The disease eradication operation this week involves 994 personnel, with 350 from the intervention group (Rural Agents, GECA, GEK9, Drone Unit, ADF, Mossos d'Esquadra, Tragsa, GEPIF, private company canine unit from Catalonia) and 644 from the order group (Mossos d'Esquadra, Local Police, Civil Protection volunteers, and Guardia Civil). A total of 34 traps and 93 'pig brigs' (collective traps) have been set up, and 351 enclosures have been erected to prevent wild boars from entering or leaving restricted areas.
The Department of Agriculture also coordinates and authorizes captures in the low-risk zone in collaboration with hunting societies and local councils. This past weekend, 28 hunts were conducted with the participation of 672 hunters and 653 dogs, along with 48 hunters in observation posts.
One new positive case of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in wild boars within the high-risk zone, specifically in El Papiol. The detected case consists of wild boar remains estimated to be over 5 months old, not from a recently deceased animal. To date, 19 municipalities are affected in this zone, including Badia del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Molins de Rei, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Montcada i Reixac, Polinyà, Ripollet, Rubí, Sabadell, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Terrassa, Sant Just Desvern, Esplugues de Llobregat, Castellbisbal, the enclave of Barcelona, and access points to the Parc Natural de Collserola.
Out of 377 samples analyzed this week, one tested positive (0.3%). Since November 28th, 15,113 wild boars have been analyzed, with 424 positive cases.
Containing the outbreak requires continuity and joint effort. Access restrictions to natural areas in the high-risk zone municipalities remain in effect. The public is urged to respect all signage and access controls, not to feed wild boars, to dispose of waste in closed containers, and to call 112 if dead or symptomatic wild boars are detected.
