Spain Probes ‘Lab Leak’ as Cause of Swine Fever Outbreak

Spanish officials are reportedly examining if an accidental release from a research facility triggered a recent African swine fever outbreak near Barcelona.

The probe focuses on a center outside the city after genome tests showed the virus strain closely matches one used in labs worldwide.

African swine fever reportedly spreads rapidly among pigs but poses no threat to humans and has no approved vaccine yet.

Outbreaks like this can devastate pork industries as infected herds must often be culled to contain the disease.

Spain last faced a major swine fever incident decades ago but recent global cases have heightened vigilance in Europe.

It is true that genome sequencing linked the strain to a 2007 variant commonly studied in research settings.

However officials have not confirmed a leak and the investigation remains ongoing without evidence of foul play.

Media reporting for this story: 22% Left | 11% Right | 33% Center | 34% Unrated

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