Government Takes Precautionary Measures Against African Swine Fever in Catalonia

The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has enlisted the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) to conduct an exhaustive audit of all centers dealing with the African swine fever (ASF) virus within a 20-kilometer radius of a recent outbreak. Speaking from the advanced command center set up for addressing the ASF crisis at the headquarters of the Agents Rurals corps in Finca de Torreferrussa, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Barcelona, Illa emphasized the importance of this review as a preventive measure. In his remarks, Illa stated that there are no more than five centers involved in this audit and called for a thorough examination of their facilities and existing protocols. "We cannot rule out any hypothesis," Illa asserted, solidifying the Generalitat's commitment to taking all necessary steps in managing the outbreak. The IRTA is charged with assembling a team of experts, and it is hoped that representatives from various institutions will also participate in this initiative. Illa expressed confidence in the abilities of this institute and its experts to provide critical support in this urgent review process. Currently, the outbreak has not affected any of the 55 farms located within the defined radius, which together house more than 80,000 animals. To date, there have been 13 confirmed cases of ASF, with over 70 negative results. The president reassured the public that pork sourced from these farms will soon be available for consumption in the Spanish market, emphasizing that there is no risk to human health associated with consuming this meat. Illa reiterated that containing the outbreak remains the top priority for the Generalitat and lauded the efforts of all personnel involved in the containment measures. He urged the public to adhere to access restrictions to natural areas to help curb the spread of the virus. The government's proactive stance reflects an unwavering commitment to safeguarding both agricultural health and public safety during this challenging period. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2