Abstract
Purpose: In order to counter effectively the animal epidemic emergency, it is necessary that the Veterinary Public Health manages risk communication for breeders interested in the area of crisis, with timely, quick and clear information. The purpose of this paper is to describe the model of communication used and the benefits obtained in the control of African Swine Fever. Methods & Materials: Following the African Swine Fever virus confirmation, the Units of Local Crisis locates the outbreak farm among those present in the database prepared by the Animal Health Service which contains updated information of all pig herds in the territory of ASL Sassari (names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owners, geographic coordinates lat / lon of farms, livestock numbers). All data is saved in Comma Separated Values (CSV) and imported on the QGIS software for the creation of a layer of all pig farms. Through geoprocessing function, two buffer zones around the outbreak of fever were created: the protection zone of 3 km and surveillance zone of 10 km. In this areas the farms were selected and through the software SMS_alert procedure were extrapolated the contact information of the farmers and sent, via a GSM modem, SMS text messages containing the recommendations and the health requirements. Results: In the territory of the ASL of Sassari, in 2015, there were 7 outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in domestic pigs that involved 140 pig farms in the protection zones and 765 pig farms in the Surveillance Zone. The messages are promptly arrived to all farmers concerned. Conclusion: The use of the Information System SMS Alert, has fostered a risk communication to farmers effectively and enabled a rapid and immediate action of warning and their sensitization to take the best biosecurity measures to limit the spread of the ASFV. In fact, in 2015, compared with 7 primary outbreaks, there hasn’t been no secondary outbreak of ASF, health indicator of effective action by the Veterinary Public Service, and a good collaborative response by farmers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
