Barcelona closes Collserola park access to curb swine fever and cull 500 wild boars

The Catalan Government restricts access to the natural park to prevent the virus from spreading after the first local case.

Generic image of a forest path with restricted access for sanitary reasons.
IA

Generic image of a forest path with restricted access for sanitary reasons.

The Catalan Government has ordered the closure of Collserola Natural Park access from Barcelona starting this Thursday to manage an African swine fever outbreak.

The decision follows the discovery of the first wild boar carcass infected with the virus within Barcelona city limits. Officials aim to cull approximately 500 wild boars in the restricted area to prevent further transmission.

"We want to prevent people from causing the boars to disperse, which increases the risk of spreading the disease."

Cristina Massot · Agriculture Department General Secretary
While hikers and cyclists are banned from areas like Carretera de les Aigües, the 15,000 residents living inside the park and local schools remain exempt. The Tibidabo amusement park will also stay open, though visitors must remain on paved paths.