African Swine Fever Outbreak Threatens Spain's Pork Export Boom
The resurgence of African swine fever in Spain has led to farm closures and export suspensions, threatening the country’s rapidly growing pork industry.
- • African swine fever detected after 29 years in Barcelona, closing 39 farms.
- • 120 export certificates suspended, affecting 14 meat exporters to China.
- • A 20-kilometer surveillance zone established around affected farms.
- • Pork exports reached 2.76 million tons last year, up 84% over the decade.
Key details
African swine fever (ASF) has re-emerged in Spain for the first time since 1994, triggering significant disruptions in the country’s burgeoning meat export industry. Authorities confirmed two ASF cases in wild boars in Barcelona province, leading to the closure of 39 farms and the establishment of a 20-kilometer surveillance zone around the affected area. Consequently, 120 export certificates have been suspended, impacting 14 meat processing companies that export primarily to China. However, Chinese officials have accepted Spain’s regionalization measures, limiting export restrictions to affected zones.
Spain’s pork sector has witnessed substantial growth over the last decade, with exports reaching 2.76 million tons last year, marking an 84% increase. With over 44,600 pig farms nationally and more than 5,000 in Catalonia, the outbreak poses a considerable economic threat if it spreads further. The Ministry of Agriculture has instituted strict control and biosecurity protocols to contain the disease, emphasizing the importance of vigilant animal health monitoring. The Director of Animal Health underlined that early detection reflects Spain’s strong coordination among authorities.
This crisis follows the earlier suspension in poultry exports due to avian flu, compounding pressures on Spain’s meat export industries and raising concerns over potential reputational damage. While ASF is a non-zoonotic disease, the Ministry urges enhanced security in pig farming and wild boar transport to prevent wider economic impacts.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
