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Sun, 05 Apr 2026

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 Spain's huge pork industry seeks salvation from swine fever threat

Countries around the world, including the US, have already stopped imports over the outbreak.
In Catalonia, Spain, pork farmer Jordi Saltiveri is struggling to cope with the economic impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) on his business. The virus has caused significant losses for pig farmers in the region, with each pig sold for slaughter losing between €30-€40 in value compared to before the outbreak. The authorities have been working to contain the outbreak, which was first detected in Collserola Park near Barcelona. An investigation has ruled out a possible leak from an animal research facility and identified wild boar as a key factor behind the spread of ASF. Wild boars are estimated to be overpopulated in the region, with between 120,000-180,000 animals roaming free. The local government aims to cut this population by half, with 24,000 animals already culled since the start of the year. Farmers like Saltiveri are feeling the impact of the outbreak, which has led to a significant drop in international demand for Spanish pork. Countries such as Brazil, Japan, and Mexico have stopped importing Spanish pork, while others have taken a more localized approach by banning pork from specific areas. The Spanish authorities are looking at Belgium's success in eliminating ASF as an example to follow. However, some farmers remain concerned about the effectiveness of Spain's efforts to contain the virus, with some criticizing the slow response to the outbreak. Despite these concerns, domestic consumption is holding up, with shoppers in Barcelona expressing confidence in the safety measures taken by the authorities.