The Directorate-General for Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development has reassured both farmers and the general public regarding African Swine Fever (ASF), emphasising that the disease does not pose any risk to humans, whether through contact with animals or consumption of pork products. Authorities confirm that the Balearic Islands and the rest of Spain have all necessary monitoring systems fully activated.
Director-General Fernando Fernández highlighted that the recent case detected in Catalonia remains restricted to the initially defined area and affects only wild boar, with no pig farms impacted. Daily updates from Catalonia and the national Ministry confirm that the virus is not circulating elsewhere, including the Balearic Islands.
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Balearic Islands Strengthen Swine Health Surveillance After More Than 2,100 Samples Test Negative for African Swine Fever in Three Years. A robust monitoring system
Since 2018, the Balearics have had an animal health alert plan, updated regularly, as well as the National ASF Surveillance Programme, which sets the annual inspection requirements for each region. In response to the Catalan outbreak, a strengthened regional protocol is now in force.
For 2025, all required surveillance actions have been completed:
- 7 farms inspected, the number assigned based on epidemiological risk.
- 673 analysed samples, all negative.
This follows years of intensive monitoring:
- 731 tests in 2023,
- similar figures in 2024,
- More than 2,100 samples were analysed over three years, with no detection of the virus.
A system aligned with national guidelines
The number of farms to be monitored each year depends on herd size and risk factors. Balearic Islands must inspect seven farms annually, matching regions like Navarra and exceeding others such as the Canary Islands. Areas with larger swine production —Murcia, Catalonia, and Extremadura— must oversee far more farms.
Reinforced protocol for 2025
Following the detection in Catalonia, the Balearic authorities have stepped up their controls by:
- identifying high-risk farms using IRTA technical criteria,
- updating biosecurity surveys,
- enforcing stricter controls on animal movements,
- reviewing cleaning and disinfection of transport vehicles,
- tightening port inspections,
- enhancing coordination among official veterinarians, island councils, producer associations and slaughterhouses.
Fernández stressed that the current response is well established, not improvised, and backed by trained personnel and solid structures. He also reminded farm owners that they are legally required to implement and follow biosecurity plans, essential tools for reducing risk and preventing disease introduction.