Sardinian cattle sector faces crisis from dermatitis and rising costs

The bovine sector in Sardinia is facing a severe crisis driven by lumpy skin disease (dermatitis) and economic pressures. Agricultural organization Coldiretti Sardegna has reported that Brussels is maintaining strict restrictions, leaving the cattle industry in the region, specifically in areas like Samugheo, in a state of paralysis.

In response to the situation, the Fratelli d’Italia group in Oristano has submitted a motion to the Regional Government. The motion, led by counselor Emanuele Cera, calls for an extraordinary plan to save businesses, production, and jobs. It requests direct support to combat rising production costs, investments for climate change adaptation, faster compensation, and urgent legislative action.

Producers are currently struggling with a ‘perfect storm’ of high energy and fuel costs, rising prices for raw materials and feed, water crises, and extreme weather conditions. These factors, combined with movement restrictions due to viral epidemics, are threatening the economic stability of dairy production and risking the permanent abandonment of farming activities by vulnerable enterprises.