The bovine dermatitis vaccine is confirmed to be "effective and safe," while the number of outbreaks on the island "continues to decrease ." Dr. Alberto Laddomada, former director of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sardinia and head of the task force that successfully eradicated swine fever on the island , reassured farmers and citizens.
As the expert explains in a post on his social media page, the virus responsible for bovine dermatitis has shown no tendency to spread beyond the already affected areas , located primarily in Barbagia, in the area between Nuoro and Goceano (with its center in Orani), and Goceano itself. An isolated episode occurred in Lower Gallura, but fortunately it remained limited.
The national epidemiological bulletin reported, in the past week, the confirmation of four new outbreaks in four Sardinian farms, a number well below the 18 outbreaks recorded in the same area in mid-July , when the virus had raised fears of rapid expansion. Regarding vaccinations, approximately three weeks after the start of the campaign, over 40,000 cattle have already been immunized, with no significant adverse reactions reported. Furthermore, the vaccine "has already been used on millions of cattle" and "has already led to the eradication of this disease from the Balkans." This is a promising figure, although, as Laddomada emphasizes, "it is prudent to wait a little longer before commenting further."
The former IZS director expressed confidence in the support of regional institutions: "We hope that the Regional Council will deliver the news everyone is expecting in the next few hours. This would be crucial to calm the spirits of the livestock sector and facilitate the intensification of ongoing measures." Finally, he extended his thanks and appeal to all those involved: farmers, veterinarians, technicians, and staff who work daily to prevent and control bovine dermatitis. "I am confident that this ambitious goal can be achieved in a reasonably short time," Laddomada concluded.
