Spain Mobilizes Military to Tackle African Swine Fever Threat

Spain has deployed its military to control an African swine fever outbreak near Barcelona, impacting the nation's pork export industry. Two infected wild boar near Barcelona prompted a 6-km exclusion zone. Human transportation of contaminated food may have introduced the virus.

Spain has taken decisive action by deploying its military forces to combat an African swine fever outbreak near Barcelona. The outbreak is significantly affecting the country's lucrative pork export industry, valued at billions of euros.

On Friday, Spanish authorities confirmed that two wild boar found deceased in Collserola Park, located 21 kilometers from Barcelona, had tested positive for African swine fever. Consequently, a 6-kilometer exclusion zone has been imposed around the Bellaterra area to prevent further spread.

Despite the current containment efforts, Spain's agriculture minister, Luis Planas, disclosed that around one-third of the nation's pork export certificates have been suspended. The outbreak has not yet impacted farms directly, but pork farms within a 20-kilometer radius are facing operational and sales restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)