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Spain animal disease outbreaks 2026

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2026-09-23 18:57 UTC → 2026-09-25 02:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, Spanish authorities reported simultaneous outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Catalan wild boar and bluetongue virus in Galician cattle. While the bluetongue situation involved serotypes 3 and 8, the ASF outbreak in Catalonia has faced significant economic and regulatory consequences. By late August 2026, Catalonia recorded its first week without new positive ASF cases in its high-risk zone. Although this milestone reinforces confidence in eradication strategies, Agriculture Minister Óscar Ordeig warned that a forced de-escalation of restrictions could lead to an uncontrolled outbreak. To regain ASF-free status, the region must maintain a full year without positive cases. Research from the Centre d'Investigació en Sanitat Animal (CISA) suggests the outbreak, which began in November 2025, was likely introduced through human activity via contaminated pork products or high human connectivity. Genomic sequencing indicates the virus variant is highly similar to one found in Georgia, though it does not match previously identified European strains. The outbreak has severely impacted the Catalan meat industry. The loss of ‘free from ASF’ status led to the revocation of over 100 export certificates, resulting in market closures in Japan and Mexico, alongside restrictions in China and the Philippines. Export losses to these markets exceeded 350 million euros in the first half of the year. In response, the Government of Aragón established a new working group to prevent spread. By early September 2026, authorities intensified wild boar control measures. In Catalonia, new cases in Barcelona and Molins de Rei prompted the extension of restrictions in Collserola Natural Park for at least three months. By late September 2026, the Government of Catalonia entered the final phase of its ASF eradication ~~plan.~~ plan following 43 weeks of containment efforts.

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