African Swine Fever Sparks Crisis in Spain's Pork Industry

The discovery of African swine fever among wild boars near Barcelona jeopardizes Spain's lucrative pork industry. With confirmed and suspected cases, Spain faces export blocks, impacting a third of its pork trade. Governments internationally, including Taiwan and China, are restricting pork imports to safeguard against the virus.

African swine fever poses a significant threat to Spain's pork industry, following the discovery of infected wild boars near Barcelona. As the virus continues to spread, the nation's global pork trade, valued at 8.8 billion euros annually, is at risk, with exports to over 104 countries affected.

The situation has escalated with blocked export certificates, as Spain grapples with its first swine fever outbreak since 1994. Agriculture Minister Luis Planas emphasized the urgency of reopening these markets to stabilize the sector, which is crucial to the country's economy.

In response to the outbreak, several countries have imposed restrictions. Taiwan has banned all pork products and live pig imports from Spain, while China and Britain have enacted similar measures specifically targeting imports from Barcelona province.

(With inputs from agencies.)