Operational test
Last week, a three-day professional refresher course was held at the Cieloverde Camping Village in Marina di Grosseto for the ENCI detection dog units , which monitor wild boar remains and carcasses as part of the strategy to prevent the spread of African swine fever. The operational team, composed of pairs trained by ENCI and who have passed the specific operational test, is working daily in the infection cluster in the northwest, which encompasses a large and expanding area of infection involving Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. The team's activities are carried out under the agreement with the Special Commissioner for African Swine Fever, Dr. Giovanni Filippini, in the areas agreed upon with the commissioner and the regional representatives for surveillance activities.
A particularly effective result
Among disease control measures aimed at eradication, active carcass searching using specialized dogs represents a key strategic action that, over the past year, has yielded significant results, contributing to a particularly effective and decisive outcome in pursuing ASF surveillance objectives. During the course, the canine units participated in practical search exercises and explored the most significant topics related to operational activity, with the assistance of specialized instructors.
Study of diseases
Dr. Clara Montagnin of the National Reference Center for the Study of Pestivirus and Asphivirus Diseases gave a theoretical and practical lesson on biosafety equipment and the application of the protocol for dogs and handlers. Dr. Federico Aisa taught first aid, nutrition, and athletic training for working dogs. Dr. Francesca Bertini taught bone identification. Dr. Martina Fornaciari taught topographic map reading, the use of outdoor navigation applications, importing gpx/shp files, and choosing routes. Sauro Bazzani of Bitrabi taught the use of the handheld/collar kit supplied to canine units. (Source: Serena Donnini – ENCI)
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