Feral hogs are capable of carrying a variety of diseases some of which are able to be transmitted to pets, livestock, or humans. When a disease found in animals can be transmitted to humans, it is referred to as a zoonotic disease. To prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, it is important to wear appropriate protective gear including gloves, glasses, and a mask while handling carcasses, field dressing a hog, and when handling raw meat from feral hogs. It is also important to ensure that feral hog meat is only consumed after it has been heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent the spread of disease amongst animal species, it is important to limit contact between hogs and domestic animals and to ensure that pets also only consume meat that has been heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Below are some of the more common and significant diseases carried by feral hogs.
For information on how to safely handle and consume meat from wild game including feral hogs, click here.