New cases in Rome
“The two new cases of African swine fever in Rome registered at the Insugherata Park and at Casal del Marmo. The situation is out of control. What happened is the demonstration that the measures taken, in relation to the actions of depopulation and numerical control of the ungulates, have remained unimplemented. Yet there is an order issued by the extraordinary commissioner for African swine fever, number 2/2023, which must be followed and strictly respected by park authorities and ATCs. Which obviously didn't happen." Thus the president of Coldiretti Lazio, David Granieri. Ordinance 2/2023, in article 4, refers to the need for the "Regulation of hunting and control of wild pigs aimed at eliminating as many animals as possible, which can be carried out in compliance with specific measures of biosecurity".
Biosafety management
Each wildlife institute that intends to slaughter wild boar in restricted areas must develop a biosecurity management plan with the aim of preventing indirect contamination of operators and vehicles, including hunters, and the possible spread of the virus in areas unharmed. Just two days ago yet another attack by a herd of wild boars on a resident of Camilluccia and his dogs, one of which was hit by a car as he ran away scared. "The new cases of African swine fever - continues Granieri - put thousands of our pig farms at further risk, with incalculable economic damage to an entire sector, already tested by the cases that occurred last year and by the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the contagion. In this regard, we believe it is necessary to financially support the companies that have had to slaughter pigs, even healthy ones, which currently have no income".
Selective intervention
In addition, the "Regional Plan for Urgent Interventions for the management, control and eradication of African swine fever in the wild boar species" (PRIU) refers to the timeliness of action by the Atcs. "As part of the selection plans drawn up by the ATCs - the measure reads - punctual interventions must also be envisaged, based on reports from agricultural entrepreneurs". And again "Following the report, the competent ATC, after a rapid assessment, will carry out the selective intervention within 72 hours of the request". “To date – concludes Granieri – the facts show us that the measures envisaged by the ordinance have not yet been applied in the rigorous and timely manner, which is instead necessary and that our agricultural entrepreneurs are once again exposed to serious risks. Last year's situation evidently taught us nothing” (source: Coldiretti).