Texas Ag Commissioner approves feral hog pesticide

In a motion to protect the state’s farming sector, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has approved the first pesticide targeting the feral hog.

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.

The pesticide, Kaput Feral Hog Lure is used as bait food laced with warfarin — the same drug used to kill rats, according to CBS News. It can also be prescribed by doctors, in smaller doses, to prevent blood clots.

The approval has upset the hunting community though. The Texas Hog Hunters have gathered more than 1,200 signatures in opposition within two days.