Texas agriculture chief OKs use of poison to bring a 'hog apocalypse'

In this photo taken Oct. 20, 2016, feral hogs are enclosed at Jason Bond's ranch near Snyder, Texas. Feral hogs cause their share of trouble but if you like bacon and pork chops, Texas' pig problem has a swine solution.
In this photo taken Oct. 20, 2016, feral hogs are enclosed at Jason Bond's ranch near Snyder, Texas. Feral hogs cause their share of trouble but if you like bacon and pork chops, Texas' pig problem has a swine solution.

AUSTIN-The Texas agriculture commissioner has approved the use of a poison that he says may herald a "feral hog apocalypse" in a state where an estimated 2.5 million hogs roam.

Commissioner Sid Miller said this week that bait food will be laced with warfarin, which is used as a blood thinner but has proven lethal to hogs.

Hunters already are allowed to kill the animals from land or air-Miller as a state senator authored legislation that allowed for the aerial killing of hogs.

The animal, which can produce three litters in two years, has long been seen by farmers as a nuisance that shreds fields and pastures.

It's estimated they do $50 million in damage to crops and property each year.

 

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