Specific responsibilities
“Despite the regional legislation and ministerial indications - they press Gianluca Boeri, President of Coldiretti Liguria, and Bruno Rivarossa, Confederal Delegate - the hunters of 36 teams of the Atc1 Savona-Levante refuse to kill the wild boars, since, due to the epidemic of African swine fever (Psa), once killed they should deliver the animals to the Veterinary Asl2 for analysis of the case. All this is not acceptable: the situation is now unsustainable and it is unthinkable, close to the opening of the hunting season, to further delay the killing of ungulates. Wild boars are the main vehicle for the spread of African swine fever (Psa), with over 2,3 million animals laying siege to cities and countryside, from the north and south of the peninsula. Blocking in this way the operations that would allow the containment of the epidemic, also limiting the invasion of animals and the consequent damage to the crops in the area, would cause enormous damage in terms of both economic and safety ".
The situation is now unsustainable
The hunting season is almost upon us: from next 2 October the PRIU foresees that up to 35.451 wild boars will be killed, that is 180% of what has been done in the last year. By virtue of this, in the note of 12 September, the same Ministry of Health - as part of an update of the epidemiological and regulatory situation of the ASF in Italy - has warmly invited our Region (verbatim) to "implement as soon as possible the measures provided for in the integrated eradication plan, sent with DGSAF note prot. n. 18714 of 3 August 2022, also sending to the European Commission the integration of the National Surveillance Plan PSA 2021/2022 regarding the eradication measures in Liguria and neighboring Piedmont for 2022.
The hypothesis of economic interests
"If the hunters thus refuse to carry out the killing, opposing the carrying out of fundamental activities for the safety of citizens, farmers and breeders of Liguria - conclude Boeri and Rivarossa - risk confirming the hypothesis of economic interests that go well beyond the concept of sport hunting. Institutions must take note of this, and in any case find an alternative way to carry out the operations, even by fielding the army if necessary. The territory must be protected and secured: it is essential that the ministerial provisions are respected in the interest of the whole community, and no one can claim the right to slow down such operations "(source: Coldiretti).