Saskatchewan developing new regulations to deal with Wild Boars

Premier Scott Moe making a key announcement this morning during the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Annual Convention.

The Province is taking steps to proactively enhance and broaden the regulation, monitoring and control of wild boar and feral pigs.

The Ministry of Agriculture is developing regulations for licensing existing commercial wild boar farms and imposing a moratorium on any new farms.

Regulations for wild boar/feral pigs will also be developed under The Pest Control Act, which would specify the various monitoring and control efforts, as well as public obligations to report.

Annual funding for SCIC's Feral Wild Boar Control Program is being doubled to $200,000 for surveillance and eradication efforts in the province.

Feral pigs are invasive and represent a significant problem for agriculture producers, causing damage to hay and crop land, as well as harassing livestock and wildlife.

They also can carry livestock diseases such as African swine fever, which is a serious threat to the pork industry.

Agriculture Minister David Marit says these are substantial steps that improve risk management and protect the resilience and security of our agriculture industry.

"Increasing feral pig surveillance and eradication efforts, along with declaring them a regulated pest, are proactive measures to help ensure the health of both the agriculture industry and the natural environment in Saskatchewan."

SARM has been requesting the Province take stronger action when it comes to the wild boar issue and recently called for a collaborative, long-term solution .

All wild boar/feral pig sightings should be reported immediately by contacting a local SCIC office or calling 1-888-935-0000 (toll-free).