Lombardy implements hunting bans to combat rabbit myxomatosis

The Lombardy Region has expanded early closures for rabbit hunting in response to declining populations and confirmed cases of the Toledo variant of myxomatosis. Following decrees issued on October 22 and 23, hunting is prohibited starting October 26 in several areas, including all six remaining hunting zones (ATC) in the province of Mantua and six of the seven zones in Cremona.

The measures aim to protect residual rabbit populations from hunting pressure following census data showing significant decreases. These restrictions follow similar closures previously implemented in Varese and the Bergamasque Prealps. Additionally, the Emilia-Romagna region has suspended hunting in the Ferrara province as of October 19 to address similar conservation concerns.