The UK government has announced an immediate ban on pork imports from Spain, a decisive move triggered by the first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the European nation in over thirty years.
Immediate Border Controls Enacted
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed on Friday, 28 November 2025, that all fresh pork and other affected products arriving from Spain will be held at UK border control posts. This measure is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
This swift action comes after Spanish authorities confirmed the country's first cases of the disease on Wednesday in Bellaterra, a location in the Catalunya region near Barcelona.
Economic and Global Repercussions
The ban carries significant weight for the European meat industry. Spain is the EU's leading pork producer, accounting for roughly a quarter of the bloc's total output and surpassing Germany. Its annual pork exports are valued at approximately 3.5 billion euros (£3.07bn).
The UK is not alone in its protective measures. Following the reports, China has also imposed a ban on pork imports from the province of Barcelona, highlighting global concern over the spread of the virus.
Understanding the Threat of African Swine Fever
Defra has been quick to clarify that African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar. It is crucial to note that ASF is not the same as swine flu and does not pose a risk to human health.
The disease spreads when healthy pigs consume infectious products or come into contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. The Spanish farmers' association, Asaja, has pointed to an "out-of-control presence" of wild animals as a key risk factor for contaminating livestock.
This is not an isolated incident. The virus has been moving westwards across Europe for years.
- In 2021, Germany culled 4,000 pigs due to ASF.
- Croatia has been battling to contain a recent outbreak.
- Last month, Taiwan reported its first cases and culled at least 195 pigs.
- The 2019 epidemic in Asia led to the culling of millions of pigs in China and Vietnam.
Defra stated it will continue to monitor the situation in Spain closely and keep all protective measures under active review.
