African swine fever returns to Spain after 30 years

The European Commission has received official information from the Spanish competent authority on the detection of African swine fever (ASF) virus in wild boars in the Catalan region of the province of Barcelona. This is the first case of ASF in Spain since 1995 and a significant signal on the situation in Europe.

First cases of ASF in Spain for 30 years

On 26 November 2025, two wild boar carcasses were found near the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Bellaterra / Cerdanyola del Vallès). Preliminary laboratory tests showed the presence of the ASF virus and the National ASF Laboratory in Algete (Madrid) definitively confirmed the positive result on the evening of 27 November 2025.

The area around the identified ASF is wooded, with a moderate density of wild boar, and is bordered by heavily trafficked roads. There are five commercial pig farms within a 10 km radius, and another 34 farms within a 10 & 20 km radius. In Spain, all control measures provided for in EU legislation have been immediately implemented: the establishment of an infected zone, a hunting ban, an intensive search for carcasses, reinforced biosecurity and surveillance of farmed animals.

The European Commission informs that it will shortly adopt temporary emergency measures for the establishment of ASF zones in order to manage the risk.

With African swine fever (ASF) continuing to spread in Lithuania and 8 cases of the disease already recorded on pig farms this year, the VMVT continues to call for biosecurity and for pigs to be protected in every way possible. 

In the light of recent developments in Europe and the increasing prevalence of ASF, the VMVT reminds all pig farmers, regardless of the size of their holding, to:

• strictly comply with biosecurity requirements;
• restrict the access of unauthorised persons to the holding;
• use only clean and disinfected equipment;
• no movement of pigs or pigmeat products from restricted areas;
• In case of fever, sluggishness, lack of appetite or sudden death, immediately inform your veterinarian or the Office of Animal Health.

African swine fever is a highly dangerous disease in pigs and wild boars, but does not pose a risk to human health.

If you notice possible signs of ASF, you can report to the VMVT:

on 1879, +370 5 242 0108 or by filling in the online reporting form.