Spain’s pork industry is on high alert after African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in several wild boar outside Barcelona — the country’s first detected cases since 1994. The Catalonia region is now moving quickly to reduce its wild boar population, including expanded culls, to prevent the virus from reaching commercial herds.
First Cases in Over Three Decades
ASF was first identified last week in two wild boar in the Collserola mountain range, just outside the city. Since then, seven additional boar found in the same area have tested positive. Regional officials expect more detections as surveillance intensifies.
While no domestic pigs have been affected, producers warn that any spread to farms could have major economic consequences for Spain, the largest pork producer in the European Union, representing roughly a quarter of total EU output.
Export Concerns Rising
The outbreak immediately raised questions about international market access. Spain exports roughly €3.5 billion (US$4.05 billion) worth of pork annually.
Government officials said:
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China and the United Kingdom have agreed to continue receiving pork from unaffected regions.
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Negotiations with Canada are still underway to maintain market continuity.
Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said Spain would work “certificate by certificate, country by country” to protect export channels.
Catalonia Accelerates Population Control
Catalan regional leader Salvador Illa said the region has been working for years to reduce wild boar numbers due to risks to public health and agriculture — but the ASF detection has forced an urgent expansion of control measures.
Authorities are now coordinating with hunting associations and deploying additional management methods to reduce the population, which has grown 550% over the past 30 years, according to farm association COAG.
The Collserola mountain range alone is estimated to hold around 1,000 wild boar, one of the highest densities in the region.
Producers Brace for Impact
Although ASF does not affect humans, it spreads easily between wild boar and domestic pigs. Local producers say the coming weeks will be critical to preventing further disruptions.
Catalonia has announced a €10 million credit line to support farmers affected by movement restrictions or operational impacts connected to the outbreak.
Officials believe the virus may have been introduced after a wild boar consumed contaminated food waste, potentially discarded by a passing vehicle.
