"On such a sensitive issue for our economy and our identity, we have chosen the path of transparency, responsibility, and proximity." This is what the President of the Sardinia Region, Alessandra Todde, stated regarding the emergency related to lumpy bovine dermatitis (LSD) , reaffirming her commitment to providing maximum support to operators in the sector. "Faced with an emergency affecting our livestock farming, operators in the sector must have clarity and support, and citizens must have accurate information. We can be certain that we are doing everything necessary to protect our farmers and the island's animal heritage," the President stated.

"Lumpy skin disease is classified as a Category A disease by the European Union, and containment measures are strictly established by Regulation (EU) 2020/687," Todde recalls. " There are no shortcuts, but concrete and timely actions are being implemented by the Region since the disease's presence in Sardinia became known."

Outlining the main actions already underway, the president stated: " We have activated a regional task force , in constant coordination with the Ministry of Health and the European Commission. This task force is coordinated directly by me, in collaboration with the Health Councilor, Armando Bartolazzi, the Agriculture Councilor, Gian Franco Satta, and the Environmental Protection Councilor, Rosanna Laconi."

Todde then recalled that "a vaccination plan has been developed to immunize all cattle and buffalo in Sardinia: 300,000 doses have already arrived at the Istituto Zooprofilattico to launch the campaign throughout the region . The vaccination plan will also include a monitoring plan that will be shared with trade associations to manage and compensate for any adverse reactions (such as miscarriages or decreased milk production) with clear and agreed-upon rules at a meeting to be held tomorrow at the Department of Agriculture."

The President also emphasized the Region's commitment to "procuring resources from the Department of Agriculture, which will be immediately available, and other resources to be allocated in the budget amendment to advance the compensation payments compared to the Ministry of Health's timeline. The rules and amounts will be shared with trade associations to ensure compensation for the economic damage caused by the culling . Furthermore, these resources will be used for direct contributions to livestock farms affected by the movement ban and to strengthen veterinary support services."

Finally, Todde reiterated that "the management of biosecurity measures concerns infected and surveillance zones, the restriction of movement, and the mandatory culling of infected animals. Our priority is clear: to stop the spread of the virus, protect animal health, and defend a strategic sector for Sardinia's economy . We are doing this with determination, respecting European regulations, making all necessary resources available, and transparently communicating all the steps taken. There are no different factions or political colors; we are all fighting the same battle for Sardinia. Together, we can win this challenge too."

(Unioneonline)

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