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Canadian ‘super pigs’ threaten to invade US

Amass of Canadian ‘super pigs’ are threatening to breach the US border, but northern states are putting tactics in place to stop this wild hog invasion.

Super pigs have appeared in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada after crossbreeding between different pig species created their super-swine form.

The pigs have been destroying crops and degrading water quality, but there is no stopping these feral hogs as they also can breed excessively and continue to multiply in their masses, according to the University of Saskatchewan.

“Wild pigs are ecological train wrecks. They are prolific breeders, making them an extremely successful invasive species,” said Ruth Aschim, a PhD student from the university who led research on the super pig species.

The researchers called the mutant wild pigs “the most prolific invasive mammal in Canada.”

The US already has a massive issue with feral hog populations, costing landowners billions each year in crop and land destruction, so northern states like Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana are taking action to stop the super pigs encroaching on US territory.

Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and expert on the growing super pig population, said that Montana has already banned raising and transporting wild pigs into the state.

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.