The Catalan government has ordered a “drastic reduction” of the wild boar population in the Collserola mountain range as part of an urgent strategy to contain African Swine Fever (ASF). This Collserola wild boar cull follows the discovery of a third infected wild boar in Sant Feliu de Llobregat. Oscar Ordeig, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, announced the measures on Tuesday. He declared a 20-kilometre perimeter around the outbreak zone.
This latest case was found outside the area previously identified as the epicentre of the infection. Consequently, the administration is expanding containment efforts immediately.
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Expanding the high-risk zone for the Collserola wild boar cull
The new High-Risk Zone now encompasses 15 municipalities and the Can Castellví enclave in Barcelona. Minister Ordeig stated that the administration is treating the situation with the utmost urgency. He made this decision after consulting veterinary experts and technical teams.
“After discussing it with experts and different technicians and administrations involved, we have decided to mobilise all necessary effective and material resources, from Catalonia and outside Catalonia, to carry out this reduction of wild boars within the 20-kilometre radius urgently and drastically,” Ordeig explained.
Mobilising urgent resources
To implement the Collserola wild boar cull effectively, the Generalitat has requested significant support from the Spanish central government. This includes the deployment of mobile incinerators, specialised canine units, and additional personnel. These resources will assist in capturing and removing the animals.
Furthermore, the regional government has accelerated administrative processes. It is issuing urgent tenders for traps and other necessary equipment. Additionally, it has sent requests to other autonomous communities, asking them to provide extra canine units and trapping gear to bolster the operation.
Road containment strategy
Beyond the reduction of animal numbers, the strategy includes strict containment measures on transport infrastructure. A coordinated action plan with the State is set to establish cordons on roads and highways. These roads could otherwise serve as corridors for the animals, potentially facilitating the spread of the virus.
The new perimeter covers almost the entire Collserola massif. This is a critical natural area bordering Barcelona. It highlights the severity of the outbreak. Therefore, the administration is determined to prevent the disease from spreading further into the region’s swine population.
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