No African swine fever cases in Collserola samples

The Generalitat has recorded no new cases of African swine fever in 302 wild boar samples analysed last week in Catalonia's high-risk area, which includes Collserola and Sant Cugat del Vallès. It is the first such result since the outbreak was declared on 28 November.

For residents and visitors, the immediate position is unchanged: restrictions in the Collserola area will continue for a further period, while the authorities maintain their eradication operation and biosecurity measures.

“It is therefore essential to comply with the restrictions, biosecurity measures and the cooperation of the whole public,” the Generalitat's Agriculture Department said.

Wild boar captures and containment measures continue

The latest result was described by the Generalitat as very positive, although it said the restrictions would remain in line with European rules and technical advice from specialists.

During the same week, 333 wild boar were captured within the infected area, covering both the high-risk and low-risk zones. The total number captured there since the African swine fever operation began has reached 10,727.

24 traps have been installed in the high-risk zone.
94 “pig brigs”, collective traps designed to catch wild boar, are in place.
353 barriers have been installed to prevent animals entering or leaving restricted areas.
807 personnel are deployed, including 345 intervention staff and 462 public-order staff.

The operation involves Agents Rurals, Catalonia's rural enforcement officers, Mossos d'Esquadra regional police, hunting associations, the Grup Especial de Prevenció d'Incendis Forestals, a specialist wildfire-prevention unit, and other teams.

High-risk zone covers 19 municipalities

The high-risk zone includes 19 municipalities, among them Badia del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Molins de Rei, Rubí, Sabadell, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Terrassa and Sant Just Desvern.

The Generalitat has asked people in the restricted area to follow signs and controls, avoid feeding wild boar, place rubbish in closed containers and call 112 if they find a dead animal or one showing symptoms.

Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by María Jesús Ibáñez, segre.com, VIA Empresa, Regió7, europapress.es, TOT Sant Cugat.