Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Approves Poison to Combat Feral Hogs

The office of Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller has approved the use of a warfarin-based pesticide trap to combat what he calls the "feral hog apocalypse", but some hunters are concerned about the impact the poison could pose to humans and other wildlife.

Miller told KTVT that EPA approved Kaput Feral Hog Bait has been researched and field tested for a decade, and that the warfarin dose it contains it specifically measured for hogs. Miller said it poses virtually no threat to birds or other animals, and that predators and humans would have to consume copious amounts of hog liver to experience toxic results. He also said the traps are designed to minimize consumption of the bait by other animals, and that veterinarians could quickly administer doses of vitamin K to any creatures exposed to toxic levels.

Texas Hog Hunters Association Vice President Eydin Hansen isn't convinced. His organization has circled a petition to block the measure, and says continuing hunting and trapping measures is the way to go. He's concerned about the effect the poison could have on other animals, as well as hunting dogs and their owners who rely on hog meat to feed their families. They also worry about runoff affecting water reservoirs.

Miller's office says Kaput's bait would release a blue dye that would permeate the meat of any hog exposed to it. Miller also dismissed the possibility of lethal warfarin doses contaminating water.