The context

Epidemiological and biological characteristics of coronaviruses, which have the possibility to overcome cross-species barriers, are a matter of concern and call for a special caution for the potential health implications also in farm animals with damaging economic impacts to the whole livestock production sector. Emilia-Romagna region is one of the most important production area in world for widespread recognized high quality animal products, like Parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Different livestock species are infected by specific and non-specific coronaviruses that can easily pass across species. New emerging viruses have been frequently identified.

Genetic variability within the animal genomes could confer genetic resistance to these viruses.