Five new wild boars with African swine fever detected in high-risk area

Health authorities in Catalonia have confirmed the detection of five new cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar, all of them located within the area considered high risk. According to the Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, this is viewed as a “positive” development, as it indicates that the outbreak remains contained within the expected perimeter.

With these new detections, the total number of recorded cases rises to 232 infected wild boar since the beginning of the outbreak. At the same time, veterinary services have analyzed a total of 2,179 animals that tested negative, reinforcing the effectiveness of the surveillance system deployed across the territory.

Control and surveillance strategy

The Catalan government continues to implement a range of measures to contain the spread of the virus, primarily focused on controlling the wild boar population and strengthening epidemiological surveillance. The objective is to limit the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of transmission in both wildlife and pig farms.

In high-risk areas, where positive cases are concentrated, controlled capture methods are prioritized, such as the use of traps or specific techniques managed by rural agents. These actions allow for more targeted intervention and help minimize the dispersion of animals, a key factor in the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, in areas considered lower risk, controlled hunting drives continue to be carried out in collaboration with hunters and local entities, with the aim of reducing wild boar density and, consequently, epidemiological pressure.

Restrictions and recommendations

Authorities remind that restrictions remain in place in municipalities included within the high-risk zone, which also covers natural areas such as the surroundings of the Collserola Natural Park. In these areas, access to the natural environment is limited, especially in forest zones, farmland, and paths away from urban centers.

It is also prohibited to feed wild boar or tamper with capture devices installed for their control. In the event of finding a dead animal, the public is urged not to touch it and to immediately notify emergency services so that specialized teams can intervene in accordance with established health protocols.