According to industry sources, two districts in Tarragona province — Calafell and Cunit — were erroneously included in the updated ASF map, even though the virus in Spain has so far been detected only in wild boar populations closer to Barcelona. As a result, China briefly announced a suspension of pork imports from Tarragona province.
Later, on February 25, a MAPA spokesperson stated that the issue was an “administrative error.” Spanish media reported that draft versions of the maps had been circulated at regional level in Catalonia, at the national level in Madrid, and within the European Commission. Following clarification of the situation, the Chinese import suspension was lifted.
Industry organizations, however, stressed that the mistake had practical consequences. The Spanish Federation of Meat and Meat Industries (FECIC) noted that the inclusion of these territories complicated the issuance of export certificates for several companies supplying pork to China. Similar difficulties had already affected companies in Barcelona province after the first ASF cases were detected in November.
The map update became necessary after new ASF cases were confirmed in wild boar approximately 7 km south of the previously affected area. Authorities therefore had to redraw the boundaries of the inner and outer restriction zones, which define the level of control measures and biosecurity requirements. The error occurred during this adjustment process.
Experts warn that such inaccuracies can have serious trade implications, as importing countries react quickly to any changes in the sanitary status of regions linked to ASF. At the same time, the virus in Spain continues to be detected only in wild boar, with no cases reported on commercial pig farms.
PigUA.info based on materials from pigprogress.net