African Swine Fever Outbreak in Catalonia: Research Continues, Lab Leak Ruled Out

Investigations into the recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Catalonia, Spain, are ongoing, with latest research planned to understand the virus’s virulence and transmission. Crucially, an audit has confirmed that the IRTA-CReSA research center, the only facility in Catalonia working with the virus, was not the source of the outbreak.

Outbreak Origins and Ongoing Research

The initial outbreak, detected in Collserola (Barcelona) in late November 2025, prompted concerns about a potential laboratory leak. However, genetic sequencing of the virus isolated from infected wild boars indicated a strain originating from Georgia in 2007, commonly used in laboratory research Catalan News.

Despite this initial finding, further genetic analyses have significantly decreased the likelihood of a lab origin. A press conference held on December 30, 2025, revealed that comparisons between the virus found in wild boars and 17 of the 19 samples investigated at the Animal Health Research Centre (IRTA-CReSA) did not match Science Media Centre. Researchers now consider a laboratory leak to be “highly unlikely,” though further studies are still underway.

IRTA-CReSA is launching a new study in the coming months to assess the degree of virulence, behavior, and transmissibility of the new ASF virus. Researchers are working to identify the “genetic ancestors” of the virus to establish a relationship with previously reported strains Catalan News.

The current focus of the investigation has shifted to the potential introduction of contaminated food into the country. If genetic sequencing reveals a close match to viruses circulating elsewhere in the world, it could suggest the outbreak originated from that region. However, without a match, determining the origin will be “very tough” Catalan News.

IRTA-CReSA Confirmed Safe, Extensive Work Underway

An external audit, conducted by Catalan, Spanish, and European experts, has confirmed that the IRTA-CReSA facilities meet safety standards for handling the African swine fever virus Catalan News. The audit validated the center’s biosecurity systems, internal management, personnel training, access controls, and waste management.

The center has been fully cooperative with authorities, providing information and resources to control the outbreak. To date, IRTA-CReSA has analyzed over 1,000 samples from wild boars, with 155 testing positive for ASF. They have also incinerated eighteen tons of meat related to the outbreak, equivalent to the amount typically burned in nine months Catalan News.

Around forty professionals are directly involved in sample collection, analysis, and positive case detection, alongside their regular research activities across a dozen different projects Catalan News.

International Collaboration Planned

IRTA-CReSA plans to host a meeting this year with international experts on African swine fever to foster collaboration and share knowledge. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food report, dated February 9, 2026, reinforces the December 30th audit results, definitively ruling out IRTA-CReSA as the source of the outbreak Catalan News.