Social media as a window into human-wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: an examination of wild pig hunting videos on YouTube

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) damage agriculture and the environment, as well as transmit diseases to animals and people. Hunters are particularly vulnerable to zoonotic disease risks when harvesting wild pigs. Management agencies have endeavored to inform the public about disease risks associated with wild pigs and best practices for mitigating such risks. However, the extent that this guidance has reached hunters and influenced their practices is unclear. We approached this topic through an analysis of wild pig hunting videos on YouTube. We found evidence of relatively few behaviors and communications regarding disease risks and best practices for personal safety. In contrast, many videos showed behaviors that could increase the risk of disease transmission to the subjects and other animals. We emphasize the importance of understanding the influence of social media on viewers and discuss implications for management agencies, including opportunities for strategic messaging in public health campaigns.

Automated summary

Wild pigs pose risks to agriculture and the environment, with hunters particularly vulnerable to zoonotic diseases. Despite efforts by management agencies to inform the public about disease risks associated with wild pigs, the extent to which hunters have been influenced remains unclear. Analysis of wild pig hunting videos on YouTube revealed limited discussions regarding disease risks and safety practices, highlighting the need to understand the impact of social media on viewers and implications for public health campaigns.