urgent breaking news: Progress in Controlling African Swine Fever in Italy
During the Question Time of the Chamber, Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida proudly announced the progress Italy has made in controlling the African swine fever. The stabilization of the epidemiological situation and effective control measures have gained recognition from the European Union Commission and major importers like Canada and the United States.
Stabilization of the Epidemiological Situation
The Minister emphasized that, thanks to the decree-law regarding agriculture, Italy has restructured its approach to wildlife control, employing a contingent of 177 units for the first time. It has also recently appointed Giovanni Filippini as the new commissioner for combating the epidemic, enhancing the strategies in place.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
The EU Commission formalized the eradication of the African swine fever in Sardinia in September 2024. Positive outcomes have been observed in regions like Piedmont and Liguria, leading to the downgrading of health restrictions. The stable epidemiological situation there has spurred hopes for similar results in Campania and Calabria in the near future.
International Responses and Negotiations
The Minister detailed how Italy’s success in controlling the outbreak has not gone unnoticed globally. Both Canada and the United States remain open to importing Italian pig products despite the challenges. Negotiations with Japan are underway, adding to the positive outlook for Italy’s agricultural sector.
Deputy Daniela Ruffino’s dash fully echoed the optimization of passive and active surveillance in intensive farms. She recommended a substantial increase in the veterinary staff dedicated to sampling, especially for farms with over 100 animals. This enhanced vigilance is critical as we approach the high-risk season, as recently underscored by the advisory in the Official Gazette.
The Eternal Challenge
Historically, African swine fever has been a significant threat to pork production worldwide. In Europe, Italy, alongside Poland, has faced increased case numbers recently. Nonetheless, measures such as the 100% sampling rule for pig mortality and heightened surveillance standards have played a pivotal role in managing the outbreaks.
Future Perspectives
The çıxış is a call to action for heightened vigilance and innovation in the pork production industry. As we move towards the high-risk season, the intensive farms should stay vigilant. Sticking to the 100% sampling rule and maintaining enhanced surveillance can mitigate potential risks. Italy’s strategy provides a valuable blueprint for other nations struggling with similar epidemics.
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