De-escalation Tied to Disease Data
The Catalan government plans to begin a gradual de-escalation of African swine fever (ASF) restrictions by the end of 2026, Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig announced on Friday 25 September. Speaking after a meeting with mayors from high-risk municipalities, Ordeig stressed that any relaxation is conditional on continued progress in eradicating the virus. "We have no certainties; the only certainty we have is to continue doing this good work of containment, emptying, and tracing positive cases," Ordeig said in statements reported by ACN and confirmed in a Department of Agriculture statement. "It is, above all, about not spoiling the good work that has been done so far."
Final Phase of Eradication Underway
Ordeig confirmed that the eradication plan is now in its final phase, with efforts concentrated in zone 0, the core containment area, to eliminate any remaining possibility of virus persistence. Although few wild boars remain in this zone, the minister noted they are located in complex terrain or near urban areas, necessitating reinforced capture operations within inhabited centres. The government has also agreed to establish a working group with municipal leaders, technical experts, and officials to assess how the natural environment can be reopened safely. This follows calls from hiking associations and local communities for a clear roadmap to restore access to Collserola Natural Park.
Restrictions Remain in Place for Now
Despite growing public pressure, Ordeig rejected immediate reopening requests as premature. The Collserola Natural Park remains closed to the public under measures first activated on 29 November 2025. These restrictions will remain in place at least until January 2027, according to a resolution published by the Generalitat. Rossend Saltiveri, head of the pig sector at Unió de Pagesos, echoed the caution during a meeting with Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni on Friday. He stressed that Catalonia cannot be declared ASF-free until one year has passed without any new positive cases. The latest weekly update, issued on Wednesday 23 September, confirmed five new positive cases, four in Barcelona and one in Sant Cugat, bringing the total to 396.
We must explain everything that is at stake and we need to maintain the restrictions for a few more weeks
, Òscar Ordeig, Minister of Agriculture
Enforcement and Public Cooperation
The government has issued 37 formal complaints since November 2025 for violations of access restrictions in Collserola, according to data from El Periódico citing official figures. Agents Rurals and Mossos d'Esquadra continue to monitor compliance, particularly at known access points. Meanwhile, the government plans to increase public communication campaigns to reinforce awareness of the ongoing risks. Saltiveri thanked residents and local businesses affected by the closures for their cooperation and said flexibility could be considered only once a sustained period without positive cases is achieved.
Primary sources: Ajuntament de Barcelona, Visit Sant Cugat. Reported by liniaxarxa.cat, democrata.es, beteve.cat, barcelonapress.com, elperiodico.com, lavanguardia.com, Línia Xarxa.
