Lumpy skin disease is slowing its spread in Sardinia. After weeks of alarm, data released by the Region shows a sharp decline in infections: from August 14th to today, only two new outbreaks have been recorded, seven in total since the beginning of the month, compared to the 36 confirmed in July .

This is an encouraging sign that regional authorities attribute to the progress of the vaccination campaign. To date, 114,700 cattle have been immunized on the island, equal to 40.53% of the total population. More than 3,200 farms have vaccinated all their animals, reaching 41% of the total.

The best percentages come from Oristano, with over 41,000 vaccinated animals, equal to almost 60% of the local herd. Medio Campidano and Gallura also performed well, while Nuoro (27.81%), Cagliari (26.72%), and especially Ogliastra, stuck at 6%, lagged behind.

"Difficulties persist in areas characterized by free-range grazing, where herding is more complicated," admits Regional Health Councilor Armando Bartolazzi. "But the data is encouraging and demonstrates that the vaccination campaign is working. Therefore, I once again urge all farmers to collaborate with veterinary services: vaccination is the only way to defeat the disease without extending the travel ban."

Agriculture Councillor Gianfranco Satta agrees, viewing the first outbreaks in Sassari and Gallura as "an important achievement, the fruit of the joint efforts of farmers, veterinarians, and institutions."

Satta also cites the example of Blue Tongue, where vaccination has made a difference: "As of August 20, we have only counted 55 dead animals, compared to 11,000 in 2024. All the deaths occurred on farms that had not participated in the campaign."
Finally, the Region reassures the livestock sector: approximately 30 million euros have already been allocated to cover any losses incurred by farmers.

The disease is currently limited to the areas already affected and the protection zones have not changed.

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)

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