Boar carcasses
Ordinance no. 1/2026 introduces the new "National Action Plan for the capture, slaughter and disposal of wild boar carcasses in ASF-free areas" for the three-year period 2026-2028. This plan updates and modifies the previous strategy to respond to the epidemiological evolution of the African Swine Fever in Italy.
The main points
Below is a summary of the main points, with particular attention to the new features introduced compared to the past:
Numerical Objectives and Withdrawal Strategy
– Culling target: A target of 416.000 wild boars to be removed in the first year (excluding Sardinia) has been set, which represents a 20% increase compared to the average culling for the two-year period 2023-2024.
– Pragmatic approach: Rather than aiming for the theoretical removal of 80% of the population (deemed unachievable by ISPRA data), the plan aims to remove at least 33% of the estimated population (approximately 1.250.000 animals), a level considered sustainable for the current hunting network.
– Selective priority: Strong emphasis is placed on the priority culling of females and cubs and on increasing selective hunting over collective hunting.
Land Management and “Non-Vocated Areas”
– Total eradication in critical areas: In urbanized areas, archaeological sites, inhabited centers and areas with high pig density, the permanent objective is the removal of all specimens present (100% of the heads).
– Intensification across the entire territory: Control activities must now be carried out across the entire territory, including protected areas, hunting areas, and areas where collective hunting is usually practiced.
Technical and Operational News
– Advanced equipment: To make control more effective, the use of thermal optics for night-time sampling, bows (for urban contexts) and enhanced air rifles is authorised.
– Large-scale captures: The strengthening of coordinated capture plans, entrusted to specialized personnel, is encouraged.
– – Handling and Slaughter: Procedures will be implemented for the handling of captured wild boars for immediate slaughter, ensuring traceability.
Monitoring and Digitalization (Relevant News)
– Single Digital System: Regions must equip themselves with a digital system for real-time monitoring of sampling, with georeferenced data.
– Electronic license: The use of the electronic license for hunters is strongly encouraged to allow a monthly data flow to the National Veterinary Information System Portal.
Meat Supply Chain and Valorization
– Regional supply chains: The plan requires the activation of supply chains for the marketing of game meat, with the establishment of collection, staging, and processing centers.
– Combating illegality: Specific checks on the traceability of wild boar meat are planned at commercial and retail establishments to combat illegal sales.
– Self-consumption and charity: It is still possible to leave the slaughtered animals for self-consumption or donate them to charitable purposes.
Training and Support
– Support teams: The creation of specialized courses for farmers and hunters to train support teams for control activities is introduced.
– Dog training: Specific courses are available for dogs involved in sampling (e.g., hounds).
This ordinance will remain in force until December 31, 2028 and does not apply to Sardinia (source: FEDERCACCIA MAGENTA NUCLEUS “ELIGIO COLOMBO”).
You May Also Like ..
