The request to the commissioner
Federcaccia Toscana-UCT urgently addresses the Extraordinary Commissioner for African Swine Fever (ASF), Dr. Giovanni Filippini, requesting a derogation from the restrictive measures relating to wild boar hunting imposed in the province of Massa and Carrara, and in particular in theATC Mass 13, in areas where this form of hunting is currently not permitted due to the measures implemented to combat the spread of the epidemic. While we understand the need to adopt extraordinary measures to combat ASF, given the latest developments in the active search for wild boar carcasses which have always given negative results in the discovery of new infected animals, we believe that a review of the restrictions imposed in this area is essential.
Active research on the territory
In recent months, the hunters of the ATC Massa 13 wild boar hunting teams have demonstrated extraordinary commitment in the fight against ASF, implementing concrete actions for the monitoring and removal of infected carcasses. In fact, starting from February 2024, 40 teams of hunters have been active in the search for carcasses, collecting a total of approximately 150 active search interventions throughout the territory. In particular, we would like to underline that the last case of ASF infection was detected on 27 July in Zeri, and that the last carcass found last Saturday 16 November in Terrarossa, ultimately did not turn out to be infected. In light of this, and considering that in these months of restriction for hunting activity, the woods and rural areas have still been frequented by thousands of people: hikers, mushroom hunters, truffle hunters, cyclists, etc., we believe it is unjustified to limit the only activity, wild boar hunting, which actually contributes to the depopulation of the species.
Limb Dog Training
We would also like to remind you that the ATC Massa 13 teams faced the health emergency with great commitment and a sense of responsibility. They self-financed to renovate the hunting lodges according to the regulations required by the ASL, for training in housing and interventions in control (art. 37), for the qualification of hunting dogs and for participation in bioregulator courses. This ongoing commitment has made the local ATC an example of dedication and responsibility at a national level in managing the emergency. We therefore urge - always in the full spirit of collaboration and constructiveness established with the Commissioner at the public conference in Filattiera on October 4 - to consider the possibility of promptly derogating from the restrictive measures still in force, allowing the resumption of wild boar hunting. This position is also shared and agreed upon with the Tuscany Region - with its competent Department - with which we have discussed this issue several times in recent months. We therefore immediately place ourselves at your disposal for a constructive discussion and a concrete assessment of the situation on the ground, guaranteeing the commitment and responsibility of hunters in managing the territory and in preventing the spread of African Swine Fever (The Fidc-UCT Secretariat).
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