Saskatchewan imposes moratorium on wild boar farms, tightens regulations

REGINA — Saskatchewan authorities have imposed a moratorium on new wild boar farms after decades of feral pig population growth.

The province also said existing farms would require licensing and regular inspections.

Toby Tschetter, president of Sask Pork, says the regulations will help the industry respond to animal escapes and potential disease outbreaks.

University of Saskatchewan research shows that feral pigs (a mix of wild boar and domestic pig) became a problem in the 1990s when many escaped from farms and adapted to life on the prairies.

Research shows the animals are expanding their territory in Canada by nine per cent a year, posing a threat to native species such as breeding birds, deer, agricultural crops and livestock.

It is claimed that pigs have also adapted to low temperatures and can breed at any time of the year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2024.

Canadian Press