Spain’s swine fever outbreak spreads beyond containment zone

African swine fever has been detected beyond the existing containment zone in Spain, marking the first such spread in the northeastern Catalonia region since the outbreak began in November, officials said Friday.

The disease, a viral infection that is harmless to humans but almost always fatal for pigs and wild boars, has so far not reached domestic pig farms. However, the outbreak has affected exports from Spain, the world’s third-largest producer of pork and related products.

Authorities reported 13 new cases in wild boars, including two outside the six-kilometre containment zone near Barcelona, according to Catalonia’s agriculture department. In response, officials expanded the high-risk zone to the impacted municipalities and restricted access to nearby wooded areas to curb further transmission.

This is Spain’s first African swine fever outbreak since 1994, with more than 100 cases now confirmed in wild boars. “More than ever, it is essential not to lower our guard against a disease that remains present,” said Oscar Ordeig.

The source of the outbreak remains unknown, and a judicial investigation is underway.