Catalonia Imposes Restrictions as African Swine Fever Threatens Pork Industry

Catalonia has enacted emergency measures to combat the spread of African swine fever (ASF), affecting 12 municipalities and restricting access to forests and hunting areas. This outbreak, marked by the detection of several cases, poses a significant threat to Spain's pork industry, prompting the government to halt pork exports to China for the first time in three decades.

The economic implications are dire, as the Spanish pork sector, which produces nearly 5 million tons annually, relies heavily on international trade. Efforts are underway to limit the outbreak's impact, including establishing barriers and closing off affected areas.

The disease, primarily found in Africa, has now reached Europe, raising alarms about its rapid transmission and the potential devastation it could cause to livestock.