African Swine Fever Outbreak Hits Catalonia

Catalonia has closed the Collserola natural park after the first outbreak of African swine fever in Spain since 1994. The virus, harmless to humans but contagious to pigs, has led to pork import bans from countries including Taiwan, China, and Mexico.

African swine fever has been detected in Catalonia, marking Spain's first outbreak since 1994. The discovery of infected wild boar carcasses has led local authorities to close the Collserola natural park near Barcelona.

In response to the outbreak, Catalonia has restricted outdoor activities in 60 nearby villages and will set traps for wild boar while deploying police to enforce the measures. The virus, while not harmful to humans, poses a significant threat to pig populations due to its rapid transmission among swine.

Countries like Taiwan, China, and Britain have reacted swiftly by imposing bans on pork imports from regions affected by the outbreak. Meanwhile, Mexico has entirely suspended Spanish pork imports, heightening concerns over the economic impact on Spain's pork industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)