The role of hunters
Thanks to the surveillance activity carried out by some hunters in the fixed stalks for hunting aquatics during the epidemic that hit our nation between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, it was possible to demonstrate with certain and irrefutable data that highly pathogenic viruses can be identified in migratory wild birds before they affect domestic farms. Based on this awareness, meetings were organized during 2022 between FIdC, the technicians of the National Reference Center for Avian Influenza and the Ministry of Health, aimed at structuring a surveillance activity for the viruses of thebird flu that it is an early warning tool for health authorities. Considering how much this virus has circulated in northern Europe throughout the summer, and is still circulating, and the usefulness of surveillance in hunted ducks, the Ministry of Health has ordered that the Regions may authorize the use of decoy birds belonging to the Orders of the Anseriformes and Charadriformes provided there is a specific surveillance activity for the search for influenza viruses in hunted animals.
The use of live calls
This programming was shared with all the players who have to take part, including hunting associations. It is clear that the Ministry does not provide for limitations on the use of live calls of the orders of the anseriformes and charadriforms in the fixed stalking in the event of a positive finding in the culled ducks, but requires greater attention and monitoring in intensive farming in the areas around the stalking. The response of the hunting world was as always immediate and hundreds of samples were performed by hunters already in the first week of October, demonstrating how effective and efficient we are. There remains an open question relating to the use of live calls in temporary stalking in risk areas (zones A and B), which is subject to a favorable assessment of the epidemiological situation, which unfortunately is not favorable. Positivities in avifauna have been identified and, unfortunately, also in domestic animals.
Risk management
A new approach regarding the surveillance of avian influenza, which moves from a situation of total blocking of the use of live calls throughout the nation in the event of a positive result, to an approach of early identification and risk management. The role of hunters as sentinels, as guardians of wildlife, in the early identification of health dangers for the community clearly emerges from the Ministry's devices. Our actions are considered to be of public utility, not only in terms of wildlife management, but also in terms of health monitoring. There must therefore be a general awareness that hunters can be an active part of the integrated management system, including health, of wildlife (Faunal and Agro-Environmental Studies and Research Office).