The macro and asset pricing implications of rising Italian uncertainty: Evidence from a novel news-based macroeconomic policy uncertainty index

We develop a new monthly and daily index of economic policy uncertainty for Italy based on articles from the Sole 24 Ore (a popular Italian business daily newspaper). VAR investigations document that an unexpected rise in the Sole 24 Ore news-based EPU index (EPU24) has mild effects on the real economic activity. Cross-sectional asset pricing tests then show that both monthly and daily EPU24 shocks command a positive risk premium. A standard event study finally indicates the presence of statistically significant positive cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) in the energy sector following different categories of policy-related events. Negative and significant CARs in the financial sector are instead found to be generated by international-related events and political elections

Seroprevalence, clinical incidence, and molecular and epidemiological characterisation of small ruminant lentivirus in the indigenous Passirian goat in northern Italy

Eight dairy flocks, comprising a total of 323 indigenous Passirian goats from northern Italy, were examined to determine the seroprevalence and clinical incidence of small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections and to identify the SRLV subtypes. The seroprevalence was 81.5% (55-95%). The clinical incidence was 2.5% (0-8.3%) and was apparently low due to the practice of culling clinically affected animals. Phylogenetic analysis of eight PCR fragments (one sample from each flock) revealed that all proviruses belonged to the SRLV subtype B1, which suggests a common source of infection. Subtype B1 being the only circulating SRLV, coupled with the fact that mixed herd systems are very rare in South Tyrol, gives hope that an eradication programme in goats can be successful even without including sheep as long as sheep are kept strictly and permanently isolated

CAEV : Vorlaufige Ergebnisse eines alternativen Protokolls zur Kontrolle der CAE in einem Ziegenbetrieb der Rasse "Passeirer Gebirgsziege"

Objective: Considering the specific conditions (high sero-prevalence, high genetic merit, rare breed, and commune pasture) in the described herd, an alternative method to control the disease was chosen. The aim of this control program was to reduce clinical signs and to preserve the high genetic merit. Material and methods: The newborns were seggregated immediately after birth and fed with bovine colostrum/milk. At the age of five to six months direct contact with the adults at pasture was possible. Goats tested positive were not killed immediatelly: Animals with low breed value and without signs were slaugthered or sold, goats with high value were kept in the herd as long as possible. Results and conclusions: Infection could not be prevented, but the clinical symptoms almost disappeared. Thus the high genetic potential of this goat herd could be utilized longer. The sexual and aerogenic transmission seemed to be an important factor for spread of infection in this herd. Clinical relevance: Aim, voluntary and perseverance of the breeder and the serological status of neighbouring goat flocks are important factors which have to be considered before the establishment of a control program. The described method seems to be suitable in flocks with high seroprevalence, high genetic merit, and open status. A further evaluation after some years is certainly necessary. Virus persistance and the annually intensive work of the goat colostrum deprived rearing method are certainly disavantages of this alternative program