This morning's meeting
The province of Grosseto is not currently affected by African swine fever (ASF) , but the area's high livestock production—with a large number of pig farms and one of Tuscany's largest wild boar populations—requires preparedness in the event of an emergency. This was the objective of the meeting held this morning in the Province of Grosseto, coordinated by President Francesco Limatola, with the participation of Giorgio Briganti, the regional special commissioner for the ASF emergency, the mayors of the area, and the local ATCs.
An absolute priority
"Combating the spread of ASF is an absolute priority for an area like ours," comments Francesco Limatola, president of the Province of Grosseto and president of Upi Toscana, the Union of Italian Provinces, "which boasts a strong livestock and hunting tradition. Therefore, given the importance and urgency of the issue, we have convened a meeting with the mayors, presidents of the ATCs, and the Regional Commissioner. Our goal is to prepare before a potential emergency arises, taking rapid and coordinated action to protect the agricultural and livestock sector, which is an important part of the Maremma's economy and identity. I thank Commissioner Briganti, the mayors, the ATCs, the hunting community, and all those who participated in the discussion, as well as our Provincial Police for their daily work in the area. Prevention only works if everyone does their part and if the institutions work together."
Prevention is built together
African Swine Fever is not a zoonosis and is not transmissible to humans, but it can have serious consequences on farms and the entire pig production chain. The discussion allowed for a deeper understanding of the actions to be implemented preventively, so as not to have to build a response system only when an emergency arises, the definition of operational procedures, staff training, and public information campaigns. "Prevention is built together: sharing information and defining the importance of certain actions regarding African Swine Fever is essential," Briganti emphasized. "Grosseto has not yet had any cases of swine fever, and this is precisely why collaboration with the Province and Municipalities must be supported now, before the emergency potentially arrives. Only coordinated efforts between the Region, local authorities, and the agricultural and hunting community can ensure a rapid and effective response."
Increase in culling
Among the measures to combat ASF, the most significant concerns the wild boar depopulation plan in Maremma: ministerial decrees set the goal of a 150% increase in culls compared to the previous hunting season, and cooperation from the hunting community is essential. Furthermore, strengthening biosecurity on farms and promoting good behavior among those who frequent the woods remain key. Mushroom hunters, hikers, cyclists, and those who practice similar sports must receive clear instructions on simple precautions, such as disinfecting shoes, tires, and any other objects that have come into contact with the ground. In terms of numbers, 643 cases of infected animals have been identified in Tuscany since January 1st, in addition to two affected farms in the northern part of the region: one in Comano (Massa Carrara) and one in San Marcello Piteglio (Pistoia). (Source: Province of Grosseto).
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