Investigation into African Swine Fever Outbreak Near Barcelona

Spanish authorities are investigating a recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) that has emerged in wild boars near Barcelona. The outbreak, first detected in late November 2025, has raised concerns about its potential origins, particularly regarding a state-funded laboratory, the Centre for Research in Animal Health (Cresa), located nearby. Genome sequencing has indicated that the strain of ASF found in the wild boars closely resembles those used in research and vaccine development, differing from other European cases.

ReutersThe IndependentEuronewsSpain Swine Fever Outbreak Grows With 10 New Wild Boar Deaths

On December 18, 2025, Spanish police conducted a court-ordered raid on the Cresa laboratory as part of the investigation into the ASF outbreak. This action was prompted by suspicions that the outbreak could have resulted from a laboratory leak. The proceedings have been declared secret by the local court, and Cresa has stated it found no evidence linking it to the outbreak. The investigation is being carried out by the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, in collaboration with the Guardia Civil's environmental protection unit, Seprona.

Euronews

Spain is the European Union's largest pork producer, accounting for approximately 25% of the bloc's output, with annual exports valued at around €3.5 billion. The ASF outbreak has led to the deaths of 26 wild boars and has prompted authorities to impose movement restrictions in the affected areas to prevent further spread. As a precaution, countries such as Mexico and Japan have suspended pork imports from Spain, highlighting the economic implications of the outbreak for the livestock industry.

Spain Swine Fever Outbreak Grows With 10 New Wild Boar Deaths

In response to the outbreak, the Catalan regional government has intensified efforts to manage the wild boar population, which has been a growing concern due to public health risks. Regional leader Salvador Illa emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, "We have activated and intensified this task, contacting all hunting associations and looking at technically acceptable and proven methods to do so." Authorities are deploying soldiers, police dogs, and drones to track wild boars and prevent the disease from reaching commercial farms.

The Independent

While the investigation is ongoing, some critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of biosecurity measures in research facilities. The potential for a laboratory leak has intensified scrutiny of Cresa and other nearby research centers. The Catalan government has commissioned an independent audit of Cresa to assess whether the outbreak could have originated from its operations.

Euronews

There are discrepancies regarding the total number of wild boar carcasses analyzed, with reports indicating that an additional 208 carcasses tested negative for ASF. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not provided further comments while the proceedings are sealed.

Reuters

• "We have activated and intensified this task, contacting all hunting associations and looking at technically acceptable and proven methods to do so." — Salvador Illa, Catalan Regional Leader.

The Independent