Thread: Otago University needs Feral Pig DNA Samples

Originally Posted by Marty Henry

The AHB used to collect pigs heads as a means of tracking bovine TB. I was told by our herd tester when picking some heads up that there are different strains of TB round NZ and that Pigs are excellent indicators, if carrying TB they do not spread it.
When the results came out there were two infected pigs handed in that carried what was identified as a coromandel strain of TB. This was in southern Hawkes Bay. Forestry workers were believed to have bought pigs down from Tauranga to "seed" a new forestry block. (Restocking is apparently a common practice with some pig hunters) so I suspect that the results of your survey will be quite interesting. Put me down for a sample pack.

Coromandel strain of TB???... But the Coromandel has always had the TB Free status.

I was talking today to a Farmer down Ratahi this morning. He was telling me that some crowd (AHB ???)is paying 70 dollars a head for complete Pigs heads for study. So this farmer will let anyone go hunting on his place providing the bring as many pigs heads down as they can find. These pig heads are coming from all over the Country. The farmer is delighted with his little racket.

Bet they provide some interesting results. I must find out more about this.