VALUTAZIONE DEI LIVELLI DI BIOSICUREZZA IN UN'AZIENDA FAUNISTICO VENATORIA DEL CENTRO ITALIA (REGIONE UMBRIA)/ EVALUATION OF BIOSAFETY LEVELS IN A WILDLIFE HUNTING FARM OF CENTRAL ITALY (UMBRIA REGION)

Abstract

The interface between the domestic and wild environment represents a critical point for the transmission of etiological agents from the wild to the domestic world, and consequently to humans. This hypothesis, albeit unconfirmed, was also suggested in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how an infection of wild animals can lead to a pandemic. Livestock farms, especially extensive or faunistic-hunting ones, with significant contact between wild and domestic animals, pose a risk in this regard if appropriate interventions are not implemented. This study evaluates the infectious risk at a qualitative level of a faunistic-hunting farm in Central Italy, representative of other extensive farms, through visit of the farm and interview of the farm manager using a simplified model of questions adapted from the ClassyFarm checklist. The level of biosecurity of the farm was examined, identifying critical points and strengths. The interview, which provided explanations of the investigated biosecurity actions following each question, also served as a training opportunity. The results emphasize the need to tailor measures to the specific characteristics of the analyzed farm and assess their impact on animal health, as well as from a One Health perspective on human and environmental health, considering the proximity to cattle farms and wild animals. Effective prevention is ensured through the implementation of biosecurity measures that require multidisciplinary skills in both planning and application, actively involving professionals, including within the scope of animal husbandry. Furthermore, the evolution of animal health laws requires an expansion of competencies to address emerging needs, including the training.