Just over 100 wild boars remain in the area affected by African swine fever (ASF), which covers the Parc de Collserola and municipalities in Vallès and Baix Llobregat, Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig confirmed on Monday 26 October 2026.
Since the outbreak was first detected on 28 November 2025, more than 13,000 wild boars have been captured across Catalonia. Only 400 tested positive for the virus, according to data published by the Generalitat. This rapid intervention has significantly reduced the animal population in the natural environment.
In the Parc de Collserola, wild boar density has dropped from 20 per square kilometre to just one, a level below the recommended three per km². The cull involved coordinated efforts by Rural Agents, GEPIF, Tragsa, hunting societies, Mossos d’Esquadra, and municipal forces, with up to 997 personnel deployed weekly in the high-risk zone.
Gradual easing of restrictions expected
Ordeig announced that a proposal for the gradual lifting of access restrictions in affected natural areas will be presented before the end of 2026. However, he cautioned that "they will not open everything" and that access will be permitted only in certain evaluated zones.
The Department of Agriculture is currently consulting with affected municipalities to determine which areas could safely reopen. "Therefore, patience and let the professionals work," Ordeig urged during a live appearance on Bon dia, Barcelona.
We have gone from 20 wild boars per square kilometre to just one. That’s below the recommended level.
Recent cases keep pressure on control measures
Despite progress, new cases continue to emerge. In early September 2026, five new positive cases were detected in wild boars, three in Sant Cugat del Vallès, one in Barcelona, and one in Molins de Rei. As of 10 September, 386 total cases had been confirmed since the outbreak began.
Control measures remain in place across 19 municipalities, including Terrassa, Sabadell, Esplugues de Llobregat, and access points to Collserola. These include 34 traps, 93 collective traps, and 351 enclosures to limit animal movement. The public is reminded not to feed wild boars and to report dead or symptomatic animals by calling 112.
For ongoing updates on the cull and restrictions, residents can consult the official monitoring page: Parc Natural de Collserola’s wild boar monitoring portal.
Sources: betevé, Govern de Catalunya.
