Feral Swine Disease Risks and Impacts to Dogs

Why are feral swine a threat to my dogs?

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Pseudorabies: an important disease of concern for dogs 

exposed to feral swine

How can feral swine affect my dogs?

Feral swine (also known as wild hogs, feral pigs, feral hogs, and wild boar) are 

strong and resilient animals. They have adapted to living in extreme conditions 

and can often survive disease infections that may sicken or kill dogs. Feral 

swine also carry many parasites that can be transmitted to dogs, either through 

direct contact or in the environment. 

Unrestrained dogs and hunting dogs are more likely to approach and 

chase feral swine putting these dogs at higher risk for disease or injury. 

Feral swine will generally run to avoid conflict with a dog, but if a dog is 

not restrained and chases the animals then the risk for attack increases. 

Feral swine can severely injure a dog with their long, sharp tusks. In 

addition to the risk of physical injury, dogs can be exposed to many 

disease pathogens carried by feral swine.

One of the most dangerous diseases that 

can be transmitted by feral swine to dogs is 

pseudorabies (also known as “mad itch” or 

Aujeszky’s disease) because it is often fatal 

to dogs. Dogs become infected through 

nose-to-nose contact, contaminated water 

or feed, ingestion of infected tissues, 

airborne virus, or contaminated clothing, 

equipment or surfaces. Symptoms may 

include fever, vomiting, excessive salivation, 

severe itching, incoordination, and seizures.

Death can occur suddenly within a few 

days of exposure. Contrary to what the 

name suggests, pseudorabies is not related 

to rabies, but the symptom of excessive 

salivation gives it the name. Unfortunately 

there is no vaccine or treatment for 

pseudorabies in dogs and it is rare for dogs 

to recover after exposure.

Antibody prevalence of pseudorabies 

virus in feral swine 
Want to Learn More?

Feral Swine Disease Risks and Impacts to Dogs

Call the APHIS Wildlife Services program in your State at 1-866-4-USDA-WS 

or go to www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-damage/stopferalswine to learn

more about the problems caused by feral swine, as well as to seek advice 

and assistance in dealing with damage. 

If feral swine exist in your area, take additional

precautions to prevent interactions between them 

and your dogs. See the map if you are unsure 

whether feral swine are in your area. 

Keep your dog restrained or controlled to prevent or 

 minimize direct contact with feral swine. 

Do not feed dogs raw or undercooked feral swine 

 meat or organs or allow them to play with, roll in, or 

 consume any part of a carcass.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows signs 

of illness, and specify that your dog has been in 

contact with feral swine. 

Wash your hands and wear proper personal 

 protection (i.e., gloves) when handling feral swine 

 (i.e. field dressing) or a sick dog that has been in 

 contact with feral swine. Many feral swine diseases 

 have the potential to be transmitted to multiple 

 species, including people.

How can I protect my dog from feral swine disease risks?

Diseases of Concern for Dogs Exposed to Feral Swine 

Disease Symptoms 

Pseudorabies Fever, vomiting, excessive salivation, severe itching, incoordination, seizures, and 

sudden death. 

Brucellosis (caused 

by Brucella suis) 

Swollen lymph nodes, swollen testicles, infertility, abortions, and can cause chronic 

illness. 

Leptospirosis Fever, shivering, lethargy, jaundice, and kidney and/or liver failure.

Tularemia Fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, ulcers in the mouth, and jaundice. 

External Parasites Fleas and ticks cause skin irritation, discomfort, and itching as well as having the 

potential to transmit many diseases (i.e. Lyme (ticks) and plague (fleas)). 

Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites such as round worms or tape worms generally cause diarrhea, 

vomiting, potbellied appearance, dull coat, and weight loss. 

• Feral swine presence by county 2016

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