November 6, 2023

ASF eradicated from wild boar in Sardinia, Italy

The European Commission has officially recognised the eradication of African swine fever (ASF) from wild boar throughout Sardinia, Italy.

The recognition was voted unanimously by the representatives of EU member states. A verdict significantly redefines the geography of the requirements still in force on the island until October 25, characterised by three zones, in addition to a zone free from restrictions already extended in May to 62% of Sardinia's municipalities.

Brussels' decision cancels "zone 2" (wildlife) and restricts "zone 1" (a buffer zone, now reduced to 35 municipalities) to the perimeter around "zone 3" (the area being regularised on the plan for unregistered pigs), which remains unchanged for 12 municipalities in central-eastern Sardinia — and to which was added a restriction zone (in force until 22 December 22) on territories affected by the recent ‘import' outbreak of genotype 2 in a farm in Dorgali.

Completely free areas, in which exemptions for animal movement, meat, or hunting will no longer be necessary, increase to more than 85% of the territory, a total of 330 municipalities.

- Autonomous Region of Sardinia