Resolution 5-24: Wild Boar and the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act
Wild boar represent a significant threat to agriculture and ecological landscapes. Jurisdictions across Canada and the US are reevaluating their policies around management of wild boar farms in light of significant risks to disease spread in wild and domestic herds.
“Given the threat of wild boar at large to the swine and other livestock, Minister Sigurdsson felt it was timely to review Alberta’s farm to wild boar industry. We’re at the stage of considering our options, and we want to keep you updated and informed. One of the options under considerations is the closure of the farm wild boar industry in Alberta.” Bruce Hamblin, AGI
The Threat of Wild Boar at Large
Wild boar are not native to North America and pose significant risks:
- Rapid reproduction and survival in diverse environments
- Destructive foraging that damages crops and grasslands
- Potential disease transmission to domestic livestock
- Ability to establish feral populations quickly
- Significant economic damage to agricultural lands
“We recognize that any pig that is not properly contained may cause many of the same problems. The risk is elevated for wild boar and their hybrids due to the physical characteristics that allow them to more successfully establish and breed in the wild.” Bruce Hamblin, AGI
Alberta’s situation
At the 2024 Provincial ASB Conference, the ASBs passed Resolution 5-24: Wild Boar and the Alberta Agricultural Pest Act which asks the province to require and enforce minimum containment standard with penalties for noncompliance and to place a moratorium on expansion of the industry until a decision about the future of wild boar farming is made.
Currently in Alberta, farms are inspected annually and encouraged to meet the minimum containment standards. Wild boar farms are not licensed or regulated by the province so they do not have a complete listing of the number of farms, or any legal means to invoke or enforce a moratorium on expansion. The province knows of 14 wild boar farms.
“Although the Minimum Containment Standards for Alberta Wild Boar Farms are not explicitly mentioned in the Agricultural Pests Act (APA) or the Nuisance Control Regulations, the existing legislation does provide some enforcement of these standards.” Resolution Response 5-24 As a result many municipalities have passed or are considering bylaws to regulate farms in their individual jurisdictions.
Wild boar producers and farmers were contacted invited to a call earlier in the day with ADM Conrad to learn about the review, engagements and options being explored. Wild Boar farmers that are known to AGI through past engagements or the premise identification program were invited.
National Reponses
Different provinces have taken decisive actions:
- BC – does not currently regulate Wild Boar in anyway but are considering putting in a ban.
- Saskatchewan – Implemented a moratorium on new wild boar farm licenses
- Manitoba – Stopped issuing new wild boar farm permits
- Ontario – Completely prohibited live Eurasian wild boar and hybrids since January 2022
- Quebec – Enhanced containment standards, mandatory reporting, and identification requirements
- Yukon – Phased out all existing wild boar farms by March 2024
Options Being Considered
“We’re at the stage of considering our options, and we want to keep you updated and informed. One of the options under considerations is the closure of the farm wild boar industry in Alberta. Basically everything is on the table.” Bruce Hamblin, AGI
Other options include creating stricter regulatory frameworks, enhanced containment requirements and licensing and permitting systems.
Engagement and Timelines
There is no formal engagement structure other than the conversations AGI staff are having with those directly involved in the industry including farmers, processors and livestock auctions.
Agricultural service boards are crucial in communicating these potential changes and providing feedback on local implications. AGI will continue to provide updates as things develop.
One on one consultations with ministry staff can be requested by calling Hannah McKenzie at 780-996-3373 or emailing wildboar@gov.ab.ca. Deadline for giving feedback is May 15, 2025. Bruce specifically noted this is “not going to happen overnight” and there will need to be enough time to allow for any cabinet discussions or regulatory changes.
Recommendations for Municipalities
- Stay informed about provincial developments
- Communicate with local agricultural stakeholders
- Be prepared to adapt bylaws once provincial direction is clear
- Prioritize agricultural and ecological protection
The government emphasized this is an ongoing process, and municipalities should maintain their current approach while awaiting further provincial guidance.
Related Links
Examples of Approaches to Managing Wild Boar Farms – AGI
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