PIEDMONT- The Piedmont Region has allocated a sum of two million euros to local health authorities (Asl) in the area to deal with the spread of African swine fever. The resolution, initially proposed in April by the extraordinary national commissioner Vincenzo Caputo, is part of the 2023 national surveillance and eradication plan.
However, the fight against swine fever proves to be a demanding undertaking. Despite the investments and efforts made, some critical issues persist. Wild boars continue to reproduce prolifically, generating cubs on a weekly basis and causing damage to agricultural crops, while hunting remains blocked. Although a swine fever protection network exists, it is not yet fully operational along the border between Piedmont and Liguria. Pig farms, the main targets of the virus, remain depopulated and, in many cases, cannot resume activity without further investments of 75 euros per unit. However, there are no precise guarantees regarding the timing and methods of repayment of these investments.
The new resolution, approved by Piedmont region, provides for the division of funds into different areas of intervention. Part of the sum will be used to pay the personnel involved in the search for wild boar carcasses, improve animal recovery operations and purchase the necessary equipment. In addition, costs for personnel involved in catching and killing wild boars will be covered. In order to encourage the control of the wild boar population, the Region has established specific reimbursements: for example, 20 euros for each ungulate reported to the ASL in the Municipalities of the infected and neighboring areas, and 90 euros for the slaughter of each adult female in the areas around infected areas. The operators appointed by the ASL will also receive a refund of 10 euros for verifying the hunter's self-certification.
In a context like that of Vezzano Ligure, some wild boar carcasses had been abandoned for days in black sacks along the roads by the ASL5. This incident raised concerns about sanitation and carcass handling. The regional councilor of the 5 Star Movement, Paolo Ugolini, underlined the importance of respecting citizens and adequately managing these situations.
The fight against African swine fever represents a complex challenge that requires continuous commitment on the part of the institutions and communities involved. Investments in local health authorities, if managed carefully and coordinated, can help contain and counter the spread of the virus, protecting both the agricultural sector and the surrounding environment. However, it is essential to address challenges and issues proactively, in order to avoid further negative consequences on public health and the local economy.