Italian councillor for the Lombardy Region for agriculture, Alessandro Beduschi, met with Minister Francesco Lollobrigida in Rome to discuss the PSA-African Swine Fever emergency, according to a press release from the regional government. At the same meeting, the Agricultural Policy Committee also met to discuss the 'Extraordinary Plan for the capture, slaughter and disposal of wild boars' and the 'Strategic Actions for the Elaboration of Eradication Plans in the Restriction Zones by PSA', presented by Commissioner Vincenzo straordinario Caputo.

In the afternoon there was also a meeting with all the major representatives of the supply chain and agricultural associations, in which, among others, the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, also took part.

Councillor Beduschi reiterated the need to take two main actions. "The catches of wild boars that spread the virus must be increased," he said. "This is why I asked the Minister to help us to strengthen these activities, using the army and civil protection, but also by enhancing the role of hunters. And also providing for unprecedented incentive systems." 

Most importantly, Beduschi continued, are the biosecurity activities to create barriers around farms. To do this, he said, extraordinary resources will be needed.

"The Ministers have assured me of all the closeness of the government - also through appropriations of new resources, men and means," said Councillor Beduschi. "This is in the knowledge that securing Lombard farms means saving a pivotal sector for the national agricultural economy that would risk losing 60 million euros a month."