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

Spain’s Pork Sector Faces Crisis Amid Swine Fever Spread

For Jordi Saltiveri, the news of African Swine Fever (ASF) spreading in Spain last year brought a mix of emotions. “I felt sad, angry, impotent,” he recalls, explaining how the confirmation of ASF in his region disrupted global trade. His family’s farm, nestled in the remote province of Lleida within Catalonia, remains a stronghold of pig farming, but the outbreak has cast a shadow over its operations.

Saltiveri, who leads the Catalonia farming cooperatives federation, is among many affected by the disease. While the ASF outbreak has been contained in certain areas, it has already eroded the value of his livestock. “Each pig we sell for slaughter has lost about €30 to €40 in value,” he says, highlighting the financial strain on producers.

“We have to use all the resources available to defend our industry,” states Òscar Ordeig, the regional agriculture minister. “There is a lot at stake here.”

The origin of the ASF outbreak lies in Collserola Park, a nature reserve bordering Barcelona. A dead wild boar found in late November marked the start of the crisis, prompting swift action from authorities. The park was closed, and efforts intensified to locate additional infected animals.

Wild boars, which have multiplied in the region, are central to the spread of the disease. Ordeig notes that their overpopulation, driven by leniency in wildlife management, has led to increased traffic accidents and disease transmission. He estimates the Catalonia region hosts between 120,000 and 180,000 boars, with culling efforts targeting a 6km radius around the first cases.

Control measures include net traps, metal boxes, and silent gunfire. Surveillance via drones and cameras helps track animal movement, with all carcasses tested for ASF. By the end of March, 232 boars had confirmed positive results. Fences now restrict boar movement, and officers disinfect their gear after patrols in high-risk zones.

Spain’s pork industry, once Europe’s largest and valued at €25bn, faces significant challenges. Export markets in Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and the U.S. have halted imports, while EU nations, China, and the UK apply localized bans. The drop in demand has not only reduced export volumes but also driven down prices, hitting farmers hard.

According to Unión de Uniones, a farmers’ group, the sector has already lost over €600m since the crisis began. Saltiveri, reflecting on the situation, fears the ongoing losses could jeopardize the industry’s recovery. “We’re suffering big losses,” he admits, as the path to declaring the country “clean” remains uncertain.