The project of the Sassari local health authority
In Sardinia the situation relating to African swine fever seems to be quieter after the latest updates on the virus on the island. Yet we must remain on alert, as well demonstrated by the initiative prepared by the Sassari Local Health Authority which is using molecular dogs to intercept the possible presence of infected meat in sea ports (airports will soon be involved too). How will these very particular controls be implemented?
Veterinarians and dogs in action
The objective is to monitor the vehicles arriving in this area of Sardinia. The checks concerned the goods landed and involved the veterinarians of the ASL itself and the molecular dogs, through a very accurate screening. The animals in question, in fact, are equipped with an exceptional sense of smell and for this reason they can understand which metabolic volatile substances are.
Not just port calls
The island's local health authority commented on the project as follows: "The random checks are carried out for the moment in the main ports of Sardinia and will therefore be extended to the airports thanks to the availability of the port and airport authorities and the law enforcement and control authorities that operate in the island's ports".