Following the eight confirmed cases, the UME (Military Emergency Unit) has mobilized a technological and environmental emergency intervention team. More than 250 personnel from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Guàrdia Urbana, SFADF, and Civil Protection are involved in enforcing restrictions within a 20-kilometer radius of the original outbreak, located in Cerdanyola del Vallès.
ASF is a highly contagious disease for domestic pigs and wild boars, with high mortality and no vaccine, although it does not affect humans. Health authorities have confirmed that, so far, none of the 39 farms located within six kilometers of the contagion zone have been affected. The concern lies in the risk of spread through contaminated organic remains, shoe soles, or vehicle tires.
The economic impact is considerable, as the pork sector is Catalonia's main agri-food exporter, representing 19.3% of total food exports. According to data from Prodeca, international sales of pork reached a value of 3.036 billion euros in 2024.
“"There are pork export agreements with 104 countries, 44 of which require specific sanitary requirements for African Swine Fever."
One-third of these exports go to countries outside the European Union, markets that are now blocked following the outbreak. Of the 44 countries with special requirements, 24 recognize regionalization (such as China or the United Kingdom), but 20 do not, including Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam, increasing pressure on Catalan farmers.
