Union of Unions estimates that losses due to the swine fever outbreak reach 153 million

Although the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF)which appeared last month in wild boars in Cerdanyola del Vallés (Barcelona), has not penetrated any of the 57 farms located in the risk area, the economic impact on their activity has been relevant. According to the latest update from the Ministry of Agriculture, published this Tuesday, two new outbreaks of the disease have been confirmed in 13 wild boars found dead within the surveillance zone. In total, they have been located 60 positive animals and analyzed another 622 specimens that have tested negative for ASF. From Unión de Uniones they estimate that the losses for the pork sector already amount to 153 million euros and that turnover has fallen around 17%. What they consider “very relevant” because it is one of the most strategic agri-food products for the country.

From Unión de Uniones they value that despite the 60 positive cases in wild boars, The dangerous virus has not appeared in any of the 57 pig farms located within a 20-kilometer radius of the infected area. In any case, in the agrarian organization they point out that the movement restrictions for 61,500 pigs It has reduced exports to markets like China, although they ask to wait for official statistics to be updated to define the impact. Furthermore, they point out that the price in Mercadolleida What happens to be the main market in the sector fell to one euro per kilo and they estimate that the average price during 2025 has experienced a drop of 7.6% compared to the average of the previous year. In parallel, production costs have risen by almost 2% due to the biosafety measures that have had to be adopted. The latter has generated a 40% decrease in the margin for ranchers in 2024.

Conclude investigations into the origin of the virus

For this agricultural organization “the pork sector is very important at the state level, both by internal consumption and exports”. For all of the above, he has urged to defend it “and continue working so that this remains an episode with a beginning and an end, but for this the Administration has to get its act together.” Along these lines, they have also demanded that Continue investigations into the origin of the ASF outbreak and that the appropriate responsibilities are distributed, taking the necessary measures. In addition, the Union of Unions has demanded that animal health be promoted by reviewing protocols and prevention measures. What they will demand next February 11 during the rally they have called in Madrid.