African Swine Fever Outbreak Affects Spain's Pork Industry and Exports

Spain's pork industry, valued at €25 billion and the largest in Europe, faces challenges from an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak detected in late November. The virus, which is lethal to pigs and wild boars but does not affect humans, was first found in a wild boar corpse in Collserola Park near Barcelona.

ASF was last eradicated in Spain three decades ago. The outbreak remains contained to the northeastern region of Catalonia. No cases have been reported on commercial farms, including a pig farm in Lleida province with 8,000 pigs. However, the detection has led to a drop in pork values, with each pig sold for slaughter losing €30 ($35; £26) to €40 compared to pre-outbreak prices.

closed Collserola Park and restricted access upon discovery of the infected boar. An investigation ruled out a leak from a nearby animal research facility as the cause. Wild boars, numbering between 120,000 and 180,000 in Catalonia, are considered a key factor in the virus's potential spread, with some entering urban areas like Barcelona outskirts.

The regional government of Catalonia has initiated a cull to reduce the wild boar population by half. As of the end of March, 24,000 boars had been culled, with 232 testing positive for ASF. Efforts focus on a high-risk 6 km radius around initial cases and a lower-risk 20 km zone.

Culling uses net traps, metal box traps, silenced firearms, cameras, and drones for monitoring. Fences restrict boar movement, and officers disinfect equipment after patrols.

markets have reacted to the outbreak.

Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and the US have halted all imports of Spanish pork. EU countries, China, and the UK have restricted imports to pork from the affected northeastern area. The regional agriculture minister, Òscar Ordeig, stated that measures include extreme biosecurity protocols established in Spain.