Italian authorities face criticism over African Swine Fever control measures

A coalition of Italian agricultural and environmental groups, including Slow Food Italia, FederBio, Legambiente and others, has voiced strong concerns about the government's response to African Swine Fever (ASF). The groups argue that the new Commissarial Ordinance 4/2026, issued by Extraordinary Commissioner Giovanni Filippini, is disproportionate and lacks scientific justification, penalising small‑scale and extensive pig farms while favouring large industrial operations. They warn that the measures could threaten native breeds such as the Cinta Senese, Nero di Parma and Mora Romagnola and call for alternatives like targeted isolation instead of preventive culling.

Separately, a joint inspection of a pig farm in Reggio Emilia uncovered multiple biosafety breaches, including missing vehicle‑disinfection stations and inadequate fence separation between clean and contaminated zones. The farm was fined €1,000 for violating the ASF prevention rules in the designated Restriction Zone 1. Both incidents highlight tensions between authorities and the livestock sector over ASF containment strategies in Italy.