Cinta Senese pig breed saved by Italy's 'Ark of Noah' plan amid African swine fever
African swine fever has spread across Tuscany, with confirmed outbreaks in Comano (Massa‑Carrara province) and San Marcello Piteglio (Pistoia province). The virus has crossed the Apennines into neighboring municipalities such as Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna) and Fanano (Modena), contributing to a national cull of more than 120,000 animals since the crisis began.
The endemic Cinta Senese breed, traditionally raised semi‑free‑range in the Tuscan woods, has seen its population fall to roughly 3,000 individuals, putting it at risk of extinction. In response, the Tuscany regional authorities have drafted an emergency “Ark of Noah” scheme that will move nine representative specimens to the island of Pianosa to preserve the breed’s genetic material. Nicolò Savigni, president of the Consorzio di Tutela della Cinta Senese DOP, has urged swift implementation of the plan to safeguard this cultural and agricultural heritage.
Entities: African swine fever virus · Cinta Senese · Nicolò Savigni · Pianosa Island · Tuscany Region
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Regione Toscana issued its opinion authorizing temporary modifications to the Cinta Senese DOP disciplinary. (Regional Council)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nicolò Savigni said the temporary derogations are essential to guarantee continuity for farms during the emergency. (Nicolò Savigni, President of the Consorzio della Cinta Senese)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Leonardo Marras said African swine fever is a serious threat to Tuscany's productive, environmental and cultural heritage. (Leonardo Marras, Regional Agriculture Assessor)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The temporary derogations allow slaughter and secure custody of animals outside traditional zones for 12 months. (Regulatory measure)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Masaf approved temporary modifications to the Cinta Senese DOP disciplinary. (Masaf (Ministry of Agriculture))
- [● 2 SOURCES] The measures are intended to help farms meet biosafety requirements due to the African swine fever outbreak. (Policy rationale)