Barcelona, December 9, 2023 — A significant 78% of export markets for Spanish pork are now reopened, but with a crucial caveat: regionalization. This means trade is resuming everywhere *except* areas impacted by the recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) detected three weeks ago in the Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona. It’s a cautiously optimistic sign, officials say.
Regional Trade Resumes as Spain Battles Swine Fever
The phased reopening of pork export markets signals progress in containing the recent African swine fever outbreak in Catalonia.
- Approximately 78% of Spanish pork export markets have reopened with regionalization protocols.
- The outbreak is currently contained within a 6-kilometer perimeter of the initial detection zone.
- Four additional municipalities—Begues, Gavà, Olesa de Bonesvalls, and Subirats—have been added to the infection zone.
- Enhanced surveillance will be implemented at two farms within the expanded zone.
Òscar Ordeig, the Generalitat’s Minister of Agriculture, described the “gradual reopening” as a “good news” development, coming after 27 wild boars tested positive for the virus. The initial outbreak prompted concerns about widespread disruption to Spain’s lucrative pork industry, but the regionalized approach appears to be mitigating the damage.
What is regionalization in the context of African swine fever? Regionalization allows countries to continue trading pork products from areas unaffected by the disease, even if an outbreak occurs elsewhere within the country. This minimizes economic impact and ensures safe food supply.
The government will maintain a 6-kilometer perimeter around the “zero zone” – the original outbreak location – as the most recent infected animal was found within that radius. However, the broader infection zone has been adjusted to 20 kilometers, now encompassing the municipalities of Begues and Gavà (Baix Llobregat) and Olesa de Bonesvalls and Subirats (Alt Penedès).
Within these four newly included municipalities, two farms—a finishing farm and a farm school—will face increased monitoring. Ordeig plans to meet this afternoon with local mayors and industry representatives to outline the updated measures. To date, 390 wild boars have been found dead or captured alive, with 27 testing positive for ASF, all within the original perimeter. Ordeig has requested to appear monthly before the Parliament to provide updates on the outbreak’s evolution.
The situation remains fluid, but the containment efforts and the resumption of trade in most markets offer a glimmer of hope for Spain’s pork producers. The focus now is on rigorous surveillance and preventing further spread of the virus within the expanded infection zone.
