The African swine fever epidemic in Italy has escalated, particularly in regions like Piemonte, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardia. The industry has suffered significant economic losses, totaling over one billion euros, and has seen the culling of approximately 120,000 pigs. Increased prices for cured meats and reduced work shifts in slaughterhouses characterize the industry’s current challenges. Positive news includes the end of the ASF emergency in Sweden and Sardinia, raising hopes for recovery in affected regions.
The African swine fever (ASF) remains a significant concern in Italy, particularly affecting the northern regions of Piemonte, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardia, where the highest number of cases have been reported. The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, characterized the situation as a “true pandemic” affecting pigs. In response to the proliferation of the disease, the number of work shifts at slaughterhouses has been reduced, leading to considerable financial losses for the sector, which has exceeded one billion euros, alongside rising prices for cured meats. As discussed in the September 25, 2024 episode of the Sky TG24 program “Numeri,” the impact of ASF on pig farming has been severe. The disease, although non-threatening to humans, has alarmingly spread through many farms. Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini emphasized the urgent need for reliable compensation for damages incurred due to the disease’s spread. Statistics from ISMEA (Institute of Services for the Agricultural Food Market) reveal that the pig farming sector employs approximately 100,000 workers and encompasses over 26,000 farms in Italy, with a total of around 8.1 million pigs. This sector constitutes 4.7% of the entire agri-food industry in Italy. The most significantly affected provinces include Pavia, with almost 13,000 confirmed cases; Lodi, with 10,616 cases; and Milan, which reported the initial case and has seen 616 infections. The number of animals culled due to ASF is continuously rising, having reached approximately 120,000 since July. The implications for the supply chain are evident, with reductions in work shifts at slaughterhouses and a blockade on Italian products resulting in losses exceeding half a billion euros, coupled with increased industrial prices for cured meats. Despite the challenges, a positive development has emerged: the European Commission has declared the end of the ASF emergency for both Sweden and Sardinia, the latter finally concluding an epidemic that began in 1978.
The ongoing African swine fever epidemic in Italy poses a severe threat to the pork industry, particularly in northern regions. This disease, which is fatal to pigs but does not affect humans, has required strict measures to control its spread, including culling infected animals and a reassessment of operational protocols in slaughterhouses. The economic fallout from the epidemic is considerable, prompting calls for government assistance and compensation for devastated farmers and businesses. In light of the epidemic’s effects, it is vital to examine the current situation surrounding pig farming in Italy and the response strategies implemented by authorities.
In conclusion, the African swine fever epidemic has significantly impacted Italy’s pig farming industry, leading to substantial financial losses and an increase in culls. The government’s response includes reduced shifts at slaughterhouses and discussions at the European level for cohesive action against the disease. Despite the troubling situation, the recent declaration from the European Commission regarding the end of the ASF emergency in Sweden and Sardinia provides a glimmer of hope in combating this epidemic. It remains crucial for affected regions to secure appropriate compensations to assist in recovery.
Original Source: tg24.sky.it
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