Spread to be contained
The national deputy vice-president of Libera Caccia, Sisto Dati, intervenes firmly on the management of the prevention measures linked to the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in the affected areas of Tuscany, with particular reference to the Garfagnana, which is entirely included in the areas subject to health restrictions. "For months, hunters have been subject to extremely strict restrictions, established by the ordinances of the Special Commissioner for ASF, Giovanni Filippini, with stringent requirements that make hunting increasingly complex, precisely when it would be one of the main tools for containing the spread of the disease," says Dati.
Duty to inform
The commissioner's ordinances issued in 2025 and 2026, and in particular the most recent Ordinance No. 1 of 2026, provide a series of specific measures not only for hunters but also for municipal administrations in the areas included in the restricted zones. These include the obligation to adequately inform the public through signage and warnings in areas classified as infected or restricted zones, as well as the provision of tools to facilitate wildlife control and carcass management activities. "Unfortunately," Dati continues, "we must note that while hunters are required to comply with rigorous protocols, with numerous health and logistical requirements, many municipal administrations have not yet fully implemented the provisions of the commissioner's ordinances."
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Large influx of public
According to Libera Caccia, several municipalities affected by the restrictions have not installed signs indicating areas infected with ASF, despite the requirement to inform residents and forest visitors of the risks associated with the possible presence of infected wild boar carcasses or contaminated biological material. This issue becomes even more important on the eve of large-scale events, such as the Rally del Ciocco, which will bring thousands of people to the Garfagnana woodlands later this month, often along roads and areas frequented by wild fauna. "It's paradoxical," Dati emphasizes, "that severe restrictions on hunting are being imposed while at the same time sporting events, excursions, mushroom picking, and other activities in the woods are being permitted without the necessary information and prevention measures being implemented. Thousands of people could find themselves transiting or stopping in areas where infected wild boar carcasses or contaminated material may be present, with the real risk of unwittingly carrying the virus even hundreds of kilometers away."
Consistency and responsibility
The Deputy National Vice President of Libera Caccia also recalls having already raised this issue during a recent institutional meeting attended by the Prefect of Lucca, highlighting the operational challenges and potential health risks associated with the failure to implement the measures set forth in the commissioner's ordinances. "To date," Dati concludes, "unfortunately, we must note that those reports have remained largely unaddressed. We strongly reiterate that combating African swine fever requires consistency, responsibility, and collaboration from all stakeholders." Libera Caccia finally emphasizes that hunters will continue to guarantee their full willingness to collaborate with institutions in ASF containment efforts, in compliance with health regulations and established procedures. "Hunters," Dati concludes, "are not the problem, but an essential part of the solution to reducing wild boar presence and containing the spread of the disease. Precisely for this reason, we ask that local governments also fully play their part by rigorously implementing the provisions set forth in the commissioner's ordinances."
