Swine fever restrictions have been significantly expanded across Catalonia, with the European Union designating 91 municipalities as an infected zone until February 2026.
According to an official decision published this Thursday, the EU has increased the affected area from 64 to 91 towns, imposing special disease control measures.
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Consequently, these areas must now adhere to strict protocols to contain the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.
Swine Fever Outbreak Impacts Key Barcelona Comarcas
The new restrictions primarily affect eight comarcas surrounding Barcelona. These include Vallès Occidental, Vallès Oriental, Baix Llobregat, Barcelonès, Maresme, Alt Penedès, Anoia, and Bages. However, the EU has notably excluded major pig farming regions like Osona, Lluçanès, and Segrià from the perimeter. This decision aims to protect the core of Catalonia’s pork industry, which concentrates most farms and slaughterhouses.
Spain must now immediately establish an official infected zone covering these areas. African Swine Fever is a serious viral disease affecting wild boar and domestic pigs. Furthermore, it carries severe economic implications for livestock farming due to trade restrictions with non-EU countries. Importantly, authorities confirm the disease poses no risk of transmission to humans.
The full list of 91 municipalities now under restriction is extensive. In Vallès Occidental, towns include Badia del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès, Sabadell, Terrassa, and Sant Cugat del Vallès. Meanwhile, Vallès Oriental sees Granollers, Mollet del Vallès, and La Roca del Vallès added to the list. The Baix Llobregat area is heavily impacted, with Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Sant Boi de Llobregat, and Viladecans among those affected.
Additionally, the entire Barcelonès comarca—encompassing Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Badalona, Sant Adrià de Besòs, and Santa Coloma de Gramenet—falls within the zone. Several Maresme municipalities, including El Masnou, Premià de Mar, and Tiana, are also included. This sweeping designation reflects the scale of the swine fever outbreak challenge facing local and EU authorities.
The economic stakes are high for Catalonia’s agricultural sector. Therefore, the targeted approach seeks to balance disease containment with business continuity. The situation also intersects with broader urban challenges, as seen in recent social emergency declarations in the metropolitan area. Moreover, transport and infrastructure in these zones, much like the recent accessibility works at Clot metro station, must now operate under additional biosecurity considerations.
Farmers and local businesses within the 91 municipalities must now adapt to heightened controls. The restrictions will influence the movement of animals, vehicles, and people in affected areas. This swine fever outbreak response will be closely monitored until the scheduled review in 2026, with the hope of gradually lifting zones as the situation improves.
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