The African Swine Fever (ASF), or Peste Suina Africana, has re-emerged in Northern Italy, causing significant disruptions across agricultural and environmental sectors. Over 60,000 pigs have been culled, and regions like Piedmont and Lombardy have declared red zones to contain the virus (Il Fatto Alimentare – https://ilfattoalimentare.it/peste-suina-zona-rossa-nord-italia.html). In response to this escalating crisis, ADPM Drones presents a cutting-edge solution, leveraging its extensive wildlife monitoring expertise to assist authorities in mitigating the spread of ASF.
The Role of ADPM Drones in ASF Management
ADPM Drones offers a well-established track record in wildlife monitoring, a critical capability in the battle against ASF. Our UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are equipped with advanced imaging systems and AI-powered tracking technology, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. This allows authorities to make informed, timely decisions to help contain the spread of ASF. Here’s how our technology supports ASF management:
- Monitoring Wild Boar Populations: Wild boars are primary carriers of ASF, transmitting the virus through contact with domestic pigs. ADPM Drones deploys UAVs equipped with thermal and high-resolution cameras to track wild boar movements with precision. AI-driven pattern recognition provides real-time alerts, allowing authorities to target specific areas for interventions such as culling or establishing buffer zones.
“Our drone technology allows us to monitor wildlife with unprecedented accuracy. Tracking wild boar populations in real time offers authorities a critical tool in preventing the spread of ASF,” says Luca Brizzi, Executive President and CTO of ADPM Drones. - Supporting Biosafety Measures on Farms: Preventing wild boars from coming into contact with farm animals is crucial for halting ASF transmission. ADPM Drones offers aerial surveillance of farm perimeters, detecting wildlife breaches and ensuring biosafety protocols are followed. By providing real-time detection of wild boar proximity, our technology helps farmers reduce the risk of infection at the farm level (Il Fatto Alimentare – https://ilfattoalimentare.it/peste-suina-zona-rossa-nord-italia.html).
- Providing Real-Time Data for Strategic Decision Making: Timely data collection is vital in controlling disease outbreaks. ADPM Drones provides advanced aerial reconnaissance and real-time data collection, giving authorities and farmers immediate insight into ASF-infected zones. This enables the rapid deployment of resources and interventions such as quarantines, wildlife corridor monitoring, and early detection of high-risk areas .
Proven Case Study: Wildlife Monitoring in Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park
ADPM Drones has successfully implemented its wildlife monitoring technology in projects such as the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park. In this use case, our drones equipped with thermal and RGB cameras monitored the movements of ungulates like deer and wild boars. By employing advanced sensors, georeferencing based on NATO’s STANAG 4609 standard, and real-time communication systems, the project achieved significant cost and efficiency gains while minimizing disturbances to wildlife.
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This use case directly translates to ASF management, where similar drone capabilities can be applied to track wild boar populations and monitor their interactions with domestic animals, offering critical insights to support ASF containment.
A Long-Term Approach to Disease Control
In addition to immediate outbreak responses, ADPM Drones supports long-term wildlife management strategies. By continuously monitoring wild boar populations, authorities can limit the risk of interaction with domestic pigs and prevent future outbreaks of ASF. The data gathered through our UAV systems can also be used for predictive analytics, helping authorities anticipate potential future outbreaks (Il Fatto Alimentare – https://ilfattoalimentare.it/peste-suina-zona-rossa-nord-italia.html) .
Collaborating for Effective ASF Solutions
As Italy intensifies its efforts to combat ASF, the demand for advanced surveillance technology is greater than ever. ADPM Drones stands ready to assist farmers, and government agencies in managing this crisis. By integrating our cutting-edge technology into ASF control measures, we provide real-time solutions that can help curb the spread of the virus and protect Italy’s agricultural sector.
For more information on how ADPM Drones can contribute to ASF containment and wildlife monitoring, contact us today.
