Feral pigs targeted in Central West Local Land Services' Feral Fighters program

Almost 30 landholders from four pest animal management groups are participating in Central West Local Land Services' (CW LLS) Feral Fighters program, which promotes teamwork for achieve successful biosecurity and pest animal control.

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CW LLS biosecurity officer Will Thorncraft said the agency was helping with coordination and providing services for feral pig control in in Baradine, Goorianawa, Warrumbungle and Purlewaugh.

"Late last year we set up a baiting station where we treated farmers' grain and provided feedback and advice on how to best use the grain for successful control," Mr Thorncraft said.

"To date they have recorded nearly 400 trapped or poisoned since December.

"Landholders who join the Feral Fighters program receive their first 20 kilograms of grain treated or first 25 fox/wild dog baits free of charge."

Mr Thorncraft reminded people that keeping feral pigs is illegal and heavy fines apply.

"We are encouraging landholders to be vigilant with their on-farm biosecurity to keep our primary industries clean," he said.

"It's critical for pig owners to know that offering meat, meat products or anything that has been in contact with meat to pigs, commonly known as swill feeding, is illegal in Australia.

"Pig owners are reminded that all pigs must be identified with brands or National Livestock Identification Scheme approved ear tags before being moved to another property, saleyards, abattoirs, shows or events.

"It is also illegal to keep feral pigs in captivity or transport live feral pigs."