The first feral hog pesticide to be approved in the United States is now making headlines again. The Texas House voted 127-12 in favor of House Bill 3451, that would require a state agency or university to research before the use of the pesticide, Kaput Feral Hog Lure.
In February, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller had approved the feral hog pesticide, often used as bait food laced with warfarin — the same drug used to kill rats.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, approximately 2 million feral pigs call Texas home. Wild hogs can be found in approximately 230 of the 254 counties and bring an estimated $52 million in damage to the Texas agricultural industry each year.
Proponents for the bill included the Texas Hog Hunters Association, who have concerns about hunting wild hogs that have consumed the pesticide and eating tainted meat.
The bill is now up to the senate agriculture committee before it can go to the senate floor for a final vote.
