Spain worries about potential loss of multibillion-euro industry because of swine fever

Spain is confronting its first case of African swine fever (ASF) in over three decades, posing a serious risk to its lucrative pork export market. The Ministry of Agriculture in Madrid confirmed that nine wild boars in Catalonia have died from the disease. Despite this, farmed pigs remain unaffected, according to Agriculture Minister Luis Planas.

ASF does not affect humans but is highly contagious and deadly for pigs. Last year, Spain's pork exports totaled nearly 7.5 billion, with about 5 billion going to EU countries and roughly 3.7 billion to international markets.

The outbreak, first reported last week, has already led roughly 20 countries to halt pork imports from Spain entirely. Major importers, including China and the UK, are currently limiting purchases to regions outside the affected area near Barcelona.

Spain, unlike Germany, which has struggled with ASF for five years and reported thousands of cases since 2020, has been considered free of the disease for decades. This long-standing ASF-free status had significantly supported Spanish pork exports.

The initial infections were detected on Friday in Collserola Nature Park near Barcelona. Authorities suspect improperly discarded food by hikers in the forest may have triggered the outbreak. A 20-kilometre perimeter around the park has been sealed off.

Over 400 emergency personnel, including military and civil defense units, are actively engaged in the response, using drones and sniffer dogs to locate infected animals and contain the disease. Extensive disinfection efforts are also underway to prevent further spread.

Author: Grace Ellison