Portugal finds No Cause for Alarm as african Swine Fever Outbreak Emerges in Spain
Lisbon – Portuguese authorities have determined that additional safety measures are not justified following the recent detection of African swine fever in Catalonia, Spain. The General directorate of Food adn Veterinary affairs (DGAV) stated yesterday that current surveillance protocols are sufficient to protect Portugal’s pig population and ensure food safety.
The DGAV is actively monitoring trade in pork products between Portugal and Catalonia, but has not identified any cases within its borders. ”There is no reason to worry about the analysis we carried out,” explained Susana Pombo, indicating that checks are being conducted approximately three weeks after the initial outbreak report, accounting for the disease’s incubation period of up to 20 days.
The DGAV has reiterated existing advice to farms, emphasizing compliance with safety measures, vehicle cleaning and disinfection, and responsible hunting practices. The disposal of animal by-products must also adhere to regulations,with a strict prohibition on feeding pigs kitchen or table waste.
while a 20-kilometer radius has been established around the outbreak area in Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain, with hunting suspended and over 200 personnel deployed for decontamination, Portuguese officials maintain a confident stance. Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, anticipates further cases among wild boars in the affected region.
It is significant to note that African swine fever dose not pose a risk to human health,but is highly contagious and perhaps fatal to wild boars and domestic pigs. The origin of the Spanish outbreak remains under investigation.
