From scientific research to practical challenges, VAX4ASF engaged with pig farming professionals, researchers and industry representatives at the XLV ANAPORC National Congress in Tarragona, Spain.
The VAX4ASF project participated in the XLV ANAPORC National Congress, held from 29 September to 1 October 2026 in Tarragona, Spain. Bringing together professionals from across the pig farming industry, the congress provided an opportunity to discuss some of the sector’s most pressing challenges, including animal health, biosecurity, disease prevention and technological innovation.
For VAX4ASF, the event was an opportunity to bring European research closer to the people who could ultimately benefit from its outcomes: pig producers, veterinarians, industry stakeholders and the next generation of researchers.
Making European research visible to the sector
Throughout the congress, VAX4ASF showcased its objectives and research activities through several communication and dissemination initiatives.
One of the highlights was the screening of a project video ahead of the roundtable discussion “Miradas femeninas que sustentan el sector porcino” (Women’s Perspectives Supporting the Pig Farming Sector). The video featured Marta Sitjà, VAX4ASF Project Coordinator and R&D Director Animal Health at HIPRA, explaining what the project means for the pig farming sector and the importance of advancing research into African swine fever (ASF).
The project also maintained a presence in the congress’s commercial exhibition area, where attendees had the opportunity to discover its objectives and learn about the collaborative research being carried out by its international consortium.
An informative poster further introduced VAX4ASF’s approach to developing safer and more effective vaccine candidates against ASF, alongside complementary diagnostic tools and improved disease prevention and control strategies.
The activities also attracted interest from young researchers, creating opportunities to introduce the project to emerging scientific talent and exchange perspectives on the future of animal health research.
Biosecurity, innovation and preparedness: Perspectives from ANAPORC
Beyond presenting the project, the congress offered an opportunity to hear directly from representatives of the pig farming sector about their priorities and expectations for scientific innovation.
Juan Grandía, President of ANAPORC, highlighted the importance of biosecurity in responding to current animal health challenges, while recognising the need to continue investing in research and preparing for future threats.
He emphasised that the sector must remain prepared, as disease threats can re-emerge or new ones may arise. His reflections reinforced the importance of combining immediate preventive measures with longer-term scientific innovation.
Grandía also highlighted the value of giving European research projects greater visibility at professional events: “The sector needs to be aware that this work is being done.”
He explained that ANAPORC is considering ways to give research initiatives greater prominence at future congresses, recognising the role of these events in connecting scientific progress with professionals working across the industry.
From research to practical solutions: The producers’ perspective
The need for research that responds to real farming challenges was also emphasised by Miguel Ángel Higuera, representing ANPROGAPOR, the Spanish National Association of Pig Producers and a VAX4ASF consortium partner.
Higuera underlined that African swine fever represents not only a serious animal health threat but also a major economic risk for pig producers. Beyond the consequences of infection at farm level, the disease can affect international trade, exports, market access and prices across the sector.
For producers, the development of effective preventive tools is therefore a priority. “We work for and on behalf of farmers.”
As Higuera explained, the value of VAX4ASF lies in its potential to address an urgent sector need: developing new tools that could strengthen existing biosecurity and disease prevention measures.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that research reaches the professionals who need it. Events such as ANAPORC provide a valuable opportunity to demonstrate that scientific work is progressing and that producers, veterinarians and researchers are working towards shared objectives.
Looking ahead, Higuera expressed his hope that VAX4ASF will contribute to the development of a vaccine that could eventually become commercially available and support ASF prevention not only in Spain and Europe, but worldwide.
Connecting science and the future of pig farming
The participation of VAX4ASF in ANAPORC 2026 highlighted the importance of maintaining a dialogue between scientific research and the professionals facing animal health challenges every day.
By combining project visibility, knowledge exchange and direct engagement with industry representatives and young researchers, VAX4ASF continues to build connections that can support the future uptake of its research outcomes.
Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme and coordinated by the biopharmaceutical company HIPRA, VAX4ASF is working to develop innovative vaccine candidates against African swine fever, alongside DIVA diagnostic tools and improved surveillance and control strategies.
The message emerging from Tarragona was clear: biosecurity remains essential, while continued research and collaboration are key to strengthening the sector’s preparedness for future disease threats.