Authorities in Spain have identified eight more wild boars with suspected cases of African swine fever near Barcelona. This development comes as the country grapples with the potential fallout from the disease, which poses a significant threat to its pork export industry valued at approximately €8.8 billion annually. According to a report by La Vanguardia, two cases of the virus have been confirmed, with an additional 12 cases exhibiting symptoms and currently undergoing testing for confirmation.
As the situation escalates, the impact on Spain’s pork exports is already evident. Luis Planas, Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, revealed on Saturday that about a third of the country’s pork export certificates have been blocked following the initial outbreak of African swine fever, marking the first occurrence in Spain since 1994. “Of the 400 export certificates to 104 countries, a third are blocked. We are working to open them as quickly as possible,” Planas stated during a press conference.
The rapid spread of African swine fever, which is not harmful to humans but can devastate pig populations, has led to swift reactions from various countries. Following the reports of the outbreak, Taiwan announced a ban on all pork products and live pig imports from Spain. Meanwhile, China has prohibited pork imports specifically from the province of Barcelona, as confirmed by a Chinese Customs document reviewed by Reuters.
Internationally, the United Kingdom has also taken precautionary measures by temporarily halting pork meat imports from Catalonia. In addition, Mexico has suspended imports of pork products from Spain, further illustrating the global ramifications of this agricultural crisis.
The Spanish government is under pressure to maintain access to international markets, a task emphasized by Minister Planas. “Our task is to keep international markets open,” he reiterated, highlighting the urgency of addressing the outbreak and its implications for the economy.
As authorities work to manage the outbreak and prevent further spread, the focus remains on ensuring the health of both domestic livestock and the viability of Spain’s critical pork industry. The coming days will be crucial as the results of ongoing tests are awaited and as Spain navigates the complex landscape of international trade and public health.
