Spain’s Pork Industry Seeks Relief Amid Swine Fever Crisis

Jordi Saltiveri, a farmer managing 8,000 pigs on his family’s land, recalls the day ASF was confirmed in Spain with a mix of emotions. “I felt sad, angry, impotent,” he says. “Once a country is identified with ASF, trade partners halt imports of its pork.” His farm, nestled in Lleida, Catalonia’s northeastern province, remains untouched by the virus. An old Catalan independence flag flaps at the entrance, and the sounds of pigs in the barns echo nearby. Though the outbreak is contained, it’s already rippling through the industry.

The disease originated in Collserola Park, a Barcelona-area nature reserve just hours from Saltiveri’s property. A dead wild boar found there in late November triggered lockdowns. Officials restricted access to the park and searched for more carcasses. Despite these measures, the exact cause of the outbreak remains unknown. Initial checks dismissed a possible link to a nearby animal research lab, but the dense population of wild boars—many venturing near Barcelona—has been flagged as a major contributor.

“Being too lenient with wild animals has led to an overpopulation of rabbits, deer, and boars,” says Òscar Ordeig, Catalonia’s agriculture minister. He highlights the dangers these animals pose, from road accidents to disease spread. Ordeig estimates the region hosts 120,000 to 180,000 boars, with 24,000 culled this year. Rural officers target a 6km radius around the first cases, labeled high risk, while a 20km zone is monitored less intensively.

To combat the spread, teams use net traps, metal enclosures, and quiet firearms. Surveillance drones and cameras track the animals, and all dead boars are tested for ASF. By March, 232 had tested positive. Fences now restrict movement, and officers disinfect their gear after patrolling infected zones. “We must use every resource to protect our industry, economy, and farmers,” Ordeig insists. “This is critical for our future.”

Spain’s pork sector, valued at €25bn, has long thrived. But ASF’s detection has triggered a sharp decline. Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and the U.S. have suspended imports, while EU nations, China, and the UK limit restrictions to affected regions. Export volumes in Catalonia dropped 17% in January alone. The industry has already lost over €600m since the crisis began, according to Unión de Uniones, a farmers’ group. Until the disease is eradicated, Spain’s export status will remain in jeopardy.