Catalonia has completed the genetic analysis of the African swine fever virus, which had raised concerns among farmers and veterinarians. The research was carried out at the Institute for Biomedical Research (Institut de Recerca en Biomedicina, IRB) and the University of Barcelona. Based on sequencing results, experts concluded that the virus could not have originated from a leak at the IRTA-CReSA Animal Health Research Center, located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona).
This was announced by representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat. According to Cristina Massot, the department’s Secretary General, the analyses revealed no signs of artificial intervention or laboratory origin of the virus. Toni Gabaldón, IRB professor who led the sequencing, confirmed that the genetic profile of the virus fully matches natural strains previously identified in other regions of Europe.
Despite these preliminary findings, Catalan authorities are not rushing to close the investigation. They are now awaiting official confirmation of the results from the national reference center for African swine fever — the Central Veterinary Laboratory (Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria, LCV) in Algete (Madrid). Only after receiving a conclusion from Madrid can the laboratory origin of the virus be definitively ruled out.
An outbreak of African swine fever in Spain has raised serious concerns among pork producers and biosecurity experts. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among both domestic and wild pigs, leading to significant losses in livestock. Authorities in Catalonia immediately stepped up farm controls and restricted animal movements after the first cases were detected to prevent further spread of the infection.
At the same time, the region conducted large-scale inspections of laboratories working with dangerous pathogens. Special attention was paid to the IRTA-CReSA Center, which holds samples of various viruses, including the African swine fever pathogen. However, experts concluded that all safety protocols were observed and the risk of the virus leaking from the laboratory is extremely low.
The main task for specialists now is to determine the exact source of the infection and how the virus is spreading. This involves analyzing data on animal movements, farm-to-farm contacts, and possible cases of the disease being introduced from other countries. Authorities emphasize that the situation is under control and all necessary measures to protect the industry have already been taken.
The results of the tests at the national laboratory are expected in the coming weeks. Afterward, the Generalitat will be able to either confirm or refute the preliminary findings of its experts. Until then, enhanced biosecurity measures remain in place in the region, and monitoring of the situation on farms continues.
