A major swine fever outbreak in northern Italy is threatening the country’s renowned prosciutto and pork industry. The disease, which emerged in 2022, has led to the slaughter of over 120,000 pigs, particularly in the Lombardy region. Farmers like Giovanni Airoli have lost entire herds, and the crisis has resulted in bans on Italian pork imports by several countries, causing significant financial strain.
The government and experts are imposing stricter measures, including enhanced sanitation and buffer zones, but there’s no clear end to the outbreak in sight. The crisis has also impacted the production of Parma prosciutto, with a shortage of pork legs and rising costs, leaving many farmers uncertain about the future.
Despite the challenges, some experts suggest this outbreak could serve as an opportunity to improve animal health and welfare across the sector. However, for many producers, the immediate threat to their livelihoods remains severe as Italy continues to battle the spread of the disease.
