African Swine Fever Spreads Beyond Containment Zone in Catalonia, Spain

ASF Cases Detected Outside Initial High-Risk Zone

African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected in wild boar outside the previously established high-risk containment zone in Catalonia, Spain, marking a concerning development in the region's efforts to control the highly contagious disease. On Friday, February 13, 2026, regional authorities confirmed new cases near the western towns of El Papiol and Molins de Rei, located within Barcelona's metropolitan area.

This spread extends beyond the original six-kilometer radius containment zone that was established following the initial outbreak in the Collserola hills north of Barcelona in November 2025. The detection represents Spain's first encounter with ASF since 1994. In total, 155 infected wild boars have been identified in the Barcelona area, with 13 new cases reported in recent days, including the two found outside the primary zone.

Intensified Containment and Biosecurity Measures

In response to the expanded geographical spread, Catalan authorities have swiftly implemented additional restrictions and reinforced existing measures. The high-risk zone has been expanded to include Molins de Rei and El Papiol, with access to natural areas in these municipalities now restricted. Oscar Ordeig, head of the Catalan agriculture department, noted that the spread was an 'expected outcome' given the movement of wild boar.

Key measures being undertaken include:

• Additional restrictions on the movement of people and livestock.
• Intensive disinfection, collection, and management of wild boar carcasses.
• Deployment of drones equipped with thermal cameras for nocturnal wild boar detection and population density estimation.
• Reinforcement of sanitary cordons and controls at municipal borders.
• Establishment of a second containment barrier around Collserola, utilizing existing infrastructure such as the AP7 and A2 motorways, and railway barriers, with 180 risky crossing points secured to prevent wild boar movement.
• Controlled culling of wild boars in the second containment zone to reduce populations.

Crucially, there have been no reported cases of ASF on domestic pig farms in the region. All 57 pig farms within the infected zone have undergone rigorous surveillance and biosecurity inspections. Authorities continue to emphasize strict biosecurity measures on farms and during transport to prevent the virus from affecting commercial swine.

Economic Implications for Spain's Pork Industry

While ASF poses no risk to human health, it is almost always fatal for pigs and wild boars, leading to significant economic consequences. Spain is a global powerhouse in pork production, standing as the EU's leading producer and the world's third-largest producer, with annual exports valued at approximately 8.8 billion euros. The outbreak has already disrupted these exports, with about a third of Spanish pork export certificates initially blocked.

Several countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mexico, and the Philippines, have suspended all pork imports from Spain. However, major markets like China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other EU member states recognize regionalization agreements, allowing imports from unaffected areas of Spain. The economic impact is also reflected in falling pork prices and temporary layoffs, such as those affecting over 450 workers in Sant Eugènia de Berga.

The origin of the current outbreak remains under investigation, with a judicial inquiry ongoing. One theory suggests the infection may have entered through contaminated food waste. Despite the recent spread, authorities indicate the outbreak has entered a phase of stabilization, though continued vigilance and strict adherence to control protocols are deemed essential.