Secretary General of the Federation of Meat Business and Industry (FECIC) of Spain, Ignasi PonceThe World Health Organization warned on Monday that if cases of African swine fever are detected outside the current 20-kilometre zone, the “magnitude of the problem” could increase. As he told ACN, it was “fortunate” that the focus was there An area where there is not a “large concentration” of farms.
“This is why it is important that this does not spread from place. If it spreads to other areas in or near the same province of Barcelona (…) the concentration could be much higher,” he noted. Moreover, he explained that the blocking of imports by China It affects the entire Barcelona area, as well as Osuna and Bagés, but not Girona, Lleida or Tarragona.
As Ponce explained, China has made it “very clear” that its import blockade particularly affects the “Barcelona Province.” “Those from outside the Barcelona province don’t have this problem; They can continue exporting when the certificate issuance reopensHe explained that with regard to the radius specified by the authorities, which is 20 kilometers It includes 35 farms, farms and a sausage factory. But he pointed out that the outbreak today is limited to wild animals It did not affect any exploitation.
Waiting for confirmation of “more cases”
He explained that they were informed of this in the meeting held with the government on Monday afternoon They are awaiting confirmation of “more cases” Within the area affected by the plague. He admitted, “We all know that more cases will appear in that area, and this is good news within the disaster,” stressing that there is a feeling of “concern” in the sector because the spread of the disease depends on wild animals such as wild pigs.
“This virus It has been circulating in Europe for years We have seen that he made strange movements and big leaps, such as his appearance in Belgium or Italy. “This was not caused by wild boar walking, it is a disease that can be transmitted by other vectors,” he said. He added: “We knew that it could happen, that it could arrive, and that nothing could be done. Everything that could be done, was done“He stressed.