The evolution of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Spain is being closely monitored by health authorities and the international pork industry. Although the disease remains confined to wild animals and no cases have been reported on commercial farms, the new findings confirm that biosecurity and border controls are essential to containing the spread and safeguarding the health status of disease-free countries such as Chile.
According to the latest official data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the outbreak is limited to wild boars in Catalonia, with 15 confirmed outbreaks and 85 animals tested positive, all within a 20-kilometer radius of the initial case. Meanwhile, Spain’s Official Veterinary Services have strengthened epidemiological surveillance by examining more than 500 additional animals in the affected area and its surroundings, all of which tested negative. This scenario reinforces the containment of the outbreak and confirms that the virus is not circulating outside the delimited area.
Regarding the source of the outbreak, initial investigations by Catalan authorities following the first cases suggested a potential link to the Animal Health Research Center (IRTA-CReSA) reference laboratory. However, subsequent analyses ruled out any connection to a biosecurity failure at the center. Genetic sequencing showed that the reference strains used in the laboratory do not match the strain responsible for the outbreak. Preliminary analyses suggest the presence of a new or undocumented variant, while full sequencing studies continue in European reference laboratories.
Impact on trade and reconfiguration of international flows
In terms of trade, the international response to the outbreak has been varied. While some countries opted for total or partial bans on Spanish pork products, others adopted regionalization or zoning schemes, in line with the European Union’s approach. This context has led to significant changes in international trade flows, as Spain is one of the world’s leading pork exporters.
In Chile, the focus is on health prevention. The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) adopted measures that are proportionate to the risk and aligned with international standards, recognizing the EU’s regionalization and applying limited restrictions to products from affected areas or produced during periods of higher health risk. Since imports from Spain are relatively minimal, the priority has been to safeguard Chile’s animal and plant health rather than to address a direct impact on business.
Borders as the first line of health defense
SAG has significantly reinforced border controls, which were identified as a significant risk area for the virus’s entry. In recent days, SAG reiterated its call for passengers entering the country to strictly comply with the ban on pork products from Spain, such as ham, sausages, and other by-products, which could facilitate the introduction of the virus, even when they are properly labelled.
The authority reminded travelers that any pork-based product found in luggage will be removed and destroyed, and that they will be fined for failing to declare. Although ASF does not affect people and is not transmitted through eating meat, its potential entry could have significant health and economic consequences, including the immediate closure of export markets and a substantial impact on Chile’s pork production.
The reinforced border controls are complemented by SAG’s ongoing domestic health surveillance, which includes monitoring at farms, processing plants, and other critical links in the production chain, as well as active coordination with customs, port authorities, airlines, and the private sector. This is a comprehensive preventive approach that recognizes that, in today’s highly interconnected world, animal diseases can cross borders quickly without efficient health barriers and a widespread culture of compliance.
International experience shows that, beyond isolated outbreaks, the main strength of exporting countries lies in their ability to anticipate, respond early, and maintain health credibility. Biosecurity is not just a technical, but also a strategic factor for the competitiveness and sustainability of Chile’s pork sector.
The outbreak in Spain underscores an evergreen lesson: maintaining health requires ongoing attention, shared responsibility, and rigorous controls, especially at the country’s points of entry. In a global context of dynamic and persistent health risks, protecting animal health also protects Chile’s production growth and its international potential.
