Spain investigates whether swine fever outbreak caused by lab leak

Catalonia's regional government will investigate a research center after Spain's Agriculture Ministry suggested a wild boar swine fever outbreak may be linked to a lab leak. In total, 13 wild boars tested positive near Barcelona. The virus, which is harmless to humans, can be fatal for pigs. The ministry found the strain similar to one from Georgia in 2007, raising containment concerns.

Catalonia's agriculture official announced an inquiry into the Centre for Research in Animal Health, located within the outbreak's confinement area. The lab has not confirmed its involvement. The "Georgia 2007" strain led to significant losses in China and other regions.