Understanding the Threat of African Swine Fever in Spain

Recent developments in Spain have brought African swine fever (ASF) back into the spotlight, prompting significant concern among the agricultural community. Eradicated from Spain since 1994, a new outbreak has been detected in Cerdanyola del Vallès, a region in Barcelona near Collserola Park. As reported by the Animal Health Research Center (CReSA), of nearly 40 wild boars tested, two have returned positive for ASF, and eight are under suspicion. While ASF is not transmissible to humans, it poses a grave threat to pig populations, with a staggering mortality rate approaching 100%. This is particularly alarming for Spain, as it stands as the largest pork producer in the European Union and the third largest globally, with exports valued at around 88 billion euros annually. ### What is African Swine Fever? African swine fever is defined by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs. It is crucial to differentiate ASF from classical swine fever (CSF); whereas CSF is caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family, ASF is caused by a virus from the Asfarviridae family. A notable feature of ASF is that it can cause hemorrhagic lesions in skin and internal organs without typically leading to neurological symptoms. ### Possible Origins of the Current Outbreak Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of the Generalitat, Òscar Ordeig, suggests that the outbreak might have stemmed from a wild boar consuming contaminated food, such as a discarded sausage or sandwich. Although the definitive source is still being investigated, the lack of infected wild boars in other regions of Catalonia or neighboring France points towards human transport as a potential vector for the virus. ### Implications and Government Response The outbreak's impact is already being felt, prompting a coordinated response from the Generalitat and support from the Military Emergency Unit (UME), which has deployed 117 personnel to assist in containment efforts. A meeting convened by the Ministry of Agriculture with industry representatives will focus on the outbreak’s potential effect on the pig sector, particularly regarding exports. Pork sales comprised 19.3% of all food and beverage exports in Catalonia in the previous year, making the influence of the outbreak on international relations and trade a critical concern. Minister Luis Planas has reassured stakeholders that maintaining communication with countries that impose restrictions on pork imports is a top priority. ### Risk to Humans and Other Animals It is vital to clarify that ASF poses no risk to human health; it cannot be transmitted through contact with pigs or by consuming pork products. However, it is essential to prevent the feeding of pigs with untreated leftovers or food waste that might contain the ASF virus, as this could lead to further infections. ### Insights on the Spread of ASF The disease is currently present in 13 European countries, indicating its widespread nature. Symptoms of ASF in infected animals can include high fever, hemorrhagic lesions on the skin, and, in severe cases, signs such as vomiting and seizures. ### Conclusion The emergence of African swine fever in Spain, while not a direct threat to human health, poses an alarming economic and animal health crisis. It underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity measures and quick response mechanisms to contain the spread of such a devastating disease. Stakeholders in the agriculture and meat industry remain vigilant as they navigate the implications of this outbreak for livestock health and trade. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2