In response to an outbreak of swine fever in Italy in January 2022, authorities have been forced to cull nearly 120,000 pigs. The culling of three-quarters of those affected pigs has taken place over the past two months as authorities work to contain the spread of the disease.
Swine fever, also known as African swine fever, is a highly contagious virus that affects pigs but does not pose a threat to humans. The virus can be spread through direct contact with infected animals or through contaminated food or objects.
The culling of such a large number of pigs has had a significant impact on the Italian pork industry, leading to concerns about potential shortages and price increases for pork products. The Italian government has been working to compensate affected farmers for their losses and to implement measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Authorities have been conducting regular checks and inspections of pig farms across the country to identify and contain any new cases of swine fever. They have also been working with international organizations and neighboring countries to coordinate efforts to control the spread of the virus.
While the culling of such a large number of pigs is a significant loss for the Italian pork industry, authorities are hopeful that their efforts will help to prevent further outbreaks and protect the health of both pigs and humans. The situation is being closely monitored, and additional measures may be implemented as needed to control the spread of swine fever.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
