Alberta Implements Strict Regulations on Wild Boar Management

The Alberta government has classified wild boars as “a pest in all circumstances,” leading to significant new regulations effective December 1, 2023. These changes restrict the ownership, sale, and transportation of wild boars, making it illegal to keep or trade these animals without a permit. Moreover, the establishment of new wild boar farms in the province is now prohibited.

Under the new regulations, the hunting and trapping of wild boars is banned, except for landowners or occupants who may take action against these animals on their property. Individuals who kill a wild boar are required to report the date, location, and number of animals killed to the provincial authorities promptly.

Ecological and Economic Risks

Hannah McKenzie, a wild boar specialist with the Alberta government, explained that these changes are driven by the ecological and economic threats posed by the wild boar population. “In addition to damaging agriculture and the environment, wild boars pose a serious risk for the introduction and spread of foreign animal diseases, including African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease,” she stated. The potential financial repercussions for the pork industry and broader livestock sector could be substantial.

Wild boars, which include the Eurasian wild pig and hybrids with domestic swine, were introduced to Canada in the late 20th century for livestock purposes. Since then, they have established feral populations, primarily in the Prairie provinces. McKenzie noted that as wild boars spread and pose greater threats, other provinces have adapted their management strategies to mitigate disease and trade risks.

The situation is urgent. The province is currently working with 12 existing wild boar farms, which now face stricter operational conditions. Farm owners can choose to maintain their animals under these new regulations or receive compensation from the province to exit the industry. The compensation package includes $590 per wild boar and additional funding for fencing, with an estimated program cost of $2.6 million.

Challenges for the Pork Industry

Charlotte Shipp, the programs manager for Alberta Pork, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the new regulations. “Wild boar producers are also producers for Alberta Pork, too, so it’s a difficult position to be in,” she said. Shipp emphasized that tightening restrictions on wild boar farming, particularly regarding escape prevention and disease spread, is essential for the future of the industry.

As concerns grow about African swine fever, which is harmless to humans but can devastate pig populations, the province is taking proactive measures. A recent outbreak among wild boars was reported in Spain, raising alarms in the Canadian pork industry.

Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and an advocate for stricter wild boar management, described the invasive nature of these animals. “They’re really incredibly destructive,” he remarked. He noted that wild boars disrupt the environment by uprooting soil, a behavior known as rooting.

Despite the ban on sport hunting, Brook argued that hunting has not effectively reduced wild boar populations. He explained that the animals reproduce quickly, averaging two litters of six piglets each year, making it challenging to control their numbers through hunting alone.

The recent measures reflect a growing awareness of the dangers posed by wild boars and an effort to safeguard Alberta’s agricultural landscape and livestock industry. As these regulations take effect, the provincial government is tasked with balancing the needs of rural communities while addressing ecological threats and potential economic fallout.