[LAST HOUR] Catalonia declares emergency for African swine fever: the purchase of drones, traps or weapons is enabled

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The alarm has gone off in Catalonia and has put the Generalitat in emergency mode. The Government, through its spokeswoman Sílvia Paneque, has announced the declaration of emergency to act immediately and stop the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and lethal virus for pigs, although harmless to humans. The decision is motivated by the rapid spread of the outbreak and the real risk of the virus escaping from the confinement area and spreading to other autonomous communities.

The situation is serious, as the pig sector is one of the economic pillars of Catalonia and Spain, which is the main producer of pork in the European Union and a key exporter worldwide. The entry of ASF could have a devastating economic impact, both for the loss of animals and the closure of international markets, as has been warned for some time by organizations such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Drone hunting, traps and trucker controversy

This declaration of emergency allows the Generalitat to step on the accelerator in the processing of contracts for services, supplies and works “urgently”. The objective is clear: “to contain, prevent or mitigate the effects” of the PPA or its possible variants.

Among the actions contemplated is the supply of veterinary material, but also the acquisition of more striking equipment such as drones, traps and weapons. The deployment also includes accommodation for the emergency corps, surveillance, personnel training and the costs associated with signaling.

The mobilization is total and urgent. Catalonia is arming itself legally and materially to shield its meat industry and prevent this health scare from turning into an economic nightmare.