New Science in the Hunt for Wild Pigs

“Very limited research has been done across North America on developing this type of test, and we are proud to say that this test was done completely by researchers and scientists working in Manitoba,” says Dr. Wayne Lees, Project Coordinator for Squeal on Pigs Manitoba. “Our hope is to deploy this test across Western Canada so that we can have a much better sense of where wild pigs are to remove them from the landscape.”

“The applied researchers at Assiniboine College lead the field work and lab testing, with support from Squeal on Pigs Manitoba in locating potential test sites,” adds Chris Budiwski, Chair of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment at Assiniboine College. “Modelled after research done by the United States Department of Agriculture, we are adapting this innovative testing process to Manitoba’s cold climate and forested areas.”

This test will be essential to tracking herd populations and better understanding their potential threat as vectors for highly pathogenic viruses like swine influenza, pathogenic E. coli, and African Swine Fever (ASF), all of which could pose a significant threat to wildlife, the environment, and Manitoba’s economy. eDNA testing also allows for screening in more remote areas where it’s difficult to rely on human sightings. Assiniboine College researchers have already collected 280 water samples and submitted them to BDx ENVIRO for analysis.