Spain’s Pork Industry Struggles Amid Swine Fever Outbreak

Spain’s pork industry is grappling with losses following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), raising concerns among farmers and exporters.

Although the virus remains contained and has not reached his farm in Lleida, the broader impact is being felt across the sector.

Jordi Saltiveri, a pig farmer in Catalonia, said the outbreak has already cut the value of each pig by €30 to €40, BBC News reported.

Although the virus remains contained and has not reached his farm in Lleida, the broader impact is being felt across the sector.

ASF is highly contagious and often fatal among pigs and wild boars, but it does not pose a risk to humans. However, outbreaks typically trigger import restrictions from other countries, disrupting trade.

The source of the outbreak has been traced to a wild boar found in Collserola Park near Barcelona in late November.

Authorities responded by restricting access and searching for additional cases. Investigations have ruled out a nearby research facility as the source, though the exact origin remains unclear.