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Italy Today

Italian news in English

Thursday, October 17, 2024

African Swine Fever Threatens Italian Pork Industry

Published: 2024-08-11

The resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Italy has sparked significant concern among pig farmers and industry stakeholders.

Recent outbreaks in five regions, including Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, have highlighted the inadequacy of current control measures, as noted by the EU Veterinary Emergency Team.

The Italian government, under the leadership of newly appointed ASF Commissioner Giovanni Filippini, is revising its strategies to curb the disease's spread.

Measures include enhanced biosecurity, military involvement for monitoring, and the construction of barriers to control wild boar populations.

The ASF crisis threatens a pork industry valued at approximately 20 billion euros, with significant economic implications if not contained.

Authorities are urged to implement long-term solutions to prevent further outbreaks and economic losses.