Mobile Courant

United States Senators Tommy Tuberville from Alabama and John Cornyn from Texas have reintroduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act. The legislation aims to extend and make permanent a pilot program designed to address the growing threat posed by feral swine to agriculture, public health, and ecosystems.

Senator Tuberville underscored the impact of feral swine in Alabama, noting, "Feral swine are a serious threat to the livelihoods of Alabama’s farmers. Feral hogs destroy crops, land, and undo months, if not years, of work by our farmers to feed our country." He added, "Feral swine cause an estimated $50 million in damages annually to Alabama."

Senator Cornyn similarly highlighted the economic and ecological challenges, stating, "Feral hogs can inflict serious economic and environmental damage to our agricultural communities by destroying crops, trampling farmland, and threatening other livestock."

The legislation has gathered support from a bipartisan group that includes Senators Ben Ray Luján, Raphael Warnock, Katie Britt, and Jon Ossoff. In the House of Representatives, Representative Barry Moore is championing a companion bill.

Originally introduced in the 2018 Farm Bill, the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program aimed to manage the spread of feral swine. This program included removal initiatives by the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) and restoration efforts facilitated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It involved collaborative projects in ten states, including Alabama.

Senator Tuberville represents Alabama and serves on several Senate committees, including Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, Armed Services, HELP, and Aging.