New Cases Detected in High-Risk Zone
The Department of Agriculture of the Generalitat has confirmed two new cases of African swine fever (ASF) within the high-risk zone, one in Barcelona and another in Molins de Rei, as of Thursday 10 September 2026. This brings the total number of infected animals since the outbreak began to 386. The announcement follows the analysis of 502 wild boar samples collected over the previous seven days, of which 500 tested negative, resulting in a 0.40% positive rate.
Zone Now Covers 19 Municipalities
The high-risk zone, established to contain the spread of ASF, now includes 19 municipalities in the Barcelona area. Within this perimeter, strict restrictions remain in place. Access to natural parks, wooded areas, riverbeds, meadows, cultivated fields, and non-urban paths is prohibited under Generalitat Resolution ARP/4435/2025 of 29 November 2025, which governs movement in infected areas.
The public may still access housing and use restaurants and enclosed sports facilities, but organised outdoor activities are not permitted.
Collserola Park Remains Closed
The Serra de Collserola Natural Park remains closed to recreational access due to ongoing risk. A fence installed in March 2026 continues to mark restricted areas, as confirmed in official notices. While limited access is allowed for residents and essential services, the broader public is barred from entering natural zones to prevent transmission. Pets must be kept on a leash if near restricted areas, and movement of domestic pigs or porcine products into or out of the zone is strictly prohibited.
Low-Risk Areas See Some Relief
In the surrounding low-risk perimeter, which extends from 6 to 20 km around the outbreak’s epicentre, the Generalitat relaxed some restrictions as of 15 December 2025. Over 70 municipalities in this zone may allow access to natural environments for private leisure, provided organised activities do not take place. The low-risk zone has since been expanded to include Subirats, Olesa de Bonesvalls, Begues and Gavà, according to an update under Resolution ARP/4546/2025. Residents and visitors are urged to check the official Generalitat page for current access rules and affected areas.
Primary sources: eb.gencat.cat, govern.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, Metrópoli, democrata.es, europapress.es, Diario Veterinario, i, naciodigital.cat, ARA, en.ara.cat, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.
