ASF: 18 new positive cases detected in wild boars

The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed 18 new positive cases of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar found dead within the high-risk zone, defined as a six-kilometre radius around Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona). With these new detections, the total number of infected wild boar in Catalonia rises to 103, distributed across 23 outbreaks since the disease was declared at the end of November.

According to official data, all cases remain confined within the initial surveillance perimeter, with no evidence of territorial spread of the virus. At the same time, 833 animals have been tested, all of which returned negative results, reinforcing the assessment that the outbreak remains contained.

Progression of the African swine fever outbreak in wild boar

Health authorities consider that the progression of the outbreak remains within the expected parameters for this type of event in wildlife. The concentration of positive cases within the high-risk zone allows the current control operation to remain unchanged, continuing to focus on the active search for carcasses and the reduction of wild boar population density.

The on-site operation currently involves around 300 personnel and has been intensified particularly within the 0 to 6 kilometre radius. Population control measures are mainly carried out through wild boar trapping and game management controls, conducted by specially trained hunters under the supervision of the competent authority. These measures also extend to the low-risk infected zone.

Possible easing of access to natural areas

Regarding mobility restrictions, the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Òscar Ordeig, announced that the Government is working on the progressive easing of restrictions affecting municipalities located within the 6 to 20 kilometre radius of the initial outbreak.

This area includes 79 municipalities, among them Barcelona, Badalona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Granollers, Castellbisbal, Martorell, Olesa de Montserrat and La Roca del Vallès. In mid-December, the Government already allowed access to natural areas for economic, agricultural, forestry and livestock activities, while maintaining the ban on group leisure activities in order to avoid gatherings and reduce health risks.

The new proposal, which will be agreed with the mayors of the affected municipalities, could allow the resumption of certain organised activities in natural areas and also предусматривает the authorisation of hunting under specific conditions, while maintaining all sanitary control measures. The strictest restrictions will remain in force in the area closest to the outbreak and in all matters related to animal health.

No impact of ASF on pig farms

The protection of pig farms remains the authorities’ top priority. The Ministry of Agriculture has reiterated that no cases of African swine fever have been detected in pig farms, despite the increase in positive cases in wildlife.

The 57 pig farms located within the infected zone remain under enhanced surveillance and apply strict biosecurity measures. To date, no symptoms or lesions compatible with the disease have been detected in any of them, confirming the effectiveness of the preventive measures implemented since the outbreak began.