The African swine fever (ASF) has made its way into pig farms in northern Italy, marking a significant threat to the pork industry.

The first confirmed case in a domestic pig was reported in Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, leading to the culling of thousands of pigs to prevent further spread.

This outbreak follows previous cases in wild boars and has raised concerns about the impact on local markets, especially given the region's importance in pork production.

In Lombardy, seven outbreaks have been identified, prompting the culling of around 15,000 animals.

Authorities are under pressure to act swiftly, with calls for a new commissioner to manage the crisis effectively.

The situation is dire, as the virus has a mortality rate of 90-95% among infected animals, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and the export of Italian pork products.