Catalonia Moves Forward with Slaughter of Healthy Pigs Amid African Swine Fever Outbreak

The Government of Catalonia has reached a critical agreement with the livestock sector to commence the slaughter of 30,000 healthy pigs from farms situated within the surveillance perimeter of the recent African swine fever outbreak. The meat from these culled animals will be allocated for internal consumption, aimed at minimizing economic disruption and ensuring meat supply stability in the region. This strategic move came after an emergency meeting held on Friday afternoon, attended by key figures such as the Minister of the Presidency, Albert Dalmau, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food, Òscar Ordeig, and the Minister of Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat. The discussions were prompted by a request from Mercolleida, emphasizing the need for prompt action to manage the situation effectively. Francesc Salvà, Secretary General of Asaja, expressed optimism about the agreement, stating that a slaughterhouse has been identified to begin the transportation of the animals. This decision is expected to provide some reassurance to the affected sector, as the pigs designated for slaughter have been confirmed as healthy and fit for consumption. The situation has grown increasingly alarming, as the European Union has officially declared 91 municipalities across eight Catalan counties as infected with African swine fever. In response to this health crisis, Spain plans to delineate an infected area that will remain in effect until a minimum of February 2026. The decision to cull healthy pigs, although controversial, is seen as a necessary measure to control the spread of the disease and protect the larger agricultural community. As Catalonia navigates this challenging period, the agricultural and livestock sectors are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as authorities implement the necessary steps to combat the outbreak, ensuring the safety of the food supply while also working towards a recovery in the future. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2