The Catalonia Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food has confirmed 21 new positive ASF cases in wild boar. The animals were found within the same 6-kilometer radius around the initial outbreaks in the Barcelona area. This brings the total number of infected wild boar to 85.
Current restrictions remain unchanged. However, experts suggest that limitations on access and activities in natural areas within a 6–20 km radius could be reviewed soon. For now, authorities will publish weekly updates on the ASF situation.
To improve monitoring efficiency, the Rural Agents Corps has acquired two drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras. These will allow more precise nighttime detection of wild boar, localization of infected zones, and targeted capture operations. The service’s tasks include intensive patrols, active searches for carcasses or symptomatic animals, and the capture of live specimens.
According to authorities, all 55 pig farms in the region remain ASF-free. So far, all positive results concern only wild boar within the active surveillance zone. Producers are advised to strictly reinforce biosecurity on farms and during transport, and to immediately notify veterinary services of any suspicions.
Until November 2025, Spain had been ASF-free for nearly three decades following the official eradication of the disease from the Iberian Peninsula in 1995.
Price crisis on the pork market
The appearance of ASF has already significantly impacted the market. After the virus was confirmed in late November 2025, Spanish pig prices dropped sharply. Since January 8, live pig prices have hovered around €1.00/kg live weight — only about 73% of production costs.
Industry analysts describe the situation as unprecedented: producers are selling pigs at roughly 27% below cost, incurring heavy losses. Additional pressure came from the loss of certain export markets, notably Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. As a result, large volumes of cheap Spanish pork remained within the EU, pulling prices down in other countries as well.
Spain accounts for about a quarter of the EU’s pig population, so its market shocks quickly ripple across the Union. At the same time, more than 80% of exports to third countries remain open thanks to regionalization.
Analysts believe the current level may represent the price “floor” for the year. If no new outbreaks occur outside the restriction zone, the market may gradually recover. However, the sector is already preparing for a possible reduction in pig inventories both in Spain and elsewhere in the EU.
Experts urge producers to act with maximum caution, focusing on loss minimization and strict biosecurity. Market participants note that even a moderate price recovery will be critical for farm survival.
PigUA.info based on materials from nationalhogfarmer.com