Wild Pigs Found with Blue Meat in California Spark Alarm
MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, AUG 5 – Officials warn that blue-tinged meat in wild pigs results from exposure to diphacinone rodenticide and advise hunters to avoid consuming affected animals to prevent health risks.
- On July 30, 2025, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Pesticide Investigations Coordinator Dr. Ryan Bourbour warned hunters not to eat game with blue tissue after lab confirmed diphacinone in pigs.
- Amid routine trapping, a wildlife trapper in Monterey County found blue tissue in wild pigs, with lab tests later confirming anticoagulant rodenticide diphacinone exposure.
- Investigations showed Dan Burton, owner of Urban Trapping Wildlife Control, observed wild pigs feeding directly from rodenticide bait stations, indicating direct exposure.
- The agency is warning trappers and hunters to avoid consuming wildlife with blue tissue, as predators and people can suffer 'secondary exposure' to diphacinone.
- Under California law, diphacinone is mostly prohibited since 2024, and a 2018 study found about 8.3% of wild pigs tested had residues, according to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Wild pigs' flesh turning 'neon blue' in California. Authorities are sounding the alarm
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left8Leaning Right4Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Left
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
53% Left
L 53%
C 20%
R 27%
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