Attention remains high in Modena regarding the spread of the African swine fever epidemicwith the territorial operational group committed to implementing all precautionary measures.
«We are in a phase of national emergency – explains the president of the Province, Fabio Braglia – so much so that the Government has appointed an extraordinary commissioner (Vincenzo Caputo, ed). The proximity to Piacenza and Parma, the two provinces affected by the virus, requires the adoption of prevention actions: in our province there are very important farms and it is clear that the entire pig, meat and cured meat processing chain could be compromised if a positive case were identified, capable of infecting and creating outbreaks”.
Human behavior also plays a fundamental role: «It is true that swine fever only affects wild boars and pigs, but humans can be a vehicle for transmitting the virus through contamination of vehicles, clothing, equipment or food, risking bringing it on farms”, explains Braglia.
Prevention is divided into actions to be adopted, under the guidance of the extraordinary commissioner and the Region, and prevention measures: «As provincial police we are coordinated with the territorial hunting areas (ATC), the agricultural associations and those who apply the theme of self-defense so that every action to combat the spread of the epidemic is implemented. Then there are good practices. Together with the ASL veterinary service we have taken action to raise awareness among the population, also involving local administrators. The number 0516092124 is also active, where you can report suspicious deaths of wild boars by taking a photo and memorizing the location of the discovery. Also because – concludes Braglia – if one were to enter the restriction zone, regulations would be triggered that would make it impossible even to enter the woods, also calling into question outdoor tourism. There is no need to be alarmed, but everyone’s attention and help is needed.”
