Cinta Senese pig breed faces extinction risk in Tuscany

The Cinta Senese pig breed in Tuscany faces a risk of extinction due to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a threat exacerbated by the proliferation of wild boar in the region. To protect the breed's genetic heritage, the Consorzio di tutela della Dop has proposed a two-pronged strategy.

The first measure involves establishing protected breeding nuclei to preserve genetic diversity. This includes a plan to relocate eleven breeders—nine sows and two boars—to the island of Pianosa. These animals would be kept in a confined, high-security area within the island's prison structure, utilizing double fencing and strict biosecurity protocols certified under European ClassyFarm standards to prevent contact with local wildlife.

The second part of the proposal focuses on supporting existing farms through wildlife containment and providing adequate compensation to farmers to ensure the economic viability of raising the breed.