FERAL pigs are increasingly becoming a serious problem for landholders in the Mansfield district, causing significant damage to farmland and posing biosecurity risks to livestock and humans.

To address these concerns, the Up2Us Landcare Alliance in partnership with the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), is hosting a Feral Pig Control Workshop on Monday October 28.

This free workshop, supported by the Victorian Government through the Agriculture Victoria Partnership Against Pests Program, is the third in a series of events in the Mansfield district aimed at providing landholders with practical strategies for feral pig management.

The session will cover topics such as biosecurity risks, best practices for controlling feral pigs, and hands-on demonstrations of trapping techniques.

Key presentations will include:

• National Feral Pig Action Plan: Dr. Heather Channon, National Feral Pig Management coordinator, will discuss national efforts to mitigate feral pig impacts.

• Biosecurity and sampling: Agriculture Victoria veterinary officers will highlight the diseases feral pigs can spread, including risks to humans and livestock.

• Feralscan: Peter West from NSW Department of Primary Industries will explain how the Feralscan app helps track feral pig movements and supports community control efforts.

• Feral pig behaviour: Jason Wishart from Ag Vic will present on feral pig biology, their impact on the environment, and effective management strategies.

• Practical demonstrations: Attendees will learn about baiting and trapping techniques using the pig brig and cage traps, which are available for loan.

This event is an opportunity for landholders to come together, share their experiences, and access the tools needed to control the growing threat of feral pigs in the region.

This fee workshop will run October 28 from 10am to 2:30pm, with a BBQ lunch provided.

For more information or to register, contact Up2Us Landcare Alliance at (03) 5779 1593 or email landcare2@up2us.org.au.