Feral hogs, a mix of domestic pigs and wild boar, infest at least 35 U.S. states, causing $1.5 billion in agricultural damage annually. The 6.9 million invasive hybrids are not only ecological threats but also potential disease super-spreaders. Two looming diseases, African Swine Fever and New World Screwworm, pose significant risks to U.S. agriculture and wildlife.

African Swine Fever, originating from Africa, is fatal to domestic pigs yet asymptomatic in warthogs. Its spread could devastate the U.S. swine industry, causing pork shortages and trade disruptions. Since 2007, it has affected Eurasian wild boar and domestic swine populations, recently detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, raising concerns about a potential U.S. outbreak.

The New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly, lays eggs on open wounds of warm-blooded animals, causing fatal tissue damage. Though eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, it remains a threat in South America. An outbreak among Key deer in the Florida Keys illustrated the risk of this parasite reemerging. These diseases underscore the need for vigilance and prevention strategies to protect U.S. agriculture and public health.

The National Swine Health Strategy, developed by the National Pork Producers Council, aims to prevent and monitor foreign animal diseases. This strategy is crucial as feral hogs can act as disease vectors, potentially introducing African Swine Fever and New World Screwworm into the U.S. The focus on early detection and prevention is essential to mitigate the economic and agricultural impacts of these diseases.