Spanish police have carried out a court-ordered raid on a government-funded laboratory near Barcelona, as part of an urgent investigation into the possible source of a deadly African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.
Genome Match Points to Research Facility
The investigation was launched after genome sequencing revealed the strain of ASF found in local wild boars is similar to viruses used in research and vaccine development. This distinct genetic profile sets it apart from other cases recorded across Europe in recent years.
The search was executed at the Centre for Research in Animal Health (Cresa) under the orders of a local judge, who has declared the preliminary proceedings secret. While Cresa has not commented on the police action, it previously stated to a news verification site that it found no evidence linking its facility to the outbreak.
Outbreak Confined to Wild Boar Near Barcelona
The highly contagious virus, which is harmless to humans but often fatal to pigs and wild boar, was first identified in two wild boars within the Collserola mountain range, on the outskirts of Barcelona. Authorities have since confirmed the disease in seven more boars in the same area and anticipate further cases.
To date, the outbreak is confined to wild animals, with no infections reported on commercial pig farms. However, officials have discovered the virus in a total of 26 wild boar carcasses within a six-kilometre confinement zone, an area where the Cresa laboratory is also situated.
Major Threat to EU's Leading Pork Producer
The outbreak poses a severe economic threat to Spain, the European Union's largest pork producer. The country accounts for roughly a quarter of the bloc's total output, with annual pork exports valued at around €3.5 billion.
In response, authorities have imposed movement restrictions and are working to reassure key international trading partners. This marks Spain's first encounter with African swine fever since 1994.
Catalan regional leader Salvador Illa stated that efforts to cull the local wild boar population, already underway due to public health concerns, must now be accelerated. "There are too many wild boars," Mr Illa told reporters, confirming that local authorities have activated and intensified culling tasks in collaboration with hunting associations.
