Europe had already given its blessing, and now the Ministry of Health has given the green light: Sardinian cattle will be able to leave the island, with restrictions lifted due to the bovine dermatitis epidemic.
The communication comes from the Director General of the Department of Animal Health, Giovanni Filippini, responding to a note sent to Rome by the Regional Health Department. In summary: given the epidemiological situation and the vaccination coverage achieved, "we express a favorable opinion on the resumption of cattle movements from Sardinia to the rest of the country."
This is further good news for the sector, which had feared the worst since June , when the disease appeared on a farm in the Nuoro area. The ban had since become increasingly stringent, affecting the entire region, also in light of an outbreak discovered on the mainland, triggered by the export of Sardinian cattle.
In Sardinia, 79 farms were affected. After the massive vaccination campaign (made mandatory by the threat of non-compensation) , the national veterinary epidemiological bulletin for 2026 says zero: no currently active cases of lumpy skin disease. The nightmare is over.
"After months of sacrifices and restrictions, the Ministry of Health has authorized the resumption of cattle movements," commented Regional President Alessandra Todde. " For Sardinia, a very difficult period has finally come to an end, overcome thanks to the commitment of everyone involved in this fight: from farmers, to trade associations, to veterinarians, to the Zooprophylactic Institute, to the Public Veterinary Health and Food Safety Service, and to the entire Department of Health and law enforcement who supported us. My thanks go to them."
"Today we can finally say that the nightmare is over. Sardinia is once again guaranteeing continuity of supplies to the national market, in full compliance with health regulations and safety protocols," he concluded. " This result protects animal health, but also the work and dignity of Sardinian farmers, who have never been left alone to deal with the disease or the economic consequences of the lack of animal transport ."
(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)
