Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Spain Investigates Lab Leak in African Swine Fever Outbreak
Spanish authorities are investigating how African Swine Fever (ASF) started spreading near Barcelona.
They found the virus in 13 dead wild boars.
The type of virus they found is usually used in labs to study the disease.
This made them think it might have come from a lab leak.
The government is worried because Spain is a big pork exporter, and ASF can be very bad for pigs.
They are checking five research labs near where the boars were found.
They are also working to stop the virus from spreading further.
No pigs on farms nearby have gotten sick yet.
Thirteen cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) identified in dead wild boars outside Barcelona since late November.
The strain of ASF virus found is similar to the “Georgia 2007” virus, commonly used in lab research.
Spanish authorities are investigating the possibility of a lab leak from high-security research facilities.
Five research facilities within a 20-kilometer radius of the outbreak are being audited.
Over 100 personnel have been deployed to assist in containment efforts, with no trace of the illness found in nearby pig farms.
- Who
- Spanish authorities and experts
- What
- Investigation into the origin of African Swine Fever outbreak
- When
- Since late November 2023
- Where
- Countryside outside Barcelona, Spain
- Why
- To determine the source of the outbreak and safeguard the pork industry
- Number of ASF cases identified
- 13
- Location of outbreak
- Countryside outside Barcelona, Spain
- Strain of ASF virus identified
- Georgia 2007
- Number of research facilities being audited
- 5
- Number of personnel deployed for containment
- Over 100