Spanish authorities have deployed police, soldiers, and park rangers to prevent the spread of African swine fever among wild boar populations. This initiative aims to protect Spain’s domestic pig herd, which is vital to the nation’s pork export industry valued at over €8 billion (approximately $14 billion AUD) annually. The outbreak poses a significant risk to the country’s lucrative market, reinforcing the urgency of the response.
Authorities are using advanced technology, including drones and infrared systems, alongside sniffer dogs to locate potentially infected boar carcasses. They have also established cordons around animal tracks under highways and pipework to restrict the movement of wild boar into other areas. Since the weekend, police have been stationed around the Collserola mountain range near Barcelona, a popular spot for outdoor activities. Visitors to the park are being turned away, while residents are advised to keep pets on leashes and report any sightings of wild boar.
In the agricultural sector, the trade association Interporc has enhanced existing health measures on farms, which already include animal testing and quarantining, perimeter fencing, and regular disinfection protocols. Government veterinarians are conducting checks on 39 farms in the affected area; as of now, none have shown positive results for the virus.
The current outbreak has sparked memories of the last widespread swine fever incident in 1994, which led to extensive culling and a halt in pork exports. Despite the gravity of the situation, Emilio Garcia Muro, an official with Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, stated there are no immediate plans for a cull of wild boar populations. “We are going to leave the wild boars in peace, in this area,” he explained. Specialized teams will focus on detecting carcasses without disturbing the wild boar.
Spain holds the title of the European Union’s largest pork exporter and ranks second globally. The sector generates approximately €25 billion in revenue and provides jobs for over 400,000 people. Within the EU, Spain’s primary export markets include France and Italy, while outside the EU, notable markets are the United Kingdom, China, and Japan.
In response to rising wild boar numbers, Catalan authorities initiated a controlled cull in August 2022. This was necessitated by the animals becoming accustomed to urban environments during pandemic lockdowns, often scavenging in rubbish bins. The current measures underscore Spain’s commitment to safeguarding its agricultural integrity and the health of its livestock amidst ongoing challenges.
