The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of Catalonia (DARPA) confirmed seven new ASF cases in wild boar, one of which was detected in the municipality of Sant Feliu de Llobregat — outside the previously designated high-risk area. As a result, part of the municipality of Barcelona (the mountainous area of Can Castellví) has also been added to the list of territories subject to enhanced restrictions.
Since the first case was reported on November 28, a total of 162 positive findings have been recorded. The spread of the virus to the southern part of the Collserola area has forced authorities to revise their response model and intensify isolation measures.
In response to the new epidemiological situation, Catalonia is implementing several additional operational steps. These include reinforcing barriers along the AP-7, C-16 and B-23 highways, constructing a second perimeter fence along the right bank of the Llobregat River, and creating an additional barrier on the C-33–AP7 section to prevent wild boar movement toward new forested and agricultural areas.
Special emphasis is being placed on biosecurity measures and strengthening technical resources. The Catalan government has requested additional support from Spain’s central authorities, including the installation of extra disinfection stations for vehicles and equipment, the use of drones equipped with thermal cameras to locate animals and carcasses in difficult terrain, and the deployment of military units for rapid carcass removal.
The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) is also expected to join the control efforts to ensure legal compliance during culling operations and adherence to animal welfare standards. In addition, collective Pig Brig traps will be installed throughout the Collserola area to reduce wild boar density, alongside the involvement of canine units.
Catalan authorities stress that the core containment strategy remains unchanged; however, the expansion of the high-risk zone requires significantly greater resources and closer coordination between regional and national institutions.
PigUA.info based on materials from pig333.com