Catalonia has received positive news in its ongoing battle against African Swine Fever (ASF), with the European Union (EU) approving a plan to allow the movement of animals and products within established safety zones. This decision, announced on February 21, 2026, offers a significant boost to the region’s agricultural sector, which has been grappling with the economic fallout from the outbreak. The move allows 59 previously immobilized farms, as well as those outside the immediate infection zone, to resume normal operations, including opening, moving animals, and exporting goods.
The approval follows a coordinated effort between Brussels, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, the Catalan Department of Agriculture, and key stakeholders in the industry. Òscar Ordeig, Catalonia’s Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of a unified approach to restore confidence in the markets and accelerate recovery from the crisis. The decision comes after warnings from Mercolleida, the Junta de Precios del Porcino, regarding potential market instability, highlighting the economic stakes involved in containing the disease.
Easing Restrictions with Strict Biosecurity
Crucially, the EU’s approval isn’t a blanket lifting of restrictions. Even farms located within the perimeter where wild boar have tested positive for ASF will be permitted to move animals both within and outside of Catalonia, but under strict surveillance protocols. “This is great news,” stated Ordeig, emphasizing that the advancement validates the containment strategy implemented thus far and strengthens Catalonia’s credibility with European experts, who he described as “very demanding.”
Ordeig underscored the need for continued collaboration without recrimination, asserting that a unified approach has yielded the best results. This statement followed a call from Mercolleida last Friday for the Catalan government to implement more robust measures to combat ASF, citing the potential for a production decline similar to that experienced in Germany, where the disease has been present for years.
Learning from Belgium’s Success and Intensifying Wild Boar Control
Catalonia is looking to Belgium as a model for successful ASF management. Ordeig noted that of the 25 European countries affected by ASF – both EU members and non-members – Belgium has demonstrated the most effective approach, taking nearly a year and a half to detect its last positive case. He cautioned against complacency, stressing the need for patience and a firm commitment to institutional cooperation.
Efforts to control the spread of the virus are also focused on managing the wild boar population, a key vector for transmission. Since the beginning of the year, authorities have culled 13,500 wild boar throughout Catalonia. Around the focal point of the outbreak, over 1,000 animals have been analyzed within a 20-kilometer radius, with this census conducted weekly in collaboration with local hunting societies. Ordeig acknowledged the challenges of hunting wild boar due to their elusive behavior, but assured that decisive measures will be taken to establish a “white zone” where the species is virtually eradicated, significantly reducing populations in the territory.
A meeting is scheduled for Monday between the Department of Agriculture and representatives from the pork sector to continue refining this collaborative strategy. The Minister aims to ensure a consistent message is conveyed to international markets to minimize any negative impact on imports and economic activity related to the industry.
Looking Ahead: Sector Collaboration and Market Confidence
The EU’s decision represents a critical step forward in managing the ASF outbreak in Catalonia. The focus now shifts to maintaining strict biosecurity protocols, continuing intensive wild boar control, and fostering a unified front between the government and the pork industry. The upcoming meeting on Monday will be crucial in solidifying this collaboration and projecting a message of confidence to international markets.
As the situation evolves, ongoing monitoring and adaptation of strategies will be essential. The experience in Belgium, which took considerable time to fully eradicate the disease, serves as a reminder that sustained vigilance and a long-term commitment are necessary to overcome this challenge.
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