The Catalan Department of Agriculture has confirmed nine additional cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boars, according to its weekly update. All new cases were found within the designated high-risk zone, with four in Molins de Rei, four in Sant Cugat del Vallès, and one in Castellbisbal.
Out of 380 samples analysed this week, 371 tested negative, meaning the nine positive cases represent 2.4% of the total. Since the first positive detection on 28 November, 306 positive cases have been identified among 4,858 wild boars tested. The high-risk zone currently covers nineteen municipalities, all located within the Barcelona metropolitan area, centred around Cerdanyola del Vallès where the initial case appeared.
Increased Wild Boar Control Efforts
Interior and Public Security Department bodies, including Rural Agents and Mossos d'Esquadra, captured 322 wild boars this week within the infected zone. This zone includes both high-risk and low-risk areas. These efforts were supported by hunting societies, the Special Forest Fire Prevention Group (GEPIF), and Tragsa's hunting control teams. In total, 4,925 wild boars have been captured within the infected zone.
Beyond the infected zone, 26,587 wild boars have been captured across the rest of Catalonia since 1 January. This figure does not include captures from the high and low-risk municipalities. Hunting drives are typically not conducted in April and May.
Extended Hunting Period to Combat ASF
Last week, the Agriculture Department approved an extension to the wild boar hunting season, bringing it forward to June. This measure aims to strengthen hunting control and prevention efforts against the ASF outbreak. Previously, a prior notification of damage was required for hunting between June and August, but this will no longer be necessary.
