The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is advising the public that it is proposing to recognize the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy as being free of swine vesicular disease. The proposed recognition is based on a recent risk evaluation, which is now available for review and comment.

SVD is characterized by the formation of vesicles and erosions on the hooves and around the mouth. While clinical signs can vary in severity, illness is short and not life-threatening. Its main significance is the strong resemblance to other vesicular diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease.

The Government of Italy requested that APHIS evaluate the SVD disease status of the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. In response to Italy's request, the agency prepared an evaluation, titled “APHIS Evaluation of Toscana and Umbria, Italy for Swine Vesicular Disease."

Based on the evaluation, APHIS says they have determined that the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy are free of SVD. APHIS has also found that the surveillance, prevention and control measures implemented by Italy are sufficient to minimize the likelihood of introducing SVD into the United States via imports of species or products susceptible to these diseases.

The determination supports adding the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy to the web-based list of regions that APHIS considers free of SVD.

APHIS will consider all comments received on or before Oct. 23. After reviewing any comments we receive, we will announce our decision regarding the disease status of the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy with respect to SVD in a subsequent notice.