Spain’s huge pork industry seeks salvation from swine fever threat

Spain’s Pork Industry Fears Crisis from Swine Fever Spread

Jordi Saltiveri, a seasoned farmer overseeing a 8,000-pig operation, recalls the moment African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed in Spain late last year. “I felt a mix of sadness, frustration, and helplessness,” he says, reflecting on the industry’s sudden vulnerability. His family-owned farm, nestled in the remote province of Lleida, near Catalonia’s northeastern edge, remains untouched by the virus. A worn Catalan independence banner flutters at its entrance, while the distant echoes of pigs grunting and squealing fill the air. Though the ASF outbreak is still localized, its ripple effects are already felt across the sector.

The disease’s origin traces to Collserola Park, a Barcelona-adjacent nature reserve where the first infected wild boar was found in late November. Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area, deploying fences and restricting access to curb the spread. Meanwhile, rural officers cull boars within a 6km radius, using net traps, metal boxes, and silent firearms. Surveillance drones and cameras track their movements, with every carcass tested for ASF. By March, 232 boars had confirmed positive results. The regional government aims to reduce the boar population by half, having already culled 24,000 this year.

“Being too permissive with wild animals has led to an overpopulation of rabbits, deer, and boars,” notes Òscar Ordeig, Catalonia’s agriculture minister. He highlights the growing concern over boars’ role in spreading ASF, citing their impact on road accidents and disease transmission. Ordeig emphasizes Spain’s long-standing biosecurity measures, stating, “We must use all available resources to protect our industry, economy, and farmers.”

Despite these efforts, the crisis has disrupted global trade. Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and the U.S. have halted Spanish pork imports, while EU nations, China, and the UK restrict only products from the affected region. The drop in demand has slashed exports and depressed prices, directly hurting producers like Saltiveri. He reports each pig sold has lost €30 to €40 in value since the outbreak began. In January alone, Catalonia’s pork exports fell 17% compared to the prior year.

Spain’s pork sector, once Europe’s largest with a €25bn value, now faces a potential €600m loss since the crisis started, according to Unión de Uniones, a farming coalition. The industry’s survival hinges on eradicating ASF, a task requiring months of strict containment. Until then, farmers brace for ongoing setbacks, with the disease’s shadow looming over their livelihoods.