The Mexican government suspended pork imports from Spain on Saturday, November 29, due to an African swine fever outbreak detected in Barcelona. The measure, announced by the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to protect the country's animal health following the first confirmed cases in the European nation since 1994. The National Service of Health, Safety and Quality Agrofood (Senasica) banned the entry of various pork products until more information on outbreak control is received.
The suspension followed the detection on Friday of two wild boars testing positive for the African swine fever (ASF) virus in Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona. This marks the first case in Spain since 1994, also leading to the cancellation of about 120 export health certificates for pork products to around 40 countries, including Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
On Saturday, four more dead wild boars from ASF were reported in the Collserola mountain range, in the same affected area. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting European wild boars, African warthogs, and domestic pigs in farms, but it does not affect humans or transmit through pork consumption.
Senasica specified that the ban covers pork meat, products and byproducts like hams or sausages, cured products, pork offal for human consumption, and raw materials for pet food. The measure applies to both commercial imports and products carried by individuals entering Mexico, pending zoosanitary information on outbreak management.
This action aims to prevent the virus's introduction into Mexico, where the pork industry is vital for foods like carnitas. The outbreak in Spain has triggered international alerts, with similar suspensions in other markets to mitigate health risks.