Halting the Containment Zones respectively in Alessandria and Novara due to a Swine Fever Outbreak
In a significant development, the provinces of Alessandria and Novara, along with Lodi and Pavia in Lombardy, have been excluded from the Restriction Zone III for African Swine Fever. This decision comes after no reported cases of infection in domestic pigs for over a year.
Roberto Bianco, director of Coldiretti Alessandria, has urged for the complete eradication of African Swine Fever and a reduction in the presence of wild boar, a potential infection vector. The concerns about the disease and the wild boar presence extend to potential health issues, crop damage, and economic repercussions for agricultural businesses.
Mauro Bianco, president of Coldiretti Alessandria, expressed relief at the news, stating it provides a new perspective for pig farmers in the region. Paolo Bongioanni, regional assessor for African Swine Fever, commented on the decision, highlighting the achievement as due to constant coordination between various organizations responsible for controlling the disease.
To combat the disease, substantial economic investments were made by pig farmers to increase biosafety. Thousands of healthy pigs were culled in the northern zone bordering Novara to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever. Strong action against wild boar was also a key factor in the achievement.
The international scenario suggests the need for a strong and sustainable agriculture in Europe, with the European Commission making the decision to exclude these provinces. The European agricultural scenario is described as requiring a strong, independent, and sustainable agriculture. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is suggested to be strengthened and simplified to support food producers working the land.
Avoiding health issues, significant crop damage, and substantial economic repercussions on agricultural businesses is emphasized. The areas excluded from Restriction Zone III will revert to Zone II, similar to the rest of the province of Alessandria. The Alessandria area was only minimally affected by African Swine Fever.
Significant restrictions faced by pig farmers are mentioned as a concern. The decision marks the end of heavy losses of livestock and depreciation of businesses for entrepreneurs in the affected regions. The achievement is due to the pressure for strict biosafety measures and strong action against wild boar.
In conclusion, the exclusion of the Alessandria and Novara provinces from Restriction Zone III is a significant step towards the eradication of African Swine Fever in Piedmont. The relief for pig farmers and agricultural businesses is palpable, and the focus now shifts towards maintaining biosafety and preventing future outbreaks.
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