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By Alice McFarlane

African Swine Fever detected in Spain

Wild boar in Spain test positive for viral disease

Dec 8, 2025 | 4:16 PM

For the first time in nearly three decades African swine fever (ASF) has been discovered in Spain.

In November ASF was found in two dead wild boars in the Barcelona area. Eleven more wild boars, found dead in the same area, later tested positive. Catalonia accounts for about eight per cent of Spain’s hog production.

Swine Health Information Center Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder said, to date, there have been no detections of ASF in domestic pigs in Spain.

“Spain is the largest pork producer in the EU and it’s the third largest pork producer in the world, only after China and the United States. It also has a significant export of pork products,” she said. “With regards to volume of global pork exports, it’s second only to the United States.”

Niederwerder said this is very significant for the Spanish pork producers and the impact on pork products globally.

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“When we think about the anticipated economic implications and the trading partners, we’ve seen trading partners suspend or implement temporary restrictions on Spanish pork exports.”

There’s been an estimated 40 non-EU countries that have implemented restrictions as well as with other countries that recognize the Spanish regionalization rules, that restrictions only apply to products that are originating from the farms located within the infected zone.

“This is a zone that surrounds these positive wild boar cases in Barcelona province,” she added.

Spanish authorities have activated their established response protocols, including creating the 20 kilometre control and surveillance zone. This includes imposing restrictions on hunting and outdoor activities, increased carcass search and removal and reinforced surveillance.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com