African swine fever threatens Ticino

African swine fever has reached northern Italy. The virus was found in animals just 65 kilometers from the southern Swiss border. The cantonal veterinarian assumes an increased risk for the canton of Ticino.

The exchange of goods and increasingly intensive passenger traffic between Italy and Switzerland increase the risk of involuntary introduction of the virus, the cantonal veterinarian of Ticino said when asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency. In addition, the virus could also reach southern Switzerland “naturally”, i.e. via infected wild boars.

Due to the geographical proximity of infected animals in northern Italy, the risk of a first case of African swine fever in Ticino is higher than in other cantons, the canton’s veterinarian summarized.

The Veterinary Office of the Canton of Ticino has published a list of behavioral recommendations on the Internet. Hunters are asked, among other things, to exercise the utmost caution when in contact with hunting dogs. It is also recommended to change clothes and tools regularly. In case of possible contact with the virus, clothing should be washed at at least 70 degrees, the site says.

Hunting trips to countries where the disease is already present are also not recommended. Feeding wild animals and leaving food waste in nature are prohibited.

African swine fever affects wild and domestic animals. They develop a high fever and die within seven to ten days. There is no cure and no vaccination. The virus is not dangerous to humans. (sda)