The growing concern in Baix Segre was addressed during a conference held at the plenary hall of the Aitona Town Council, where it was emphasized that the plague no longer only affects harvests but also the productive part of the trees, especially during intense cold spells.
“"We find that rabbits look for food more frequently and, since they no longer have it readily available nearby, they attack our trees."
Jordi Vidal explained that the damage is structural, as eating the bark causes the specimen to die in the near future. In areas of overpopulation, rabbits cause damage to around 30% of farms, forcing farmers to carry out preventive pruning and apply phytosanitary treatments, measures which are only “a patch”.
During the event, Asaja provided information on the aid offered by the Govern (Catalan Government), which allocates over 2 million euros to finance protection measures such as installing fences, purchasing light amplifying devices for night hunting, or ammunition.
