GIANT feral pigs that roam the eastern fringes of the metropolitan area are contaminating Perth's drinking water - sparking an official cull.
Parasites from pig excrement have been found in metropolitan surface-water catchments across the Hills region, Perth Now reports.
Water Department director John Ruprecht said it cost millions of dollars to treat and purify the water once it had been contaminated.
The feral pigs, which reportedly weigh up to 120kg, are being caught in traps near Jarrahdale and then shot. They are found in the South-West forest areas from Collie north to Mundaring and in the Helena River area.
A Water Department internal memo obtained by The Sunday Times says feral pigs carry a number of waterborne pathogens that may infect humans, causing illnesses that in some cases could be life-threatening.
Mr Ruprecht said the State Government had stepped up the pig-cull campaign to "get on the front foot".
He said it cost more than $700 million Australia-wide to purify surface water and rid it of pathogens introduced by feral pests such as pigs.
bone said the activities of illegal hunters posed additional risks to water quality, public safety and animal cruelty.He said the WA Government's cull program was humane.
"Trapping is undertaken under strict protocols to minimise stress to animals and to consistently employ best management practices," he said.
The carcasses were buried off-site, away from water resources.
Mr Kneebone said future control operations might include baiting with sodium fluoroacetate, commonly known as 1080.
"This method of control is potentially more cost-effective, less labour-intensive and doesn't require the use of firearms," he said.
