Swine Fever Outbreak in Italy: Is It Safe to Eat Pork (or Wild Boar)?

Understanding African Swine Fever (ASF) Outbreak in Italy

Italy is facing a significant increase in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases, spreading across various municipalities and affecting not only farms but also wild boars.
The lack of strict population control for wild animals has contributed to the virus spreading, making it a matter of time.

ASF: A Brief Background

Although ASF has been known for years, Italy seems to have not implemented adequate safety measures.
The disease is endemic in Africa and first reached Europe in 2014, originating from the Caucasus region.
Over the past decade, various European countries have been affected by ASF, with the recent emergence of the genotype II virus in the province of Alessandria in 2022, leading to a significant infected area between Piemonte and Liguria.

Recent Developments in Central Italy

The virus has now reached central Italy, including the Capital, affecting both domestic pigs and wild boars.
Despite ASF being well-known, questions linger among the public regarding its transmission to humans and the safety of consuming pork.
It is crucial to provide clear answers to these inquiries and educate the population on preventing infection.

ASF: Risks and Prevention Measures

ASF does not pose a direct threat to humans; however, its introduction to a previously unaffected area can have severe consequences.
The virus can spread through contaminated food and materials, leading to economic losses in the livestock sector.
Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for ASF, emphasizing the importance of prevention.

Proper monitoring of swine and wild boar health by breeders, along with reporting any suspicious cases to veterinary authorities, is essential.
While ASF is not transmissible to humans, following precautions is vital in preventing virus spread:

• Buy pork only from certified sources adhering to biosafety standards.
• Avoid consuming pork from infected areas.
• Ensure proper disposal of food waste to prevent contact with wild animals like boars.

Consuming Pork Safely

For those still concerned, it is safe to consume pork and wild boar meat.
The Ministry of Health confirms that pork products can be consumed safely, as the ASF virus is not transmissible to humans.
However, proper waste disposal is crucial to prevent contamination.

While strict control measures are in place within the European Union to manage ASF outbreaks, including the slaughter of pigs, it is important to ensure the ethical treatment of animals throughout the process, as highlighted by animal welfare organizations.

Overall, stringent health checks and controls are enforced for the movement of pigs and pork products in Europe, aiming to eliminate virus presence and safeguard public health.