Spain fights to protect pork industry from swine fever outbreak

African Swine Fever Outbreak in Spain

Spain is responding vigorously to its first African swine fever outbreak in three decades, which threatens the nation's crucial pork export industry. The outbreak, confirmed in wild boars in the Barcelona area, has led international authorities to block around one-third of Spain's pork export certifications. This disruption comes as Spain is Europe’s largest pig meat producer, with pork exports valued at nearly €9 billion annually. Countries like Japan and Mexico have stopped all imports of Spanish pork, while China has banned imports specifically from the Barcelona province to curb the spread of the disease.

Government and Military Response

To contain the outbreak, Spain has mobilized its Military Emergency Unit, deploying 80 soldiers to Catalonia, alongside 300 police and rural agents. The government is enforcing stringent control measures within a 20-kilometer radius around the infected zones, limiting operations and sales for pork producers there. These measures include monitoring livestock, applying perimeter fencing, disinfecting, limiting farm access, and veterinary inspections on farms to detect any infection.

Impact on Spanish Agriculture and Exports

The outbreak's timing is particularly challenging as it comes when Italy is recovering from a recent swine fever crisis. Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas stated the government aims to “contain, reduce, and eliminate the source to prevent further spread” while minimizing export disruptions. The pork sector is vital to Spain’s agricultural economy, ranking as the second-largest agricultural export after olive oil. The industry supports approximately 400,000 jobs directly and indirectly, emphasizing why containment is critical.

Industry and Official Statements

Òscar Ordeig, a senior agricultural official overseeing the affected area, expects the eight suspected swine fever cases to be confirmed and warned of severe consequences if the outbreak is not contained. The trade association Interporc noted intensification of existing biosecurity measures on farms. Despite the crisis, officials reassure the public that consumption of fresh and processed pork products remains safe.

"We are striving to resolve this situation as swiftly as possible," said Agriculture Minister Luis Planas.
"It would be terrible if the outbreak is not contained," emphasized Òscar Ordeig.

Spain's swift military and agricultural response highlights the critical role of the pork sector in its economy and the urgency to control swine fever to prevent wider economic damage and safeguard exports.

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Financial Times Financial Times — 2025-12-01

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