Alt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès OrientalAlt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès Oriental
CA|ES|EN
Diari de Catalunya logo

Diari de Catalunya

Calls to ease restrictions amid swine fever crisis in Valles region

Municipalities in the county are urging a review of current measures due to rising cases and impact on local activities.

Generic image of a wild boar in its natural habitat.
IA

Generic image of a wild boar in its natural habitat.

Six months after the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Valles, municipalities like Santa Perpètua, Sant Cugat, and Cerdanyola are demanding a review of the current restrictive measures in the high-risk zone.

The African swine fever (ASF) crisis, which began six months ago, continues to be a cause for concern in the Valles region. Amidst a steady increase in confirmed cases, according to updates from the Department of Agriculture, various political voices from the area are calling for a reassessment of the current restrictive measures, particularly those affecting the high-risk zone, which encompasses nineteen municipalities.
Municipalities such as Santa Perpètua de Mogoda have been particularly active, managing to hold some events in areas like the Torre forest despite initial prohibitions. Sources from the Generalitat justified the Aplec de la Sardana festival by stating that the park lacked low-lying shrubbery suitable for wild boar refuge. Meanwhile, the government of Sant Cugat del Vallès, composed of Junts and ERC, has expressed its discontent, especially following the halt of a film shoot starring Russell Crowe on Incasòl land, located on the former golf course.
Recently, Cerdanyola del Vallès has joined the calls to ease or reconsider the rigidity of the current regulations. This request comes at a time of year when increased public movement in natural areas is anticipated.
Meetings between the involved parties are scheduled for the coming days. The Department of Agriculture has acknowledged the growing unease among various municipalities and social sectors and has indicated a willingness to consider easing restrictions in certain environments. "Technical teams are evaluating when and how the restrictions will be relaxed," stated department sources. However, it is warned that areas like Collserola park are not expected to reopen during the summer, a stance that causes concern among hikers, who believe limiting outdoor physical activity could negatively impact health.
As the debate continues, positive ASF cases keep rising. The Generalitat has confirmed eleven new cases, all within the high-risk zone, bringing the total number of affected wild boars since the outbreak began to 336. A total of 6,396 specimens have been analyzed, with 6,060 testing negative. In the last week, 367 wild boars were captured within the infected zone (high and low risk), bringing the total to 6,526 throughout the episode. The operational team has comprised 1,075 personnel, and last weekend saw three culling operations involving 38 hunters and 48 dogs.

Related News