Following the detection of African swine fever in wild boars in Barcelona, Argentina's Senasa temporarily suspended imports of risky goods from Spain. The agency reinforced border inspections and adjusted protocols to maintain the country's disease-free status. The action aims to prevent the virus's entry, which causes high mortality in pigs but poses no risk to humans.
African swine fever (ASF), an exotic disease in Argentina and South America, was detected in wild boars in Barcelona by Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), which notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Argentina's National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (Senasa) responded by halting imports of risky pork-origin goods, particularly those capable of carrying the virus.
The virus affects domestic and wild pigs, spreading through direct or indirect contact, and persists in the environment and various pork products. It poses no risk to humans and does not alter consumable products, but causes high mortality in animals. In response, Senasa strengthened sanitary controls at ports, airports, and border posts.
Only imports ensuring virus inactivation will be allowed, such as hams matured for at least six months, cooked products, salted casings per treatment, and extruded or canned pet foods. Prohibited items include salazones, dry chorizos, and raw hams under six months of maturation, due to sanitary risks.
The agency stressed the need to bolster biosecurity in pig farms, as no vaccine exists and the productive impact would be severe. It has a contingency plan (Resolution No. 275/23) for containment and eradication if the virus enters. Senasa urged immediate reporting of suspected clinical signs like increased mortality, skin spots or redness, high fever, and lethargy in pigs.