areas in north-eastern Poland and assessed the risk to consumers. The findings showed a high presence of neonicotinoids in samples, but the chronic and acute risk to consumers was very low.
Article
Biology
Wen Feng, Lei Zhou, Pengju Zhao, Heng Du, Chenguang Diao, Yu Zhang, Zhen Liu, Wenjiao Jin, Jian Yu, Jianlin Han, Edward Okoth, Raphael Mrode, Jian-Feng Liu
Summary: This study aimed to fill the gaps in understanding the evolution and genetic basis of African Suidae, particularly in relation to warthog resistance against African swine fever (ASF). The analysis of warthog and Kenyan domestic pig genomes revealed the adaptation of warthogs to the African environment and identified lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) as a potential tolerance gene to ASF. This study provides valuable resources and data support for future evolutionary research on African pigs and sheds light on the resistance mechanisms of warthogs against ASF.
Article
Ecology
Cameron Wilson, Matthew Gentle, Darren Marshall
Summary: Understanding the factors affecting home-range size and habitat selection is crucial for disease modelling and pest management programs for feral pigs. This study found that sex, site, and body weight significantly influenced home range size, with larger ranges associated with higher body mass. Feral pigs prefer habitats with 20-40% foliage projective cover (woodland) and actively avoid open and closed forests. These findings have important implications for monitoring and managing feral pig populations.
Article
Forestry
Natalia Pitta-Osses, Csaba Centeri, Adam Feher, Krisztian Katona
Summary: This study found that steep areas without sedimentation were preferred by wild boars for rooting activities. The impact of sedimentation processes on soil chemistry and layer composition was found to be greater than that of wild boar rooting. Mitigation of soil degradation may be more effective by reducing adverse abiotic processes rather than controlling the wild boar population.
Article
Reproductive Biology
F. Hassan, W. Holtz
Summary: Through a study involving radioactively labeled thymidine infusion in 48 sexually rested young adult boars, it was discovered that labeled sperm first appeared in the proximal caput after 28 days, then reached the distal caput after 2 days, with the majority found in the corpus after another 2 days. Progress was halted at the transition of corpus and cauda on Day 11, but resumed on Day 12 and by Day 13 sperm had exited the epididymis via the ductus deferens.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Katelyn M. Haydett, Steven T. Peper, Cynthia Reinoso Webb, Hannah S. Tiffin, Alexander N. Wilson-Fallon, Yava L. Jones-Hall, Stephen L. Webb, Steven M. Presley
Summary: The study assessed the potential role of wild pigs in transmitting Neospora caninum, highlighting the need for more reliable testing methods due to inconsistencies in results from different assays. Despite previous documentation of N. caninum seroprevalence in wild pigs, the study found variable results and emphasized the importance of standardized methodology for assessing disease prevalence in wildlife populations.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marta Kawicka, Maksymilian Lewicki, Piotr Frydrychowski, Marcin Michalek, Agnieszka Noszczyk-Nowak
Summary: The study found that the body position of pigs has a significant impact on ECG recordings, mainly in terms of waveform amplitude and duration, highlighting the importance of considering body position factors during ECG examinations.
PORCINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott J. Werner, Justin W. Fischer, Keith A. Hobson
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Justin W. Fischer, Nathan P. Snow, Bradley E. Wilson, Scott F. Beckerman, Christopher N. Jacques, Eric H. VanNatta, Shannon L. Kay, Kurt C. VerCauteren
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew J. Newman, Andrew J. Monaghan, Martyn P. Clark, Kyoko Ikeda, Lulin Xue, Ethan D. Gutmann, Jeffrey R. Arnold
Summary: The Arctic is warming faster than the global average, with varying impacts on snowfall and snowpack across different regions. There are significant changes in snow cover and snowfall fractional contributions during spring and fall seasons. Differences in climate reference and future regional climate model simulations are evident, particularly in areas of complex topography.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara A. Bolds, B. Graeme Lockaby, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Mark D. Smith, Kurt C. VerCauteren
Summary: The study found that wild pigs in Alabama can significantly impact water quality parameters, leading to increased levels of fecal bacteria and pollutants. The results suggest that controlling wild pig populations upstream of major drinking water sources and recreational areas is crucial for protecting water quality.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guillaume Rohat, Olga Wilhelmi, Johannes Flacke, Andrew Monaghan, Jing Gao, Martin van Maarseveen, Hy Dao
Summary: As urban areas are increasingly impacted by extreme heat due to climate change, it is important to assess future urban heat-related health risks and design adaptation strategies. In the case of Houston, community-based adaptation strategies aiming to reduce social isolation have been shown to be the most effective and feasible across various plausible futures.
