In late August, a sow in Italy tested positive for African swine fever, leading to the slaughter of all 6,200 pigs on a farm near Milan to prevent the spread of the disease. Since January 2022, Italy has culled nearly 120,000 pigs, with three-quarters of the culling taking place in the past two months as the emergency escalated.
The outbreak has hit the northern Lombardy region the hardest, with 24 confirmed cases in early September. The affected area spans 4,500 square kilometers and includes regions known for their prized Parma prosciutto. The disease, fatal to swine but not harmful to humans, initially infected wild boars before spreading to domestic pigs.
The impact on Italy's pork industry has been significant, with an estimated 500 million euros in damages so far. Import bans have contributed to this figure, jeopardizing the livelihoods of some farmers. The sector, which generates 20 billion euros along the supply chain, is facing a crisis.
To combat the epidemic, the government appointed a special commissioner who has implemented strict measures to contain the spread. These efforts seem to be yielding results, with only one new outbreak reported in Lombardy in the last week of September.
However, the export market for Italian pork products has taken a hit, with several countries imposing bans on imports. This has resulted in a monthly loss of 20 million euros in exports for the sector. Farmers like Giovanni Airoli, who produce renowned prosciutto, are facing uncertainty about when they can resume operations.
Despite the challenges, some farmers are taking proactive steps to protect their livestock. Sergio Visini, who runs an antibiotic-free farm, has enhanced sanitation protocols to prevent contamination. He sees the outbreak as an opportunity to improve animal health and welfare.
As Italy continues to grapple with the swine fever outbreak, the future of its pork industry remains uncertain. Efforts to control the disease and safeguard the sector are ongoing, with stakeholders working towards a resolution.
