African swine fever detected in Tuscany and Emilia‑Romagna farms and wildlife

Two pigs from a farm in San Marcello Piteglio, Tuscany, tested positive for African swine fever after the death of three animals. The regional veterinary service, the national reference centre and the Ministry of Health activated the emergency protocol, establishing protection and surveillance zones around the farm and coordinating intensified monitoring with regional authorities.

A wild boar carcass found near Lake Scaffaiolo in the Bologna area of Emilia‑Romagna also tested positive for the virus. Local police, health officials and the Emilia‑Romagna region designated several nearby municipalities as restriction zones, tightened hunting controls, and set up sites for carcass storage and safe transport. Recommendations were issued for hikers and hunters to avoid contaminating the environment.

Authorities emphasize that African swine fever does not affect humans but poses a serious threat to domestic pigs and wild boar populations, with potential economic impacts on the livestock sector and hunting industry. Ongoing surveillance and containment measures are being coordinated across the Italian Apennines.