Hunters not involved
Wild boar hunting should have been extended beyond 31 December 2023 to avoid the spread of the African swine fever (Psa). This was stated by Emiliano Occhi (Lega) who presented a question to ask the council to account for the failure to involve, in the depopulation activities planned in the restriction zones, all hunters in possession of a valid rifle license and insurance, after completing the biosafety training obligations.
A very serious situation
“Considering the current serious epidemiological situation - explained the councilor - recent scientific literature agrees on the need to significantly reduce the number of wild boars to reduce the spread of Psa and for this purpose the 'Regional Urgent Intervention Plans' are prepared, valid for five years , the amount of which is remodulated annually.
The example of Liguria
In Emilia-Romagna, in the period 2019-2021, approximately 31 thousand wild boar samplings were carried out, of which approximately 23 thousand in collective hunting, 4.500 in selection and approximately 3.700 in control. From these data it emerges that the collective method is the one that allows the greatest number of killings. For Emilia-Romagna the sampling plan indicates an objective of 52 thousand killings of which 28 thousand through hunting, 12 thousand through selection and 12 thousand through control plans. The council should therefore explain for that reason that the extension of hunting activity for wild boar until 31 January 2024 was not foreseen as happened in Liguria" (source: Emilia Romagna Region).