The Catalan government has activated a €7 million emergency contract to strengthen its response to African swine fever (ASF) following new case detections and the inclusion of Castellbisbal in the high-risk zone. This reinforcement, announced in Sant Cugat del Vallès, aims to curb the spread of the virus among wild boar in the Vallès region and surrounding areas. The plan involves deploying 170 additional personnel, 40 of whom will begin work next week. It also includes more material resources, such as 51 off-road vehicles and 57 new traps for capturing wild boar. Operations will feature intensive searches for dead animals using specialised teams and canine units, the capture of live specimens, and support for authorised hunts, all under strict biosecurity protocols designed to prevent virus transmission. According to the Department of Agriculture, 16 new positive cases in wild boar were detected within the high-risk zone over the past week. This zone covers municipalities in the Vallès and the Barcelona surroundings, including Sant Cugat del Vallès. A case was also confirmed in Castellbisbal, previously a low-risk area, leading to its reclassification and inclusion in the restricted zone. ## Expanding the Response This new development expands the number of affected municipalities to 19. Authorities have been working in this area for weeks to reduce wild boar density and limit virus transmission. Since the outbreak began in late November, over 4,000 animals have been analysed, with nearly 300 positive cases confirmed. In parallel, the government continues to implement containment measures, including the installation of physical barriers along major road infrastructures like the AP-7 motorway and around the A-2, to prevent animals from moving between zones. ## Access Restrictions Remain Restrictions on access to natural environments remain in place for municipalities within the high-risk zone, which includes Sant Cugat del Vallès and the entry points to the Collserola Natural Park. These limitations prohibit access to forests, paths, or fields outside urban areas, as well as recreational activities or transit through them. These restrictions will continue until further notice, with no scheduled re-opening date. However, they do not affect access to homes or economic activities in enclosed spaces. The Department of Agriculture has already started issuing sanctions to individuals who have violated these prohibitions. Officials stress that public cooperation is important for containing the outbreak. Authorities urge residents not to feed wild boar, to dispose of waste correctly, and to call 112 if they detect dead animals or those showing symptoms compatible with the disease.