Landholders in South Australia’s Riverland have called for a government-funded feral pig and goat cull in the state to curb the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Key points:

  • Feral pigs and goats are widespread in South Australia
  • Feral cloven-hoofed animals can contract and spread FMD
  • Landholders and the SA Liberal Party support a cull of feral pigs and goats to reduce the risk of FMD spreading

The disease, most recently discovered in Bali, poses no risk to humans but causes painful blisters in cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and goats.

Animals that contract the disease are often culled, with past outbreaks in other countries, such as the UK in the early 2000s, resulting in widespread meat shortages.

If the disease enters Australia, it could have an estimated $80-billion impact on the economy.

The ease with which FMD can spread is why Chowilla Station manager James Robertston wants the government to fund a cull of feral pigs and goats, which are in high numbers along the River Murray corridor. 

“I do know talking to neighbours they’ve seen really big numbers in the last 12 months,” he said. 

“If an outbreak doesn’t occur, the worst thing that’s happened is we’ve done a really good thing for the environment.”

Landholders say increasing numbers of feral pigs are being trapped in the Riverland.(Supplied: Southern Queensland Landscapes)

National Feral Pig Management coordinator Heather Channon says the emerging threat of FMD means a cull should be at front of mind for authorities.

“We need to be working in a collaborative and coordinated way to reduce populations of feral pigs,” Dr Channon said.

“By doing this we’ll be limiting contact between feral pig groups and managing any threats of disease.”

Feral goats are prevalent in parts of SA.(Landline: Tony Hill)

‘Sends a shiver down the spine’

As concerns in the livestock industry grow, travellers from Indonesia have been the focus with calls for additional biosecurity concerns. 

The federal government has implemented more screening for travellers returning from Bali, but has resisted calls to close travel to the popular tourism destination. 

MP and primary industries spokesperson Nicola Centofanti says a cull is needed to prevent the uncontrolled spread of FMD. (ABC News)

SA Liberal primary industries spokesperson and former vet Nicola Centofanti says closing borders isn’t the answer, but argues Australia needs to do everything it can to be prepared for an FMD outbreak. 

“It’s a disease that no veterinarian ever wants to see but equally it’s a disease that no veterinarian wants to miss.”

Ms Centofanti also supports a feral pig and goat cull.

SA landholders are responsible for controlling feral pigs on their properties. (Supplied: Sam Floss)

“We do need to ensure we are 100 per cent prepared for any outbreak.

“What we cannot allow is an uncontrolled outbreak of FMD in Australia.”