Matt

Wild pigs were first believed to be introduced when captain Cook first arrived in Australia which was around 1773 – 1777, but the first official introduction was with the first fleet in 1788. Once they were introduced they grew rapidly and now occupy 38% of Australia.
 * When was the species introduced? **

Originally pigs were introduced for farming and to make money, they are used for meat, but some escape from captivity and turn feral and reproduce and over the years there becomes more and more feral pigs.
 * Why was it introduced? **

They survive very well in Australia because the sort of weather suits there living conditions because there is a lot of dry bushland which is like there natural habitat they try and stay away from areas popular of flooding but are still wet and a mainly populated around Queensland and NSW where it is nice and warm.
 * Why has it survived so well in Australia? **

Feral pigs are found in a lot of different habitats all over Australia, they move to different parts of the country due to seasonal conditions, mainly going to where food and water is easy to access.
 * Where is it found? **

Feral pigs are known very well for a number of serious diseases that have the potential to devastate commercial pig operations as well as transmitting to other animals and humans. Examples include Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMD), leptospirosis, brucellosis, melloidosis and Japanese encephalitis.
 * What diseases are associated with the species? **