The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has published a new update on African swine fever (ASF) in wild boars in Catalonia. Since the last report, a new outbreak with five cases has been detected within restricted zone II, in Barcelona, Molins de Rei, and Sant Cugat del Vallès.
With this new outbreak, the total number rises to 68 reported outbreaks (3 primary and 65 secondary), with a total of 384 positive wild boars. Cases have been detected in 13 municipalities: Cerdanyola del Vallès, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Terrassa, Rubí, Molins de Rei, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Sabadell, el Papiol, Castellbisbal, and Esplugues de Llobregat.
In parallel, 11,391 animals have been analyzed with negative results, of which 9,636 were wild boars captured or culled without symptoms, and 1,755 animals investigated through passive surveillance, including carcasses or remains found in the environment.
Authorities continue with intensive tasks of carcass searching, wild boar population reduction, and control of their movements through capture traps and population control carried out by trained rural agents and hunters. Isolation fences and barriers are also being reinforced.
Regarding domestic pig holdings in zones I and II, biosecurity measures continue to be inspected. So far, no positive cases have been detected in domestic pigs, and most holdings in zone II are currently empty.
The MAPA maintains a high alert level and reminds of the need to maximize biosecurity and report any suspicion immediately. ASF is not a zoonosis and does not affect humans through contact or consumption of derived products.
