Assessing the risk of feral wild boar in England

The largest population of feral wild boar in England is found in the Forest of Dean. Although there are very few commercial pig units close by, there will be trade implications if they are found to be infected with African swine fever (ASF).

If wild boar passed on ASF to a commercial pig unit, all stock on that farm would have to be culled and restrictions would be imposed on the surrounding area.

Forestry England use thermal imaging cameras within the Forest of Dean to gather data on the wild boar population. There are currently an estimated 535 boar within the forest.

Natural Resources Wales have also recorded 15–20 boar, including breeding animals, spread throughout the Wye Valley.

Wild boar are shot for game, mostly by private individuals, which makes population figures unclear as numbers shot are not always accurately reported. AHDB and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are in discussion about ways to obtain more accurate population figures.

At a meeting in October 2024, a communications plan was discussed, with the aim of educating visitors to the area about the risks.

For example, explaining that feeding the boar is illegal and that leaving rubbish can spread disease, resulting in restrictions within the Forest of Dean for locals and tourists alike.

We’ll share further updates in due course.