Spain Confirms African Swine Fever Cases After Three Decades, Imposes Strict Containment Measures
Spain confirms two wild boar cases of African swine fever near Barcelona after 31 years, enforcing strict containment to protect its pork industry.
- • Two African swine fever cases detected in wild boars near Barcelona, first since 1994.
- • A 20-kilometer surveillance zone impacts 64 municipalities and 39 pig farms with access restrictions.
- • Economic repercussions include export bans affecting 14 meat industries, especially shipments to China.
- • Strict biosecurity and hunting bans are in place; Ministry urges vigilance and reporting of suspected cases.
Key details
Spain has confirmed its first cases of African swine fever (ASF) since 1994, with two wild boars found dead near the Autonomous University of Barcelona between November 25 and 26. This development has prompted immediate government action to contain the outbreak and protect Spain's vital pork industry.
The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has established a 20-kilometer surveillance zone affecting 64 municipalities and 39 pig farms. Within the area closest to the outbreak, total access closure has been enforced, and hunting and forestry activities are banned. Strict biosecurity measures include physical and chemical barriers and the deployment of wild boar traps to prevent further spread.
Among the affected municipalities are Sabadell and Sant Quirze del Vallès, with investigations ongoing to trace the infection's origin. The Federation of Spanish Hunters (RFEC) has stressed hunters' pivotal role in early detection and control, urging adherence to biosecurity protocols.
Economically, the outbreak poses significant threats. Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig highlighted that pork products constitute 19.3% of the region's food and beverage exports. Approximately 14 meat industries in Barcelona now face export restrictions, particularly to crucial markets like China.
Elisenda Pérez, the regional director of Rural Agents, is coordinating efforts to locate more wild boar carcasses. Although ASF does not infect humans, it is classified as a category A disease within the European Union, mandating urgent control. Since early 2022, ASF has caused the death of 2.2 million pigs across 69 countries, with Europe among the hardest hit regions.
The Ministry has urged the pork sector to maintain heightened vigilance and reinforce biosecurity wherever possible, calling on citizens to report any suspected cases in wild or domestic suids. The response aims not only to contain this outbreak but also to prevent broader economic repercussions and protect Spain's longstanding pork industry.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.