Methods development: to develop and evaluate fencing structures for rapid containment of feral swine to mitigate the spread of foreign animal diseases (i.e., ASF)

Texas A&M University-Kingsville received a $119,999.33 Cooperative Agreement award from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Wildlife Services program (CFDA 10.028), effective August 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. The award funds methods development research to design and evaluate fencing structures capable of rapidly containing feral swine populations to mitigate the spread of foreign animal diseases, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF). The research will be conducted on Texas A&M University-Kingsville property, where APHIS National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) personnel, university staff, and contractors will construct and test various fence designs through experimental trials. Activities include installing a study pen with a "pig-proof" outer fence and multiple treatment pens, capturing and transporting animals in compliance with Texas Animal Health Commission regulations, and monitoring fence performance under different animal motivations.

The project will generate comprehensive data on fence interactions, containment efficacy, and escape methods to identify and eliminate nonperforming designs through adaptive testing protocols. All activities will be conducted in accordance with established animal care and use protocols. This research supports APHIS's broader mission to reduce damage caused by mammals and birds serving as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, with findings expected to contribute evidence-based strategies for feral swine management and disease control.

The study will occur on tamuk property, where nwrc personnel, tamuk personnel, and contractors will install a study pen with a "PIG proof" outer fence and treatment pens for testing various fence designs under differing animal motivations. Study activities performed will include capturing and transporting animals following texas animal health commission regulations, constructing and monitoring treatment pens, and conducting experimental trials in accordance with protocols for animal care and use associated with QA-3653. Data collection will include fence interactions, containment efficacy, and escape methods, with nonperforming designs removed through adaptive testing.