Specialist dogs are now a critical frontline defence against the spread of African swine fever in Catalonia.
According to a report in El Periódico, fifteen canine teams are systematically scouring a vast control perimeter across 91 municipalities to locate the carcasses of wild boar, a primary transmission vector for the deadly virus.
Specialist Dogs Form a Key Part of a Multi-Pronged Strategy
The operation, coordinated by the Agents Rurals, has divided the infected area into 300×300 metre grids.
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Consequently, each zone is assigned to the most suitable team based on terrain. Therefore, while foot patrols cover accessible areas and drones with thermal cameras survey open land, the specialist dogs are deployed into the most challenging environments.
“The dogs are sent to areas with very dense vegetation, ravines, or steep slopes, where access is especially limited,” explained Lluís Pallarès Navarro, head of the Special Groups Area of the Agents Rurals. This strategic deployment maximises efficiency in the urgent clean-up effort.
Furthermore, the canine teams are sourced from multiple agencies, including the Agents Rurals de Catalunya, Andorran Border Police, and the Guardia Civil. An additional team from the Val d’Aran is also expected to join the operation.
Rigorous Training Ensures Biosecurity and Effectiveness
The dogs undergo highly specific training to perform their vital role safely. They are not traditional hunting or tracking dogs. Instead, they are trained exclusively to detect carcasses by scenting airborne particles, a method known as “wind detection”.
“This type of training is essential to prevent any wild boar from moving outside the infected area,” Pallarès emphasised. “They are not tracking or hunting dogs; if a live animal appears, they remain still.” This neutral behaviour is a crucial biosecurity measure to avoid disturbing wildlife and potentially spreading the virus further.
A strict protocol activates immediately upon a find. The dog is secured, and its handler marks the location with GPS. Subsequently, a specialised collection team in protective gear retrieves the carcass for safe disposal. The entire procedure, developed with veterinary advice from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, prevents any biological material from being transported between grids.
Meanwhile, the current strategy explicitly avoids organised hunts or batidas, which could panic live animals and cause them to flee the containment zone. The focus remains squarely on locating and removing all potential sources of infection. The operation will continue until every grid has been thoroughly cleared, aiming to eliminate environmental reservoirs of the virus. This coordinated effort highlights the innovative and multi-faceted approach required to manage significant public and environmental health challenges in the region.
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