The Catalan government has detected a case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Castellbisbal, a municipality previously considered low-risk, prompting the activation of a €7 million emergency contract and the start of fines for non-compliance with restrictions. The Department of Agriculture will restrict access to the natural environment in Castellbisbal, after one of 16 new positive ASF cases was identified there in the last week. This detection means Castellbisbal now joins the high-risk zone, according to Minister Òscar Ordeig. Minister Ordeig announced the activation of the €7 million emergency contract to reinforce the ASF control operation. This will allow for the incorporation of 170 new staff members, 40 of whom will begin fieldwork next week, along with 57 new traps and 51 off-road vehicles. The government has also started sanctioning individuals who violate natural environment access restrictions in the high-risk zone, with nine fines already issued. ## High-Risk Zone Expands With Castellbisbal's inclusion, the high-risk zone now comprises 19 municipalities. These include Badia del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, El Papiol, Molins de Rei, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Montcada i Reixac, Polinyà, Ripollet, Rubí, Sabadell, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Terrassa, Sant Just Desvern, Esplugues de Llobregat, Castellbisbal, the Barcelona enclave, and access points to the Collserola Natural Park. Speaking to reporters at the Seafood Expo Global fair, Minister Ordeig described the deployment as a "historic reinforcement" of resources. The emergency contract, awarded to the public company Tragsa, involves the intensive search for wild boar carcasses across an area of approximately 1,050 square kilometres using specialised teams. It also includes the capture of live wild boars and logistical support for hunting efforts to manage the disease. The contract will run until 31 December, featuring an intensive operational phase lasting around 20 weeks. ## Wild Boar Management and Enforcement Minister Ordeig explained that a wild boar culling operation has been carried out in the area around Castellbisbal, encompassing the municipalities of Abrera, Rubí, and Castellbisbal. A total of 421 wild boars have been removed so far, with only one, from Castellbisbal, testing positive for ASF. The government has also installed physical barriers at points where wild boars might cross road infrastructure, such as near the AP-7 motorway. This week, a double fence was completed further north, around the A-2 / B-40 axis. Minister Ordeig warned that sanctions have begun for citizens who have disregarded restrictions, noting instances of people accessing restricted areas while cycling and running. "We ask for public cooperation; those who do not comply will be sanctioned," he stated, confirming that nine fines have been initiated to date. The new staff are expected to arrive next week, further strengthening the government's efforts to contain the disease.