Catalonia Investigates Potential Swine Fever Lab Leak

The Catalonia regional government is investigating a research center near Barcelona following suspicions that a swine fever outbreak was caused by a laboratory leak. The virus, currently affecting wild boars, is similar to a strain found in Georgia in 2007 and used in research. Authorities imposed a confinement area, and further investigations are underway.

The Catalonia regional government announced an investigation into a research center outside Barcelona on suspicion of a laboratory leak causing a swine fever outbreak. Spain's Agriculture Ministry highlighted genome sequencing results linking the virus strain to a 2007 outbreak in Georgia, raising concerns about its origin.

Authorities are working to reassure international trading partners after 13 wild boars tested positive for the swine fever virus in a region known for being Europe's top pork producer. The disease, harmless to humans, poses significant risks to pig populations and has prompted a six-kilometer confinement area around the center.

Catalonia's agriculture chief, Oscar Ordeig, revealed the investigation will focus on the state-funded Centre for Research in Animal Health (Cresa) among other labs. This development follows no immediate response from the laboratory, which claimed no involvement in the outbreak. The situation recalls a 2007 virus spread that affected multiple countries and led to significant economic losses in the Chinese pig industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)