African Swine Fever Costs Spanish Pig Industry €153M

The agricultural union Unió de Pagesos has estimated that the pig sector in Spain has incurred losses of 153 million euros due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (PPA). The financial impact is largely driven by a collapse in market prices following the detection of the virus in late November.

The outbreak was specifically identified in Cerdanyola del Vallès, located in the province of Barcelona. The crisis has severely affected the region of Catalonia, where livestock farmers have reportedly lost 63 million euros. The price drop occurred at the Mercolleida market following the closure of various markets.

The agricultural union Unió de Pagesos has quantified the financial damage caused by the African Swine Fever outbreak in Spain. According to the union, the pig sector has lost a total of 153 million euros. This massive figure reflects the immediate economic shock felt across the industry.

The primary driver of these losses is the sharp decline in livestock prices. The Mercolleida market, a key trading hub, experienced a significant price drop. This downturn was precipitated by the closure of markets following the confirmation of the virus.

The source of the current crisis is the detection of African Swine Fever in Cerdanyola del Vallès. This municipality is situated within the province of Barcelona. The discovery of the virus occurred in late November, triggering immediate containment protocols.

The detection of the virus in this specific location set off a chain reaction in the market. The closure of markets was a necessary step to prevent the spread of the disease. However, these measures had the unintended consequence of crashing prices for producers.

While the outbreak affects the entire nation, specific data highlights the severity of the situation in Catalonia. Livestock farmers within this autonomous community have suffered substantial financial setbacks. Reports indicate that Catalan farmers have lost approximately 63 million euros.

This regional figure represents a significant portion of the total national losses estimated by Unió de Pagesos. The data underscores the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to disease outbreaks and the subsequent market volatility.

The estimates provided by Unió de Pagesos paint a grim picture of the economic toll of African Swine Fever on the Spanish pig industry. With losses reaching 153 million euros, the sector faces a challenging recovery period. The situation in Cerdanyola del Vallès serves as a focal point for the crisis, with ripple effects felt deeply in Catalonia.

As markets navigate the closure and price instability, the agricultural community awaits further developments. The 63 million euros lost by Catalan farmers alone illustrates the urgent need for stabilization in the market.