After a long period of concern, Gallura is showing signs of confidence in the fight against lumpy skin disease. Thanks to the commitment of farmers and collaboration with veterinary services, vaccination coverage has now reached 97% of farms and 95% of cattle in the region.

It is precisely on the basis of these results that Gallura wants to lead the way and launches a request to the competent institutions for exemptions to allow the resumption of livestock movement.

"The epidemiological situation has changed profoundly," emphasizes Battista Cualbu, president of Coldiretti Sardegna, who represents Gallura. "Thanks to the responsibility and commitment of Gallura farmers, the vaccination campaign has reached some of the highest levels of coverage in Italy. For this reason, we have officially written to the relevant regional and national authorities to launch our request: we are confident that the restricted zones can be lifted as soon as possible, not only in Gallura but in all the virtuous areas that have followed the rules," he adds. "We are convinced that there will soon be good news based on the discussions we are conducting daily with the relevant institutions."

Very few companies have not completed vaccinations, "but for us, it's essential that the efforts of those who have followed the guidelines be rewarded," Cualbu continues. "A dual approach is needed: concrete support and recognition for the hard work done by those who have complied. This must be the starting point for the ability to move and market, two vital aspects for our companies, which continue to lose revenue with each day of shutdown. Our product is in high demand and has a high market value: we trust that these efforts will soon be rewarded, including in terms of compensation, because, although funds have been allocated, they have not yet reached the coffers of businesses as they should."

The goal now is for this model to be extended to all other virtuous areas of the island, ensuring the gradual reopening of operations and the protection of the entire livestock sector. "The cattle sector has paid a very high economic price," adds Luca Saba, director of Coldiretti Sardinia. "The suspension of movements and the freeze on sales have generated extremely heavy losses, with a direct impact on companies' liquidity and the stability of the entire system. It is essential to restore all commercial channels as soon as possible: every day that passes is a day lost in market competition, in customer loyalty, and in promoting a product—Sardinian products—which had reached extremely high levels of quality and demand. We must give new life to the companies that have done everything required, and today they deserve to be able to start again."

(Unioneonline)

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