Collserola Park closed after African swine fever detected in Barcelona

Catalan Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig has announced that a wild boar has tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) in Barcelona, announcing the full closure of Collserola Park, which had previously only been shut at night.

Ordeig said the virus entering the part of the park that borders Barcelona was "to be expected" and that the decision to close the area responds to technical criteria and a strategy treating Collserola as a single containment block.

He emphasized that residents and workers in the area will still be able to travel, asking the public to remain calm.

On Friday, Sant Just Desvern and Esplugues de Llobregat were placed in the high-risk zone.

In total, 18 municipalities are now classified as part of the high-risk zone. 

While it is "impossible to fully isolate" the entire area, focusing control efforts allows for more effective, targeted management, Ordeig said

Authorities are continuing efforts to capture wild boars and reduce their presence in areas close to populated zones, businesses, and heavily used public spaces.

All access points to Collserola park will be closed starting this Thursday.