African swine fever spreads to Sant Just Desvern and Esplugues

Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig announced that 21 new wild boars have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF), including one found in Sant Just Desvern, at the edge of Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola.

The virus was initially detected in Cerdanyola del Vallès, north of Collserola, indicating that it is spreading.

Following this new case, both Sant Just Desvern and its neighbouring municipality, Esplugues de Llobregat, have been placed in the high-risk zone, according to the Department of Agriculture.

With these latest cases, the total number of wild boars testing positive for African swine fever rises to 216, and 18 municipalities will now fall, entirely or partially, within the high-risk area. A total of 1,708 animals have tested negative.

Ordeig emphasized that personnel and resources continue to be deployed as part of the eradication plan in the affected region and urged the public to be cautious.

In the affected municipalities, access to natural areas and participation in outdoor activities, whether individually or in groups, is prohibited.

However, it remains possible to access homes, carry out economic activities indoors, or visit restaurants and sports facilities.

The restricted area includes large parts of Collserola Park on the outskirts of Barcelona.

African swine fever does not spread to humans, either through direct contact or by consuming pork products.

The restrictions are aimed at preventing the spread among wild and domestic pigs.

Ordeig pointed out that among the 25 European countries that have reported ASF cases, the fastest to eradicate the disease was Belgium, which took "a little over a year to find the last positive case."