According to industry sources, following confirmation of ASF, several countries — including Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States — halted imports of Spanish pork, leading to a sharp decline in external demand. As a result, producers have lost approximately €30–40 per pig, while total industry losses have already exceeded €600 million.
At the same time, regionalisation measures are being applied within the EU and in certain countries — restrictions apply only to affected areas, which partially mitigates the negative impact on trade.
Wildlife, particularly wild boar, is considered the main source of virus spread. In Catalonia, their population is estimated at 120,000–180,000 animals. Therefore, authorities are implementing a large-scale population control programme: since the beginning of the year, tens of thousands of animals have been culled, and by the end of March, ASF had been confirmed in more than 200 wild boar.
To contain the outbreak, a comprehensive set of measures has been introduced, including restricted access to risk zones, monitoring using drones and cameras, testing of wild animal carcasses, and strict disinfection protocols for personnel working in affected areas.
Despite the challenging situation, the domestic market remains relatively stable: consumers maintain confidence in pork products, and retail prices have not changed significantly.
Experts emphasise that even a localised ASF outbreak has long-term consequences: it takes at least 12 months after the last detected case for a country to regain its disease-free status.
The situation in Spain once again highlights that ASF remains one of the greatest threats to the global pig industry, and that wildlife control and a high level of biosecurity are critical for protecting the sector.
PigUA.info based on bbc.com