African Swine Fever Hits Catalonia, Threatening Spain’s Pork Industry and Exports

The African swine fever (ASF) outbreak detected in Catalonia marks Spain’s first encounter with the disease in decades, dealing a serious blow to the country’s vital pork sector. The disease — which is lethal and highly contagious among pigs and wild boars but harmless to humans — was discovered after two wild boars tested positive in the region. As Catalonia accounts for 40% of Spain's pork exports and about 12% of the EU's total, the outbreak's impact extends well beyond regional borders.

In response, the Generalitat of Catalonia implemented strict control measures, setting two restriction zones around the outbreak site: a 6-kilometer radius enforcing mobility limitations, and a 20-kilometer quarantine including 39 farms. Public access to the immediate forested area is banned to prevent further spread. Pork exports outside the EU have been suspended following the detection.

Authorities suspect contaminated food waste as the virus's source, urging farmers to intensify biosecurity practices. The sector emphasizes that farmers are victims of the crisis and calls for calm amid fears of severe economic repercussions. Despite the threat to the pork industry, the disease poses no risk to human health.

This outbreak underscores the fragility of Spain’s pork industry, especially in Catalonia, a key player in European pork production and trade. The regional government’s quick measures aim to contain the virus and mitigate damage to an industry that supports vast economic activity and exports.