The National Park authority, NFU Scotland and the NPA have condemned the ‘illegal and deliberate’ release of feral pigs or wild boar into the Cairngorms.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority confirmed on Monday that feral pigs have been spotted in an area of the park near Uath Lochans. It is working closely with partners, including NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland, to ascertain the full facts on the ground and the latter is currently attempting to trap the animals.
“The animals appear to be relatively domesticated and it is likely that this is an illegal release. The Park Authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms,” it said.
This follows the recent illegal release of four lynx in the area and NFU Scotland welcomed the prompt action being taken by the relevant bodies to capture these animals. However, it said efforts must be increased to identify and prosecute those behind these illegal and reckless releases.
NFUS highlighted the risks posed to the wider livestock sector, with major diseases currently present in Europe.
Reckless and illegal release
NFU Scotland’s Pigs Committee chair Jamie Wyllie said: “Such reckless and illegal releases are incredibly irresponsible with negative implications for the environment, the individual animals, and the potential damage they might cause to rural businesses.
“This latest incident, near to where four lynx were dumped only last month, is hugely concerning for land managers. Unsanctioned releases must not become common place or deemed in any way acceptable.
“We welcome the urgent action already being undertaken by authorities to recapture these animals and send a clear message that illegal activity such as this will not be tolerated.”
He urged anyone with information relating to where these animals have come from, to come forward and assist Police Scotland with their enquiries.
“It is imperative that those responsible for this latest release, and the earlier lynx release, face the consequences of their actions,” he added.
“The illegal release of feral pigs compounds a growing feral pig problem in some parts of Scotland where such pigs are causing significant damage to crops, land and property. Of equal importance, these pigs pose a huge risk of harbouring and spreading serious diseases to other livestock and wildlife.
“At a time when foot and mouth disease and African swine fever are present in mainland Europe, a feral pig population is a threat to those who keep cattle, sheep and pigs. The presence of feral pigs makes the ability to control or eradicate disease, were it to arrive in the UK, significantly more difficult.
“Feral pigs are unprotected, and it is vital that those in authority and land managers continue to use all options to control and reduce their numbers.”
Ham sandwich disaster waiting to happen
The NPA also criticised the release, pointing how a previous disastrous disease outbreak, classical swine fever in 2000, was linked to a pig eating a ham sandwich, while the 2001 FMD epidemic was traced to illegal feeding of pig swill on a farm in Northumberland.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “The release of feral pigs in the Cairngorms is highly irresponsible and poses a significant risk with regard to the introduction, spread and control of both endemic and notifiable disease to our domestic pig herd.
“Considering the proximity of both ASF and FMD in Europe, and the high risk of human mediated spread, this is yet another ham sandwich disaster waiting to happen.”