The swine fever crisis is impacting the 2,759 pig farms in the province of Lleida. Ramon Gatnau, a 38-year-old farmer, described the sector's feeling when the first case was detected in wild boars in Collserola.
“"When we learned about the first case of swine fever in the wild boars of Collserola, we experienced great anguish, because we know that everything we have worked for for so long can be ruined in a moment."
Gatnau recalls that his father suffered the previous African Swine Fever (ASF) crisis, when the virus did reach their farm. Although the current situation is very different thanks to the biosecurity measures implemented by the sector, the risk remains high.
“"If the virus reaches the farms, it would be the final blow for the sector."
In his case, the farm is integrated, meaning they do not directly lose the money that the animal owners lose, but rather the integrator company. However, the producer fears that the crisis will eventually lead to a reduction in the prices companies pay to farmers.
