The ENCI initiative
The National Institute of Italian Dogs, as part of the training and specialization activity for pairs suitable for the detection of wild boar carcasses, as a tool for prevention and control of African swine fever (ASF) promotes the training course for dog units for the detection of wild boar carcasses.
Course details
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and lethal viral disease that affects animal species belonging to the suidae family (domestic pigs and wild species). There is currently no vaccine available. The disease is not transmissible to humans or dogs, but can have serious repercussions on the health of the animal population concerned and on the profitability of the pig livestock sector, due to both direct and indirect losses, in relation to the blockage of batch movements of live pigs and their derived products within the Union and for export. In the control and eradication of diseases, effective and safe disposal of carcasses plays a crucial role. In particular, as far as ASF is concerned, the presence of carcasses in the area represents one of the major causes of environmental contamination, and their disposal is one of the most important objectives for the containment of the pathology. The aim of the course is the training of handler-dog combinations suitable for the detection of wild boar carcasses, for monitoring operations in the context of African swine fever prevention and control projects. The course is provided free of charge and is divided into a theoretical part and 7 days of practical training, at the end of which it is expected to pass a patent in order to obtain the ENCI qualification for monitoring. The project includes an admission test for access to training.
Joining the course
Considering the emergency situation and the fact that the infection cluster currently involves five Regions (Liguria, Piedmont, Lazio, Campania and Calabria) and the importance of training pairs who can carry out monitoring activities, there are no deadlines and enrollment in the course can be sent at any time. Once the request has been received, the offices will contact the applicant to organize the admission test, preparatory to starting the training. Theoretical lessons will take place on an e-learning platform. The practical modules will take place in the applicant's Region (source: ENCI).