The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, confirmed twenty days ago, has affected 26 wild boars found within the 6-kilometer high-risk radius, centered around the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). President Illa stressed that, so far, no pig farms have been affected, although all operations in the area have been inspected.
“"We will not end this outbreak in a month or a week."
The major unknown remains the origin of the outbreak. Illa insisted that “no hypothesis can be ruled out” and detailed that there are five open lines of investigation. The main hypothesis being investigated is a possible laboratory leak, which is why an auditing commission was created at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture to examine centers near the focus.
Illa's appearance was marked by criticism from the opposition, especially from Mònica Sales (Junts) and Alejandro Fernández (PP), for maintaining his institutional trip to Mexico when the first cases were known. The independence of the auditing commission was also questioned, as it includes researchers from IRTA-CReSA, a center currently under suspicion.
“"A president must appear when appropriate, not when convenient. A crisis of this magnitude requires a president to suspend the agenda."
The economic impact of the outbreak is already significant. In the last week, more than 35,000 animals have been culled due to the risk of contagion. The price of live pork has fallen to 1.04 euros per kilo, the lowest level in four years, causing losses of 30 euros per animal for farmers. Illa indicated that the Government is working to keep markets open, especially negotiating with seven countries, including Japan and the Philippines, which do not recognize regionalization.
