Spain reports outbreak of African swine fever

Spain has reported an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) for the first time in more than three decades. Two wild boars found dead near Barcelona tested positive for the virus, the Ministry of Agriculture reported today (Friday, November 28). The authorities have informed the European Union and immediately implemented emergency measures in the affected area. Pig farmers in the region have been urgently requested to tighten their biosecurity protocols, while researchers are trying to determine how the infection occurred. Impact on export still unclear Spain is Europe's largest exporter of pork and shipped 1.32 million tons of products to third countries last year. Although the consequences of the outbreak for the export position are currently unclear, there is a risk that a number of countries will impose export bans. A similar situation occurred in 2020 following the first outbreak of ASF in wild boars in Germany. At that time, Germany saw its export volume halve within months, leading to significant pressure on the European meat market. The ASF outbreak in Belgium also had a similar effect, although the impact on the European market was somewhat less severe due to the smaller size of the Belgian sector. In Germany, exports to important countries like China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines suddenly came to a complete halt. A notable advantage for exports to China in the case of Spain could be that both countries coincidentally agreed this month to apply a regionalization principle in the event of an outbreak of African swine fever. The coming days will show how this will play out in practice and what the consequences for Spain's export position will be. Double disinfection Livestock & Logistics Netherlands urges its members to observe all hygiene measures as thoroughly as possible. Double cleaning and disinfection (C&D) has already been mandatory for livestock trucks coming from Spain. This is due to outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle in the country. On a weekly basis, between 35,000 and 65,000 Dutch piglets are sent to Spain.