Spain pork industry loses 600 million due to swine fever

Spain's pork industry has recorded losses exceeding GHS600 million following an outbreak of African Swine Fever. The disease, highly contagious and lethal for pigs, has led to a sharp decrease in pork prices and significant export reductions.

Farmer Jordi Saltiveri reported that each pig for slaughter has lost GHS35 to GHS40 in value since the outbreak. International markets, including Brazil, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and the US, have stopped importing Spanish pork. Other countries like China and the UK have restricted imports from affected areas.

Data from Catalonia shows pork exports fell by 17% in January compared to the previous year. The outbreak started in Collserola Park, near Barcelona, with an infected wild boar. Authorities are culling wild boar populations, with 24,000 animals culled so far this year from an estimated 120,000 to 180,000 in Catalonia.

Spain's pork industry is Europe's largest, valued at GHS25 billion. The country aims to fully eliminate the disease, a process that requires a 12-month period before export status can be restored after eradication.