The Italian Farmers’ Confederation (CIA) of Liguria has submitted a missive to regional councillors Alessandro Piana and Massimo Nicolò, expressing concerns regarding the potential risks of foot-and-mouth disease following the emergence of an outbreak in Germany. This infection has prompted significant apprehension among farmers, primarily due to its rapid transmission and the deleterious consequences it could pose if it were to propagate within Italian territory. The virus, which affects cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats raised in agricultural settings, as well as wild animals such as wild boar, roe deer, and deer, is transmitted through contact, the sharing of contaminated spaces, and food, including hay. The detection of a single positive animal would result in the slaughter of the entire herd or flock, endangering the selection of the animal heritage, as outlined in the letter reported by local media. Consequently, the competent regional authorities are requested to implement all feasible surveillance and prevention measures, including the development of an adequate information programme for breeders and the intensification of controls on the introduction of live animals and livestock feed, particularly those originating from the outbreak area.
January 20, 2025
