In mid-June i outbreaks of African swine fever in Italy they were almost 2,300most of them in wild boars.
Only three months ago, when she dealt with the topic AgroNews®the number of outbreaks was 1,779.
A count that starts from January 2022 with i first cases in Liguria and Piedmontregions that still hold the primacy negative for number of cases.
In third place we find theEmilia Romagnawith the provinces of Piacenza and Parma, where the episodes of contagion exceeded those of Lombardy (228 in wild boars).
As of June 15, there were 159 cases in wild boars Piacenza and 99 y Parma.
And with them increases the risk of transmission of the virus to pigs, which are numerous in the province of Parma and represent the precious “raw material” for the famous Dop ham which bears the name of this province.
Change of pace
For some time the voices of farmers have been raised to ask for one stricter control activities and limiting the wild boar population.
Appeal that the Emilia Romagna Region finally has welcomedruling a few days ago new Regulation on ungulates.
The promise is that of one simplification from the collective hunting and targeted interventions for emergency cases.
Commenting on the decision, the Agriculture Councilor of Emilia Romagna, Alessio Mammihe said he is convinced that this tool will allow more effective actionsbeing the result of a discussion with all interested categories, from farmers to environmental associations.
Simplification and speed
The positive opinion of. is important for the success of the program IspraHigher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research.
The new Regulation, which replaces a previous one from 2008, implements the directions provided in Hunting Faunal Plan regional.
In addition to the simplification of collective hunting methods, they are expected interventions in particular situations critical issuesfor example by decreasing the number of components from the teams of hunted (from 40 to 30 and increasing the guests from 5 to 8).
In extraordinary cases the Region may authorize collective actions with jokes or hunts with a more limited number of participants.
Watch out for deer
Not only wild boars are affected by the new rules, but also deer due to an adjustment in the number roe deer And fallow deerin harmony with what was decided on this topic with the Tuscany Region, with which Emilia Romagna shares the borders on the territories of the Apennines.
The objective declared by the Emilia Romagna authorities is to rationalize with these interventions the management of ungulates, reconciling agricultural activities, the environment and the economy.
Biosecurity is not enough
The measure will come in coming into force soon and its effects can be measured both by detecting the pressure of ungulates and the evolution of cases of African swine fever in wild boars.
For now, the absence of infections on farms is the result of a careful work by prevention by the breeders, who raised the highest levels the measurements of biosafety.
But they may not be enough if the wild boar population continues to increase and especially the number of infected ones.
A too great danger for the entire pork supply chain.
