Beware. Delaware is experiencing a “significant increase” in potbellied pigs running at large, according to the Department of Agriculture.
“Running at large, these pigs pose a nuisance to landowners, increase the threat of establishing feral pig populations, damage natural resources and risk carrying endemic diseases – such as salmonella or even swine flu – that can spread to both people and animals,” said Stacey Hofmann, the department’s chief of community relations.
Feral pigs have long been a problem across the country, but Delaware has been seeing the number of loose potbellied pigs rise since 2016, according to Hofmann. They get calls about pigs at large at least once a day, she said.
They’re showing up mainly in residential and rural areas, and more so in Kent and Sussex counties. Pigs found on state lands will be “dispatched immediately,” Hofmann said.
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“Due to the ability of potbellied pigs to reproduce at a very young age, the state must ensure that a feral pig population does not become established, which could rapidly lead to the spread of disease and property damage,” Hofmann said.
The animals are often turned loose after potbellied pigs are sold as piglets to unsuspecting buyers as “micro,” “teacup,” “mini,” “pocket” or “pygmy” pigs, according to Hofmann. Adults can grow to between 70 and 200 pounds and are “hard to handle and difficult to contain,” Hofmann said. They can live between 15 and 20 years.
The Department of Agriculture encourages all pig owners to spay and neuter their animals. Pigs kept outdoors should have secure fencing, Hofmann said.
Potbellied pig owners needing guidance should contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section at 302-698-4561.
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