Article
Ecology
Natascha M. D. Ivy-Israel, Carolyn E. Moore, Tonia S. Schwartz, Todd D. Steury, Sarah Zohdy, Chad H. Newbolt, Stephen S. Ditchkoff
Summary: This study found that MHC-DOB is associated with male body size and antler size in white-tailed deer, showing a complex relationship where body size peaks at moderate MHC-DOB nucleotide allelic distance, while antler size increases linearly with MHC-DOB nucleotide allelic distances. MHC-DRB did not influence female body size, indicating a unique role for MHC-DOB in influencing male morphological characteristics in this species.
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Monet A. Gomes, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Sarah Zohdy, William D. Gulsby, Chad H. Newbolt
Summary: Testosterone levels peak during the breeding season in white-tailed deer population in Alabama, with older bucks having higher testosterone levels than younger bucks during this period. Individual testosterone levels as a yearling are not directly correlated with lifetime maximum testosterone levels, but mean testosterone levels are positively associated with lifetime testosterone variation. This study contributes to understanding hormonal patterns in cervids and potential intraspecific variation in lifetime reproductive strategies.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Micah B. Hahn, Shane Feirer, Andrew J. Monaghan, Robert S. Lane, Rebecca J. Eisen, Kerry A. Padgett, Maggi Kelly
Summary: This study predicts that the suitable habitat for Ixodes pacificus in California will expand in the future under different climate change scenarios, with the largest increases projected in northwestern and southern coastal regions. By the end of the century, a significant portion of federally-owned lands in the state is expected to become suitable habitat for this tick species.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sara A. Bolds, B. Graeme Lockaby, Latif Kalin, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Mark D. Smith, Kurt C. VerCauteren
Summary: Invasive wild pig populations have significantly increased in the southern U.S., causing negative impacts on water quality through fecal contamination. However, removal efforts have shown a reduction of e. coli and fecal coliform concentrations, although questions remain about the long-term effectiveness.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Review
Zoology
Matthew T. McDonough, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Mark D. Smith, Kurt C. Vercauteren
Summary: The wild pig is a successful invasive species that has established populations outside of its native range. They have significant negative impacts on ecosystems and terrestrial vertebrates. While there have been many studies on wild pig invasions and their impacts, the extent to which they affect vertebrate communities remains poorly described.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathan P. Snow, Joseph M. Halseth, Justin A. Foster, Michael J. Lavelle, Justin W. Fischer, Michael P. Glow, Ingrid A. Messer, Seth M. Cook, Kurt C. VerCauteren
Summary: Toxic baiting of wild pigs is a potential new tool for population control in the US, but it poses hazards to non-target species, such as birds. The use of deterrent devices has shown to significantly reduce bird visitation at toxic bait sites, suggesting a promising method to minimize risks to non-target birds. Deploying toxic bait during seasons when migrating birds are less abundant may further reduce potential harm to these species until more research is conducted.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kevyn H. Wiskirchen, Todd C. Jacobsen, Stephen S. Ditchkoff, Steve Demarais, Robert A. Gitzen
Summary: White-tailed deer perceive temporal variation in predation risk and modify their behavior accordingly. There are behavioral differences among different sexes and age classes, which may be influenced by previous experience with hunters and/or trade-offs related to survival and fitness at the individual level.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tracy A. Nichols, Eric M. Nicholson, Yihui Liu, Wanyun Tao, Terry R. Spraker, Michael Lavelle, Justin Fischer, Qingzhong Kong, Kurt C. VerCauteren
Summary: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is spreading in both wild and captive cervid herds in North America and has been identified in wild reindeer and moose in Norway, Finland and Sweden. This study evaluated brain samples from two captive elk herds with differing prevalence, history and timelines of CWD incidence, suggesting the existence of different CWD isolates between the two sites.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michael J. Lavelle, Nathan P. Snow, Christine K. Ellis, Joseph M. Halseth, Justin W. Fischer, Michael P. Glow, Eric H. Vannatta, Bethany A. Friesenhahn, Kurt C. Vercauteren
Summary: The integrated pig-handling system developed by researchers in North America proved to be efficient in sorting, weighing, chemically immobilizing, and marking multiple wild pigs simultaneously. The system was effective for handling both large and small pigs, with low injury rates and short handling times. The use of handling systems in wild pig research and management is recommended to ensure safe procedures for both animals and handlers.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nathan P. Snow, Joseph M. Halseth, Michael P. Glow, Michael J. Lavelle, Justin W. Fischer, Eric H. Vannatta, Kurt C. Vercauteren
Summary: Toxic baiting of wild pigs in the United States poses risks for non-target species, particularly passerine birds. Strategies such as offering toxic bait at night in wild-pig specific bait stations in more homogeneous landscapes can help minimize visits by passerine birds. Additionally, wild pigs' use of bait sites is temporally clustered, with more pigs visiting sites along linear landscape features.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2021)