Over a thousand police deployed to monitor access to African swine fever zones

Over a thousand Mossos d'Esquadra police officers have been deployed across Catalonia to prevent entry into areas infected with African swine fever.

Access to natural areas in 91 municipalities, all within the Barcelona region, has been banned due to the virus outbreak.

All non-essential activities in these areas, including recreational activities, hunting, and forestry work, are prohibited.

Residents who need to pass through restricted zones to reach homes, restaurants, or sports facilities, such as riding schools, are required to disinfect their vehicles.

The restrictions coincide with a bank holiday weekend, a period when many people usually take part in activities in natural areas.

Despite concerns that the holiday would lead to widespread non-compliance, by midday on Saturday police had not issued any fines.

"There has been exemplary compliance by citizens," said Intendent Francesc Parra. "The public needs to understand that this virus spreads very quickly among the wild boar population," he added, stressing that it cannot be transmitted to humans.

Parra also noted that legal measures exist to sanction "sustained non-compliance with the restrictions," although no penalties have yet been issued.

Collserola 'deserted'

Weekend crowds have vanished from Collserola Natural Park, leaving the park "deserted."

The African swine fever restrictions have emptied the park of its usual walkers, runners, and cyclists, with authorities actively enforcing the rules.

Quim Ferrándiz, head of the Civil Protection service in Sant Just Desvern, says that "people generally comply," though some visitors are unaware of the restrictions.

"I've come across some couples who intended to enter because they didn't know the rules. But once we tell them it's completely forbidden, they leave," he explains.

Although access to the park is restricted, restaurants within the area are still allowed to operate, including Espai Mireia.

Josep Casado, the restaurant's manager, admits the situation is "complicated," as many of their usual customers, people visiting the park for a walk or to exercise, are staying away.

"It feels like the Covid-19 pandemic, five years ago," he says. "It's been ten days with very few visitors, and on a Saturday like today, we'd normally be packed," he adds.