A conflict has erupted in Spain between the transport sector and the authorities of Catalonia after officials accused truck drivers of possibly spreading African swine fever. Representatives of the transport industry argue that such statements are not only unfair but also damage the reputation of the entire sector. The Federation of National Transport Associations (Fenadismer) is demanding a public apology from the regional Minister of Agriculture.
It all began when the head of Catalonia’s agricultural department, Òscar Ordeig, suggested that the virus could have entered the region through food discarded at truck rest areas. According to him, it’s possible that an infected sausage sandwich ended up by the roadside, where a wild boar could have picked it up. This version was voiced shortly after the first cases of the disease were reported near the Collserola Natural Park, not far from Barcelona.
This hypothesis sparked a strong reaction among professional drivers. Fenadismer stated that such accusations are completely unfounded and based solely on speculation. The organization emphasized that transport workers always adhere to sanitary standards and act responsibly on their routes.
Industry Response
Almost immediately after the minister’s statement, the Confederation of Transport Companies of Spain (CETM) joined the criticism. In their statement, industry representatives expressed outrage that the official essentially blamed drivers for the outbreak of the dangerous disease without a single piece of supporting evidence. CETM reminded the public that professional drivers strictly follow regulations and are careful in handling food waste.
The scandal has been ongoing for a week. Fenadismer continues to insist that Ordeig’s comments were hasty and inappropriate for an official of his rank. The federation believes such statements undermine trust in the transport sector and could have negative consequences for thousands of workers.
New data
The situation has become more complicated following the publication of a European Union report, which noted that the origin of the virus detected in Catalonia has not yet been fully determined. Experts do not rule out that it could have entered the region not only through food, but also by other means, including possible laboratory origins. At the same time, genetic analysis showed that the virus strain differs from those circulating in other EU countries.
These findings cast doubt on the earlier theories suggesting that transport companies might have been the source of the outbreak. Fenadismer emphasized that accusations against drivers now appear even less justified. The organization is demanding that the Minister of Agriculture officially retract his statements and issue an apology to the entire transport community.
The position of the authorities
Despite pressure from the industry, Oscar Ordeig has yet to make any public statements about reconsidering his position. He continues to play a key role in managing the crisis caused by the spread of African swine fever in the region. Authorities in Catalonia are continuing to investigate the causes of the outbreak and are taking measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, representatives of transport companies insist on the need for dialogue and demand that officials refrain from hasty accusations without sufficient grounds. Fenadismer believes that only joint efforts by all market participants will help tackle the threat and restore trust in the driving profession.
In case you didn’t know, Fenadismer is one of the largest associations of transport companies in Spain, bringing together thousands of carriers across the country. The organization actively defends the interests of its members, participates in the development of industry standards, and maintains dialogue with government bodies. In recent years, Fenadismer has repeatedly launched initiatives to improve working conditions for drivers and enhance road safety.
