Wild boar are among the most destructive invasive mammals in North America, posing serious risks to agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. In this webinar, participants will gain an inside look at the Alberta Wild Boar Control Program and the coordinated efforts underway to eliminate this invasive species from the province.

The presentation will provide an overview of recent regulatory changes, field operations, and cross jurisdictional collaborations that support Alberta’s approach to wild boar control. Attendees will learn about the unique challenges associated with detecting and eradicating wild boar populations, including their high reproductive capacity, adaptability, and ability to evade traditional management techniques. The speaker will also highlight key successes achieved through strategic planning, innovation, and partnership, and discuss what comes next for the program.

Importantly, this session will connect wild boar management to broader public health protection. Wild boar can carry and spread diseases such as African swine fever, brucellosis, and other zoonotic pathogens that threaten livestock, food systems, and human health. By focusing on prevention, rapid response, and sustained control, Alberta’s program demonstrates how invasive species management plays a critical role in defending community health and reducing the risk of disease spread across landscapes and borders.

Hannah McKenzie, Wild Boar Specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
Hannah graduated from the University of Alberta with an MSc in Mathematical and Statistical Biology and an MSc in Applied Mathematics. Prior to taking on her current role as Wild Boar Specialist, Hannah worked with the Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species program along with her K9 partner Seuss. Hannah employs her quantitative skills to make evidence-informed policy and program decisions.