Catalan police are intensifying patrols around Collserola Natural Park this Easter weekend to contain an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), as new cases in wild boars prompt warnings against public access to affected areas. Authorities expect increased outdoor activity during the holiday period.

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The Department of Agriculture confirmed three new positive ASF cases in wild boars this week. Two cases were in Sant Cugat del Vallès and one in Sant Just Desvern. This confirms the outbreak remains active across the territory. Rural Agents are maintaining efforts to create a “sanitary vacuum” for wild boars in the “ground zero” area.

Restrictions on accessing the natural environment in affected municipalities, including Sant Cugat, will remain in place until at least summer. Chief Sub-Inspector Iolanda Candel of the Citizen Security Unit of the Catalan police in Cerdanyola del Vallès stated the intensive police presence aims to raise public awareness. She said it is “more about consciousness than about sanctioning.”

However, Candel warned that certain actions are intolerable and could lead to penalties. These include using forest areas for walking, running, or cycling. More serious damage, such as removing or vandalising ASF containment elements, could result in not only financial penalties but also criminal charges. The Catalan police have recorded nine cases of non-compliance since the outbreak began.

Rural Agents continue working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to combat ASF. Their efforts focus on three main areas. These include searching for and removing carcasses to minimise propagation risk. They also capture live wild boars within the infected zone and its immediate surroundings. Additionally, they ensure the “encapsulation” of the Collserola area.

Containing the Outbreak

Regional Head of the Rural Agents in Barcelona, Jaume Torralba, reported a significant reduction in wild boar density. He stated, “The wild boar density has significantly decreased.” In the last week, authorities captured 268 wild boars within a 20-kilometre radius. Three of these animals tested positive within the high-risk zone. Torralba commented, “As long as the positives remain within this zone, it concerns us relatively little.”

New Barriers and Public Safety

The Department of Agriculture previously announced plans for a third containment barrier. This barrier would be located on the other side of the Llobregat River. Torralba confirmed authorities are already executing and planning this new enclosure. He described it as a preventive measure rather than a necessary one. This barrier will “provide peace of mind” to the entire containment operation. Collserola Natural Park, a vital green lung for Barcelona, attracts numerous residents and tourists. Its proximity to densely populated areas makes containment efforts crucial.

Why ASF Matters

African Swine Fever poses no risk to humans but is highly contagious and often fatal for pigs and wild boars. An uncontrolled outbreak could devastate the pig farming industry, a significant economic sector in Catalonia and Spain. The current restrictions aim to protect both the local wildlife and the broader agricultural economy. Public cooperation with these measures is essential for effective disease control.

Ongoing Vigilance

Authorities will maintain heightened vigilance and patrols throughout the Easter period and beyond. The ongoing efforts by the Catalan police and Rural Agents underscore the seriousness of the ASF threat. Residents and visitors must adhere to all restrictions to prevent further spread of the disease. This collective effort is vital for protecting Catalonia’s natural environment and its agricultural sector.

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Originally published by Sant Cugat del Vallès. Read original article.