The total number of positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to grow in the region, with an increase of fifteen new cases reported between the regions of Liguria and Piedmont. Currently, the total number of confirmed positive cases has reached 1.391. In particular, there are 643 cases in Piedmont and 748 in Liguria. The fifteen new cases of PSA were identified as follows:
- Liguria (7 cases): all seven Ligurian cases were detected in the province of Genoa, with four cases in Genoa (total 118), two in Rovegno (total 53), and one in Torriglia (total 37).
- Piedmont (8 cases): the eight new Piedmontese cases were recorded mainly in the province of Alessandria, with seven cases, including one in Calamandrana, the first case reported in this location.
With the addition of the Calamandrana case, there are now 144 municipalities that have reported at least one case of PSA.
Data Analysis and Monitoring
ASF monitoring is crucial to limit the spread of the disease and protect the regional pig sector. Controls and preventive measures are intensified to ensure an effective response to the current situation. These efforts include:
1. Isolation and Capture: Positive cases are isolated and captured quickly to avoid transmission of the disease to other animals. Veterinary health authorities work closely with farmers and ranchers to identify and manage outbreaks.
2. Sterilization of Infected Areas: the affected areas are subjected to sterilization procedures to eliminate any traces of the virus and prevent further contamination.
3. Animal Movement Control: Strict control is imposed on the movement of animals in the affected and surrounding areas to avoid the spread of the disease to new areas.
4. Education and awareness: Educational efforts are intensified to inform farmers, ranchers and the general public about the risks of ASF and preventive measures to take.
Interregional collaboration
Given the transversal nature of PSA, close collaboration between the regions involved is essential. The regional authorities of Liguria and Piedmont work in synergy to coordinate monitoring activities, share information and resources and implement common strategies to tackle the spread of the disease.
The current situation requires a continuous and coordinated commitment from all interested parties to effectively contain and combat the spread of African Swine Fever. Constant monitoring, timely implementation of preventive measures and interregional collaboration are key to protecting animal health and preserving the integrity of the regional pig sector.