The measures adopted to date
Yesterday, together with Gianluca di Giannantonio and Serena Donnini, I attended the meeting held at the Ministry of Health, where Giovanni Filippini, Special Commissioner for ASF , presented the draft of the new strategic plan for the surveillance and eradication of African swine fever to the regional governments and trade associations. The meeting also provided an opportunity to outline the measures adopted to date to combat the disease and to consolidate a collaborative approach to shared strategies to protect the pig farming sector, which is facing one of the most significant threats in recent years. During the presentation, the Special Commissioner for ASF reiterated that "we are combating one of the most significant health emergencies the pig farming sector has experienced in our country," and that the goal of containing and eradicating the disease stems from the synergy of two ministries (Health and MASAF) in managing critical issues.
Specialized canine units
Among the founding pillars of the illustrated containment strategy, an important role has been recognized to active surveillance that involves the use of specialized ENCI dog units for the detection of wild boar remains and carcasses. This strategy has already been in place since November 2024, following an agreement signed between the extraordinary commissioner and ENCI, and has brought appreciated results in terms of prevention and control of the spread of the virus. Precisely with reference to the activity carried out by the dogs, the commissioner has repeatedly reiterated how, thanks to the use of ENCI detection dogs, there has been a significant "change of pace" in the number of samplings and the discovery of carcasses, an action that is playing a crucial role in the containment of the virus.
An irreplaceable service
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida who underlined the excellence of the work of the ENCI, reiterating how the only winning strategy in the management of ASF is the collaboration and involvement of all stakeholders. On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to congratulate and thank the trainers who are part of the ENCI team engaged in the territory for the prevention of ASF and who are demonstrating, with preparation and dedication, how specialized dog breeding can represent an irreplaceable service to support the community (Source ENCI – President Dino Muto).
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