January 31, 2008

Italy locked in unreported SVD controversy
 

Italy has failed to report an outbreak of swine vesicular disease (SVD) in the area around Brescia to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The main part of Italy's pig producing industry is concentrated around Brescia.

Brescia is not considered disease-free by the EU as about 30,000 animals were reported infected since early December last year, which was not reported to OIE.

A year ago, SVD was widespread in the provinces of Brescia, Bergamo and Mantua, but appeared to be under control in February. A new outbreak occurred in July, and continued to spread until November.

On November 17, 2007, the Italian Association of Pig Breeders (ANAS) distributed a circular from the Italian health ministry stating that the disease was under control.

Italy is required to carry out a double cleaning and disinfection of all transports of pigs leaving the country.

This issue will be on the agenda of the next of Scofca- the EU's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.

Technical director of ANAS, Luca Buttazoni, has called for SVD to be removed from the list of dangerous diseases. Italy has also invested EUR 28 million (US$41.5 million) into controlling the disease.