African Swine Fever in Spain: First Outbreak in 30 Years Threatens €8.8 Billion Exports — Lab Leak Investigated
African Swine Fever in Spain: First Outbreak in 30 Years Threatens €8.8 Billion Exports — Lab Leak Investigated
Madrid, December 9, 2025
Spain, the EU's largest pork exporter, is on high alert: an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in Catalonia, the first since 1994. The virus, fatal to wild boars and pigs (with up to 100% mortality) but harmless to humans, has affected 13 wild boars in Collserola near Barcelona. There is currently no threat to domestic farms, but China has already blocked imports from the region, impacting the €8.8 billion industry. Authorities have deployed the military and are investigating a possible lab leak.
Outbreak Timeline and Containment Measures
The outbreak began on November 28: two dead boars in Collserola (Cerdanyola del Vallès) tested positive. By December 8, there were 13 cases within a 6 km radius, plus 37 negative tests. Another 50 carcasses have been collected for testing. Catalonia has imposed strict quarantine measures:
- Access to natural areas in 91 municipalities is banned until December 14 (forests, parks, rivers — closed to tourists, though farmers continue working).
- Two security perimeters established, with monitoring of 55 pig farms (all tests negative so far).
- 150 military personnel (UME), police, and rangers deployed for patrols and carcass collection.
The European Commission has sent its Veterinary Emergency Team (EUVET) to assist with containment. Catalonia’s regional president, Salvador Illa, emphasized: "We are acting quickly and transparently to protect our €8.8 billion export sector."
Source of Infection: Sandwich or Lab Leak?
Genetic analysis by MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) shows the strain is close to "Georgia 2007" — a lab-associated variant that spread from the Caucasus in 2007 through Russia and Eastern Europe (present in over 13 EU countries since 2014). However, the investigation focuses on five laboratories within 20 km of the epicenter, including IRTA-CrESA (which works with ASF). Audits are checking for sample leaks, waste disposal, and transport. An alternative theory: contaminated meat from elsewhere in Europe. "Likely a sandwich or food waste — this area sees traffic from across Europe," said Catalonia’s agriculture minister, Òscar Ordeig. Boars may have eaten discarded food, spreading the virus naturally. No evidence of sabotage or links to Russia — it's a globally circulating historical strain.
Economic Impact and Global Context
ASF is considered the "worst animal pandemic," with no vaccine available (Hipra trials expected in 2026). In 2018–2019, China lost 100 million pigs. For Spain:
- China (42% of Asian exports) has blocked Barcelona; the UK and Mexico have restricted Catalonia.
- Pork prices at historic lows, with over 450 layoffs in Catalonia.
- Plan includes culling wild boar populations to control spread.
The government has formed a scientific committee, strengthened biosecurity, and urges the public: do not leave food in forests, report dead wildlife. "Weak control in one zone can become a crisis for all of Europe," warns the FAO.
This outbreak highlights risks ranging from lab leaks to tourist litter. The EU is enhancing monitoring to prevent a chain reaction.
Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, Phys.org, Catalan News, MAPA.