Reinforcement of preventive measures following the detection of African swine fever in Spain

In light of the detection of wild boars positive for African swine fever (ASF) in Barcelona, Spain, the National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) temporarily interrupted imports of pork goods from the European country, which are capable of transmitting the virus. ASF is an exotic disease in Argentina and South American countries, affecting domestic and wild pigs. It does not pose a risk to humans, nor does it alter the safety of pork products. The disease is transmitted among pigs through direct or indirect contact, causing high mortality. The ASF virus can persist for a long time in the environment, even in a wide variety of pork products. Upon confirmation of the finding by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) of Spain and its official communication to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), SENASA reinforced sanitary prevention measures and commercial cargo controls at ports, airports, and border crossings to prevent the entry of goods, ...