Companies responsible for wild boar collection across Catalonia have announced an indefinite stoppage of operations. This follows a catastrophic collapse in sales. The sector reports an 80% decrease in demand. This downturn is largely attributed to market restrictions and consumer fears surrounding African Swine Fever (ASF).
Sources representing the region’s ten Game Meat Logistics Points confirmed that their facilities are currently at capacity. With the primary export markets effectively closed due to the ASF crisis, there is no longer a viable outlet for the meat. Consequently, operators have no physical space to accept new stock.
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Wild Boar Collection Halted Creates Unsustainable Situation
In a formal letter addressed to the hunting community, the managers of these facilities emphasised that the decision to halt collection was not taken lightly. They described the move as “forced by the impossibility of continuing to assume a system that currently has no institutional support or minimum guarantees.”
The operators argue they are being forced to shoulder economic, health, and legal responsibilities that fall outside their remit. Despite the escalating crisis, the letter notes a lack of response from the administration. Therefore, this pushes the companies into an indefinite standstill. A meeting with the Generalitat (Catalan government) is scheduled for tomorrow to address the deadlock, a situation not unlike the ongoing Catalan budget negotiations.
Impact on Disease Control After Wild Boar Collection Halted
The collapse of the wild boar meat trade poses significant risks beyond the economic hit to logistics firms. The stoppage threatens to disrupt the sanitary control of the wild boar population. Furthermore, it impedes efforts to manage the spread of African Swine Fever itself.
“We are aware of the difficulties this situation may cause you and we deeply regret the inconveniences it may entail,” the managers stated in their communication to hunters. They stressed that the measure is not directed against the hunting community. Instead, it is a necessary survival tactic.
Affected Locations Where Wild Boar Collection is Halted
The indefinite stoppage affects collection points throughout Catalonia. The facilities involved are located in:
- Fornells de la Selva (Gironès)
- Sant Joan les Fonts (Garrotxa)
- Igualada
- Olius (Solsonès)
- Sort (Pallars Sobirà)
- Alòs de Balaguer (Noguera)
- Sant Jaume dels Domenys (Baix Penedès)
- Lleida
- Sant Miquel de Balenyà (Osona)
- Sanaüja (Segarra)
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