The African swine fever outbreak in Catalonia has taken a significant turn. Authorities have confirmed two new cases outside the initial containment zone. Consequently, infected wild boars were found in a residential area of Molins de Rei, within the Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona.
This discovery marks the first time the virus has spread beyond the original “zero zone”. Therefore, agricultural authorities took immediate action. In response, the high-risk radius now includes the municipalities of Molins de Rei and El Papiol.
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African Swine Fever Outbreak Catalonia: New Restrictions and Road Closures
Catalonia’s Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, announced the new measures from Lleida. He confirmed that access to natural areas in the affected municipalities is now restricted. The aim is to limit human interaction with wildlife, which could further disperse the virus.
The containment strategy includes reinforcing physical barriers. Meanwhile, authorities are implementing new closures on the N-2 and B-23 roads to prevent animal movement. Additionally, culling operations will continue in designated low-risk zones to manage the wild boar population.
Case Numbers and Farm Safety Amid the Outbreak
Alongside the two cases in Molins de Rei, the government confirmed 11 more positive cases within the initial outbreak radius. This brings the total number of confirmed infections to 155 since the virus began spreading.
Despite rising numbers in the wild, the agricultural sector remains secure for now. Minister Ordeig detailed that extensive testing has revealed no positive cases in nearby commercial farms. This suggests biosecurity measures on farms are currently effective.
Investigation into the Origins of the Outbreak
A government-commissioned report has provided new insights into the outbreak’s origin, first detected in Cerdanyola del Vallès last November. The investigation definitively rules out the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) as the source.
Instead, the report points to contaminated food as the likely vector. Genetic characterisation revealed a “differential genomic signature”, distinguishing it from previous outbreaks. However, this evidence alone cannot pinpoint the exact geographic origin. Therefore, the advisory committee is evaluating various plausible scenarios for the virus’s introduction.
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