PISTOIA. Removal of carcasses of wild boars found dead in the woods and raising the level of attention around pig farms in every corner of the territory, to prevent the virus from penetrating inside: these are some of the guidelines recommended by Alessio Capecci, from the regional health directorate for food safety and animal health, during the public assembly held in Ponte Buggianese dedicated to the African swine fever emergency, after the discovery of some cases in the province of Pistoia, which also affected a pig farm with the culling of about a hundred heads.
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The protagonists of the public assembly
On stage the provincial councilor delegated to the police (as well as mayor of Ponte Buggianese) Nicola Tesi, the commander of the provincial police Franco Monfardini, the president of Atc 11 of Pistoia Antonio Andreini and Marco Ferretti, manager of the Tuscany Region for wildlife hunting activities, as well as the leaders of hunters’ associations.
The situation of infected heads
«At the moment the infected heads are seven – said Tesi – but another recovery is planned so most likely the number will rise to eight. The scenario that is gradually emerging is increasingly worse. While always specifying that this virus is not transmissible to humans, we must still note that some free-range pigs from a farm in the municipality of San Marcello Piteglio tested positive: they have already been culled. Unfortunately, this is not the only farm where the virus has arrived: there is another one also in the Pistoia Apennines».
Restriction zones and limitations
The Municipality of San Marcello Piteglio and those of Pistoia, Marliana, Abetone, Pescia and Sambuca have been included in restriction zone II, that is, maximum alert. Within their boundaries, wild boar hunting is therefore prohibited and all forestry activities are limited. In addition, strict health protocols have also been introduced for farmers. In restriction zone I, that is, active surveillance, all other municipalities in the province have been placed.
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Capecci’s indications for the coming days
«The next few days – concluded Capecci – will be decisive for containing the virus. In the entire area from FiPiLi to A11 the presence of wild boar must be removed. All farmers, not only those in the restriction zones, are invited to follow safety protocols when entering or leaving animal holding areas. Furthermore, culling campaigns must begin, the only essential tool to overcome the critical situation».
The appointment of the extraordinary commissioner
Meanwhile, on Thursday, July 16, the announcement also came of the appointment, by the President of the Region Eugenio Giani, of Giorgio Briganti, a veterinary doctor, director of the prevention department of Southeast Tuscany, as extraordinary commissioner for the ASF emergency. A piece of news welcomed with satisfaction by Coldiretti Tuscany, which recalls that since November 2025 it has requested the establishment of a regional table dedicated to the ASF emergency.
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