"The announced arrival of the live-attenuated vaccine is still generating strong concerns in the Sardinian countryside, fueling a climate of uncertainty and fear among farmers." This is the alarm raised by Coldiretti Sardinia, in a letter sent to the regional health councilor Armando Bartolazzi and the IZS (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale) regarding the management of the bovine dermatitis emergency.
"The rumors that are spreading, often without adequate scientific support, are contributing to growing fears about the vaccine's safety and possible side effects," reports the main agricultural entrepreneurs' organization, which is calling for "maximum clarity on the vaccine's efficacy, its indications and contraindications , so that farmers can face the emergency with awareness and responsibility."
"Our farmers deserve to know whether vaccinations are the only viable option and, if so, what the real benefits of the proposed vaccine are and its documented efficacy, also based on experiences in other European countries," emphasize Battista Cualbu, president and director of Coldiretti Sardinia, and Luca Saba. " It's essential to know what the potential side effects are, both short- and long-term . Farmers fear drops in production, abortions, and transport restrictions that may continue for a long time. We ask for information to protect animal health but also the financial viability of the farms involved."
Specifically, in the letter, Coldiretti—in addition to asking whether there are viable alternatives to vaccination and for data on the effects of the vaccine already used in other contexts to be made public—asks whether any adverse reactions have been observed in cattle and for clarification on the expected timeframes for administration , completion of health procedures, and the resumption of animal movements.
Furthermore, along with the plan to combat the disease, Coldiretti Sardegna believes it is essential that " adequate compensation and financial support be provided for farms that suffer direct or indirect damage , not only from the spread of the disease but also from the consequences of countermeasures, including vaccinations, such as drops in production, possible abortions, or even stillbirths."
