IRTA-CReSA: The Epicenter of African Swine Fever Research
Located at one end of the Bellaterra campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Cerdanyola del Vallès, the Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (IRTA-CReSA) has become a focal point during the crisis stemming from the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Catalonia.
A Key Player in Animal Health
IRTA-CReSA has specialized in animal health research for over 25 years. Recently, it has played a critical role in managing the detected infections in 13 wild boars. One of its primary functions includes conducting preparatory analyses for the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Algete (Madrid), which is responsible for confirming positive cases of ASF.
The close vicinity of the infected wild boars to this high-security laboratory raised speculation on social media about a potential viral leak. However, officials have stated that the infection likely occurred when a wild boar consumed contaminated food, such as leftover meat products discarded in bins.
New Investigations Emerged
The narrative shifted dramatically when Òscar Ordeig, the Minister of Agriculture, acknowledged the initiation of a second, complementary line of investigation into the virus’s origin. An analysis conducted by the Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA) in Valdeolmos, Madrid, found that the genome sequence of the ASF virus from Bellaterra is distinct from the strains noted in previous European outbreaks, closely resembling the Georgia 2007 strain.
While the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the Generalitat of Catalonia have refrained from implicating IRTA-CReSA publicly, this facility is a public entity under the Catalan governmental administration, specifically linked to the Department of Agriculture.
Internal Audits and Biosecurity Protocols
Following initial findings, the Ministry ordered an analysis that left open the possibility that the pathogen could have escaped from the laboratory. In response, President Salvador Illa announced the commissioning of an internal audit at IRTA to investigate whether the ASF outbreak originated from its labs.
During a recent visitation to the command center at Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Illa expressed complete confidence in IRTA to thoroughly review all protocols and facilities operating within a 20-kilometer radius of the infected wild boars’ location.
Biosecurity Measures at IRTA-CReSA
IRTA-CReSA operates under rigorous biosecurity measures, classified as a level 3 laboratory (of 4 levels). Protocols include negative pressure containment, preventing airborne viruses from escaping, and strict control over any substances or animal materials exiting the premises. Animals that are studied are incinerated or treated to ensure no contamination.
Personnel must change into specialized clothing, use double gloves and masks, and operate within safety cabinets. Additionally, staff must disinfect and shower before leaving and are prohibited from approaching any farms within 72 hours post-exposure.
No Precedent for Pathogen Leaks
Despite the elevated scrutiny, IRTA-CReSA has not recorded any prior episodes of pathogen leaks in its nearly two decades of research on ASF. Latest data from the Generalitat indicates plans for the accelerated culling of pigs from farms within a 20-kilometer radius of the outbreak, involving 55 farms across 91 municipalities, capable of breeding around 80,000 heads.
Currently, around 61,500 pigs reside in these facilities, with a substantial portion ready for human consumption through a progressive slaughtering process. Notably, there have been no positive ASF cases reported thus far in the farms of this affected region.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the role of IRTA-CReSA remains crucial in understanding the dynamics of the African Swine Fever outbreak. The establishment’s commitment to rigorous scientific research and biosecurity will be paramount in managing and mitigating future outbreaks, not only in Catalonia but beyond.