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7 September 2005 - DEFRA Consultation on
Feral Wild Boar
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An announcement has been made by Biodiversity Minister Mr. Jim
Knight, encouraging people interested or affected by Wild Boar, to have their
say as to how they should be managed in England, by means of a consultation
which the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have
provided.
Wild Boar in England became extinct 300 years ago.
However, due to escape from captivity, small populations have begun to develop
and are expected to grow, which poses implications for farmers and the rural
countryside economy.
It is with this in mind, that DEFRA would like views and issues
surrounding Feral Wild Boar issues, in a bid to halt any potential problems
which could arise such as the following:
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Causing direct agricultural damage to a range of crops.
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Destruction of conservation sites.
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Destruction of sports fields and gardens.
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Posing a risk of transmitting diseases to livestock such as
Classical Swine Fever.
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Foot and Mouth disease.
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Bovine Tuberculosis.
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Human safety.
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Causing road traffic collisions.
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Potential attacks to humans.
Mr. Jim Knight said:
"For the first time since becoming extinct in Britain 300
years ago, wild boar have established several small populations in England,
which has implications for farming, woodlands and parklands, wildlife, and the
wider countryside and rural economy.
"From Defra's own research and monitoring, we know that poor
wild boar management poses potential problems for agriculture, animal health and
welfare, and for other wildlife.
"It is important that we hear a broad range of views on all
the issues involved to inform future decisions on how we should manage wild boar
in England."
The consultation, which ends on 6 January 2006 can be accessed
from HSfB's Consultation webpage by clicking the following:
Consultation on Feral Wild Boar in England
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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