ASF Guide: Key questions and answers

The recent detection of African swine fever (ASF) in two wild boar found near Bellaterra, in Barcelona, has renewed concern about a disease that had not been recorded in the country since 1994. This outbreak of African swine fever in Spain, considered the first ASF case in wild boar in decades, has prompted the immediate activation of the official protocol, the establishment of an ASF-infected zone in Barcelona, and intensified surveillance in both wildlife and pig farms. In a context where ASF remains present in several European countries, addressing the most common questions has become essential.

What is African Swine Fever?

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar exclusively. Its severity lies in the very high mortality it causes and its ability to spread rapidly wherever susceptible populations exist. It has no impact on human health, but it poses a major sanitary and economic threat, especially in countries with a significant pig sector. Spain managed to eradicate it in the 1990s after decades of efforts, meaning that any potential reappearance requires maximum caution.

Does ASF pose any risk to humans?

There is absolutely no risk to the population. ASF affects only suids and is not transmitted to humans, either through direct contact or through meat consumption. Although news of an outbreak may initially cause alarm, it is important to remember that the disease is not zoonotic and has no implications for public health. Public interest therefore focuses on its economic, environmental, and livestock impact.

Is it safe to eat pork after an ASF outbreak?

Pork and pork products remain completely safe to eat. The ASF virus does not affect humans and is not transmitted through food. This topic has generated numerous questions in recent days, but the evidence is clear: the outbreak detected in wild boar poses no food safety risk. Pork safety remains intact and there is no reason to alter consumption habits.

How is African Swine Fever transmitted among animals?

Transmission of the ASF virus can occur when a pig or wild boar comes into direct contact with an infected animal, but also through contaminated remains, secretions, surfaces, tools, vehicles, or materials exposed to the virus. In areas where wild boar populations exist, they may act as a reservoir and facilitate spread if strict measures are not applied. For this reason, biosecurity on pig farms is essential and constitutes the primary real barrier against the disease.

Image of the Advanced Command Center of the African swine fever containment device. Photo: DARP.

What measures are being implemented in Catalonia following the detection of the virus?

Once ASF was confirmed in wild boar, authorities activated the protocol established for such cases. This protocol includes defining an infected zone, intervening in the surrounding area to locate and remove carcasses under official supervision, temporarily restricting non-essential activities, and intensifying surveillance in both wildlife and pig farms. These actions aim to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the initial area and, above all, from reaching domestic pigs.

Which areas are affected and how is the infected zone defined?

The affected zone has been established around the location where the positive wild boar were found, near the Bellaterra campus. Although European regulations set a minimum radius of 6 km around the outbreak, in this case authorities have extended the boundary to 20 km to reinforce surveillance and reduce the risk of spread, given the density of wild boar and the presence of nearby pig farms. This area may be adjusted based on epidemiological monitoring results and findings in wildlife.

What could be the origin of the outbreak?

Determining the origin of the ASF outbreak requires a thorough analysis considering wild animal movements, potential introduction through contaminated materials, and virus entry via waste or transport from affected areas. Authorities have launched an official investigation and a specialized technical committee is evaluating all possible routes of introduction. No hypothesis has yet been confirmed, and the investigation remains open. The goal is to identify the point of introduction and prevent further spread through coordinated surveillance and biosecurity measures.

What should I do if I find a dead or injured wild boar?

The recommendation is not to touch or approach the animal and to prevent pets from doing so. In such cases, the competent authorities should be notified so they can collect and analyse it under official surveillance protocols. Early detection in wildlife is key to anticipating potential outbreaks and maintaining an updated risk map.

Is there a vaccine against African swine fever?

There is currently no vaccine for ASF. Although there are advanced lines of research, there is still no tool capable of safely and reliably immunising pigs or wild boar. This means that disease control relies entirely on surveillance, early diagnosis, proper wildlife management, and farm biosecurity, which remains the most effective measure to prevent virus entry.