Barcelona African swine fever cases have risen to 26 confirmed wild boar deaths within the original outbreak zone.

The Catalan government confirmed ten new positive cases this Tuesday, all found near previously reported incidents in Cerdanyola del Vallès.

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Consequently, the total number of animals infected with the highly contagious virus now stands at 26.

Barcelona African Swine Fever Cases Remain Contained

All carcasses have been discovered within the initial 6-kilometre high-risk radius. Agriculture minister Òscar Ordeig stated the operation continues normally, describing new detections as expected. “The plan is working,” he asserted, highlighting that all new positives remain within the containment zone.

Furthermore, officials are now testing samples from culled animals, not just those found dead. This expanded testing likely contributes to the rising count. Meanwhile, the government has relaxed access restrictions in the secondary perimeter, where no positive cases have emerged.

This secondary zone, spanning 6 to 20 kilometres from the outbreak epicentre, affects 79 municipalities. Organised leisure activities in natural areas remain prohibited there. However, residents may now visit forests alone for walking or cycling. The original blanket ban on natural access for 91 municipalities was set to last until at least December 14th.

Minister Ordeig has ruled out imposing further natural access restrictions. He reiterated that the crucial factor is the virus’s confinement to the primary outbreak area. Additionally, he expects to receive an audit from the IRTA-CReSA research centre imminently.

The government has also approved 30 new positions for technicians and specialists in game control. This move aims to reduce overpopulation of wild boar and rabbit specimens. In a positive economic development, Ordeig welcomed news that China has halved tariffs on pork imports.

Chinese authorities announced they will apply tariffs of up to 9.8% for the next five years. Therefore, these will replace the temporary tariffs of up to 20% imposed in September. For more on local environmental and infrastructure developments, read about the Port of Barcelona’s role as a marine innovation testing ground.

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