Spain reports the first two cases of African swine fever in the country since 1994

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has confirmed this Friday the first two cases of African swine fever (ASF) in Spain since November 1994, in two wild boars found dead in Bellaterra (Barcelona). The positive cases were detected in two wild boars found dead on November 26 and reported by the official veterinary services of Catalonia, MAPA specified in a statement. It is a non-zoonotic disease, meaning people are not susceptible to infection either through contact with the animals or through ingestion of products derived from them, MAPA specified. In the European Union (EU), it is considered a category A disease, so member states must adopt precise measures to achieve its control and eradication as soon as possible in the affected areas. Thus, the Ministry has requested the sector to take all biosecurity and surveillance measures in pig and wild boar farms and in the transport of animals. In addition, it has reminded of the obligation to inform the official ...