UK Temporarily Halts Pork Imports from Spain Following African Swine Fever Detection

The United Kingdom announced on Friday a temporary suspension of pork imports from affected regions in Spain after the first African swine fever (ASF) cases were identified in more than three decades. This decision comes as Spanish authorities declared emergency protocols in Catalonia, a key hub for pig farming.

Britain, a major consumer of Spanish pork, stated through its Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that "following an outbreak of African Swine Fever in Spain, all fresh pork and other affected products from Spain will be held at Border Control Posts until further notice." DEFRA confirmed that the situation will be closely monitored and protective measures regularly reassessed.

In 2025, Spain has exported approximately 37,600 metric tons of fresh and frozen pork to the UK, valued at over 112 million euros ($129.93 million). This represents a 17% increase in volume and a 9.5% rise in value compared with the entire year of 2024, according to data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, although it does not pose any threat to human health. The virus lacks an effective vaccine or treatment and often results in large-scale culling to contain outbreaks.

The disease has been spreading westward across Europe in recent years, causing significant disruptions to the pork industry and resulting in trade restrictions. Notably, Germany’s outbreak in 2020 triggered widespread bans from major importers such as China, while Croatia has been contending with ASF infections in recent months.

Spain, the European Union's largest pork producer, had maintained a ASF-free status in domestic pigs since 1994. The recent detection of the virus in wild boar populations near Barcelona raises serious concerns for Spain’s pork industry, which is valued at around 8 billion euros ($9.28 billion), and its international export markets.

Earlier this year, the UK government also prohibited the personal importation of ham, meat, and dairy products from all EU countries to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, following an increase in reported cases.