“The measures provided for in European legislation must be implemented”, a European Commission spokeswoman said on Monday 1 December, after the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture announced on 28 November that two wild boars found dead in Catalonia had tested positive for African swine fever, a first in the country since November 1994.
Among the measures taken, the Commission cited the establishment of infected zones, surveillance of wild fauna (wild boar) and a ban on hunting.
“We need to take action on farms – culling animals, strict reinforcement of biosecurity measures – because this virus can spread very easily, for example via farmers’ boots or tractor wheels”, added the spokeswoman.
The Commission will adopt the relevant legislation for these specific areas. The European veterinary team will be in Catalonia as of Tuesday to advise the national and local authorities.
Finally, the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoPAFF), meeting this week, will be taking stock of African swine fever, not only in Spain but also in other EU countries. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)