The decision by the EU
The European Union has formalized the extension of the "red zone" in the province of Alessandria in relation to the emergency of African Swine Fever (Psa). Cia Alessandria harshly criticizes the provision and considers the situation created in this way to be deeply burdensome. The provincial president Daniela Ferrando and the director Paolo Viarenghi explain: «The news had been in the air for a few days and unfortunately it happened. These decisions are taken without any kind of sharing with the interested parties and the representation of the Organizations, descended from above in the absence of concertation. From today the red zone has been extended and the restrictions are being tightened, but a position on the necessary killings is still missing. The problem is getting worse and the decisions taken so far have proved to be totally ineffective.
A confusing situation
Cia Alessandria, like other organizations, hunting associations, ATCs, has no information about it. There is no sharing of choices, there is no valid strategy, there is no protection of agriculture». Cia Alessandria insists on deeming it appropriate to have a culling plan for eradication (remembering the farms of healthy pigs zeroed and infected wild boars free in the woods). Adds Alessio Abbinante, regional president of Anuu Migratoristi Piemonte: «Given the seriousness of the situation and the evolution considered negative, we have asked for a new Provincial Council opened with the participation of institutions and authorities but, to date, we have not been given any response and no meeting has been organised. We are also waiting to know the 'exit strategy' of which no one has any information yet. The problem is hunting, agriculture and economics.
An urgent meeting
We believe it is necessary to eradicate the wild boar from the infected areas: the European strategy adopted so far has only aggravated the situation". CIA has also moved at the national level asking via Pec an urgent formal meeting in Alessandria - communication sent last week - to the Extraordinary Commissioner Vincenzo Caputo and for information to the regional Councilors (Agriculture, Mountains and Health), but no response has been received. Cia Alessandria is evaluating consequent actions (source: CIA).