African Swine Fever Spreads in Barcelona: Restrictions Expanded to 16 Municipalities

The African swine fever outbreak, initially detected in the province of Barcelona at the end of November, has expanded to the Baix Llobregat region following the discovery of a dead wild boar infected with the disease in Sant Feliu. This development has prompted authorities to extend restrictions to the Barcelona municipality.

Spread Beyond Initial Zone

According to the Conseller of Agriculture of the Generalitat, Òscar Ordeig, this Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed seven new cases of infected wild boars – including the one found in Sant Feliu – representing two new outbreaks. These cases join those recorded last week in Molins de Rei, Barcelona, marking the first instance of the disease spreading beyond the initial six-kilometer security perimeter around the first outbreak in Collserola.

To date, a total of 162 infected wild boars have been detected, all within the province of Barcelona.

Did You Know? Since the outbreak began, 162 wild boars have been confirmed to be infected with African swine fever, all located within the province of Barcelona.

Expanded Restrictions and Municipalities Affected

In response, the Govern has increased the number of municipalities designated as high-risk zones for the swine fever outbreak to 16. This includes a section of the city of Barcelona for the first time, specifically the Vallvidrera, el Tibidabo i les Planes neighborhood.

While Ordeig acknowledged the concern of finding infected boars outside the initial 6km radius, he stated the “good news” is that the cases remain within the 20km low-risk perimeter established around the first outbreak. Importantly, he confirmed that “no farms have been affected.”

The restrictions impact forested areas, riverbeds, meadows, cultivated fields, parks, and rural roads. Hunting and forestry work not related to control measures are suspended. Feeding wild boars is prohibited, as are actions that could cause them to gather or disperse.

Maintaining the integrity of control measures is also a priority. Manipulating or removing fences and other control elements is prohibited. Anyone finding a dead or dying wild boar should call 112 or notify the Generalitat’s Rural Agents.

New Phase of Control

The Conseller assured that the existing virus control strategy will continue, but announced a “new phase” focused on a “drastic and urgent” reduction of the wild boar population within the 20km perimeter. He has requested assistance from the Government and other autonomous communities to achieve this.

Expert Insight: The expansion of the outbreak area and the need for a “drastic and urgent” reduction in the wild boar population suggest a significant escalation in the control efforts, indicating the potential for broader ecological and economic consequences if the virus continues to spread.

work is underway with the European Commission to establish a new zoning system, to be voted on at the Permanent Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed in Brussels on February 19th and 20th. This could allow for the resumption of domestic pig and wild boar movements and product trade from these areas, subject to strict biosecurity and surveillance measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are currently under restrictions?

Currently, 16 municipalities are included in the high-risk zone due to the swine fever outbreak, including a section of the city of Barcelona – the Vallvidrera, el Tibidabo i les Planes neighborhood.

What should people do if they find a dead wild boar?

If you find a dead or dying wild boar, Consider call 112 or notify the Generalitat’s Rural Agents.

Is there a risk to farms?

According to the Conseller of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, no farms have been affected by the outbreak at this time.

As authorities work to contain the spread of African swine fever, will the proposed reduction in the wild boar population prove effective in limiting further outbreaks?