The point on the matter
African swine fever (ASF), the Councilor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Alessandro Beduschi, takes stock, after the meeting with the Government Commissioner for the emergency, Vincent Caputo, on the situation on the strategies of the Lombardy Region for the containment of the disease, after the discovery of a wild boar carcass positive for ASF. The viral infection, which cannot be transmitted to humans, affects wild boars, putting pig farms at risk.
Level of attention remains very high
“The level of attention remains very high – declares councilor Beduschi – because for weeks now the disease has lapped our borders between the provinces of Alessandria and Pavia. The ordinance signed on June 6 by President Attilio Fontana is the first measure to limit the circulation of the virus. Today it is essential to proceed with the identification of wild boar carcasses. At the same time, it is necessary to continue with controlled killings, which are taking place in collaboration with the Territorial Areas of Hunting and specialized companies". The commissioner met with the Government Commissioner for the African swine fever emergency, Vincenzo Caputo, in the presence of the technical structures of the Welfare and Agriculture departments.
Government considers Lombardy's measures effective
“From the Commissioner – continues Beduschi – we received confirmation that the Government considers the containment system set up by Lombardy to be effective. In full synergy with the ministers Francesco Lollobrigida and Guido Crosetto and with the undersecretary La Pietra, it was therefore decided to make use of the logistical support of the army to patrol the territory and find the carcasses of wild boars. Drones will also be used to monitor the activities and movements of animals among the vegetation." “Nothing will be left to chance – concludes councilor Beduschi – to avoid the spread of the virus in the Po Valley. In fact, the heart of Italian pig farming is located in the area between the provinces of Cremona, Brescia and Mantua, which we must preserve with all possible means. Including the use of more resources to allow biosecurity interventions and farm protection”. (Lombardy region)