The outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Spain continues to be closely monitored by health authorities and the international pork industry. Just one month ago, there were 15 confirmed clusters and 85 positive cases in wild boars. As of February 23, 2026, six new secondary clusters have been reported, bringing the total to 31 clusters (3 primary and 28 secondary) and 162 positive cases in Catalonia.
The most significant change in this update is the detection of two infected wild boars in the municipality of Molins de Rei, just outside the previously delimited zone. Although the authorities classify them as secondary clusters linked to the initial cases, their discovery outside the containment perimeter led the Catalan government to expand the high-risk zone, incorporating Molins de Rei and neighboring El Papiol as a precautionary measure.
Despite this perimeter expansion, the disease remains limited exclusively to wildlife, and no cases have been reported on commercial pig farms. The Official Veterinary Services are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with more than 1,200 animals tested—most of them negative—and heightened controls in place at the 57 farms located in the affected zone. No symptoms suggestive of ASF have been detected.
As for the source of the outbreak, preliminary investigations ruled out any link to the IRTA-CReSA reference laboratory after genetic analyses confirmed that the strains used at that center did not match the one behind the outbreak. European laboratories continue to conduct sequencing studies to fully characterize the detected variant.
For Chile, which is free of ASF, the focus remains on prevention and protecting its health status. The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) is taking measures that are proportionate to the risk, recognizes the European Union’s regionalization policy, and has tightened border controls, especially with regard to the entry of pork products in passenger luggage. This rapidly changing health scenario in Spain once again demonstrates that biosecurity, constant surveillance, and rigorous inspection at points of entry are key strategies for protecting animal health and ensuring export continuity for Chilean pork.