African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to be monitored closely across Europe as part of the region’s established animal health surveillance systems. ASF affects only pigs and wild boars, and it is essential to underline that it is not a risk to human health, nor can it be transmitted through the consumption of pork or pork products. Food safety remains fully guaranteed.
When cases are identified in wildlife, European authorities apply well-defined control and containment measures. These include enhanced surveillance, reinforced biosecurity and temporary restrictions in specific areas. Such actions are standard procedures designed to prevent the spread of the disease and to protect domestic livestock.
The European Union operates under a principle of regionalisation, which ensures that any measures are limited to the zones concerned and do not affect the whole country. Many international partners recognise this system, allowing trade to continue under clear and predictable conditions. Shipments already underway are not subject to additional restrictions.
Spain, like other EU Member States, has a longstanding, internationally recognised system of animal health control, supported by strong coordination between national and regional administrations, veterinary authorities, and the livestock sector. Continuous monitoring, rapid detection and strict biosecurity protocols form the backbone of this protection framework.
At the end of November, Spanish authorities confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF), detected in wild boars in a very limited area in Barcelona, with no farms affected. Those located within the surveillance zone remain under veterinary supervision and continue to operate with the most stringent biosecurity measures. These detections are confined exclusively to wildlife, and no pig farms have been affected. Spain therefore, continues to be ASF-free in domestic livestock. The situation remains under active management, with authorities applying the necessary measures to ensure the stability of the sector and the safety of pork products. As always, EU pork maintains the high standards that the global market associates with European production: food safety, animal health, and rigorous control systems.
