Oklahoma’s State Veterinarian says she suspects some people may be committing felonies without being aware of it as they move feral swine for commercial or hunting purposes.
“From the phone calls we receive and recent public comments it is clear there are people who do not know it can be a felony to release feral swine unless it is on a licensed sporting or breeding facility or a licensed buying or gathering station or slaughter facility,” said Dr. Becky Brewer, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. “The penalties for violators can be up to two years in prison and a fine of $2000.”
Under last year’s HB 1914, no one can release feral swine onto any unlicensed premise. She said there is at least anecdotal evidence that some private landowners are releasing feral swine in areas where the animals can escape and damage nearby landowners’ properties.
“We have been contacted by several landowners who say they suspect their neighbors are releasing feral hogs that are causing damage to their property,” Brewer said. “So far we have not confirmed these cases but law enforcement and our Investigative Division will look into any suspected criminal activity.”
Some licensed commercial sporting operations import feral swine from other states. The law requires anyone importing feral swine into Oklahoma to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection containing a written entry permit from the state of origin, individual identification of each animal and negative brucellosis and pseudorabies test results.
Disease testing must be done within 15 days of importation. Brewer said any animal testing positive for either of the two diseases must be immediately sent to slaughter or slaughtered on the premises.
HB 1914 also gives landowners the option of hunting feral swine at night, a practice that in many cases can make it easier to control the pests. Permits from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are available on request of local game wardens.
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For More Information Contact: Jack Carson (405) 522-4575
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND FORESTRY
2800 N. Lincoln, Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Animal Industry Services
Avian Influenza and Bio-Security Links-USDA
