Five wild boar have tested positive for African swine fever in the high-risk control area around Collserola, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed. Three were detected in Barcelona and two in Molins de Rei.

The new cases mean restrictions on access to natural areas in Sant Cugat del Vallès and the wider high-risk area, including Collserola, will remain in place for at least a further three months. For residents, walkers and cyclists, this means continued limits on entering affected countryside and park access points.

African swine fever is being tackled through restrictions on movement in the natural environment and a programme to remove and test wild boar. Since the first confirmed case on 28 November 2025, 391 of 12,678 samples analysed have tested positive, according to the department.

Latest testing and control operation

This week, 401 samples were analysed. The department reported 396 negative results alongside the five new positive cases.

  • 293 wild boar were captured in the restricted area this week, taking the total number captured to 11,969.
  • 989 personnel were deployed this week, including regional police, rural officers, local police and Civil Protection volunteers.
  • Authorities have installed 36 traps and 94 Pig Brig capture systems, and completed 351 barriers intended to stop animals entering or leaving restricted zones.
  • Eight organised hunts were carried out in the lower-risk area this week, involving 188 hunters and 188 dogs. A further 61 hunters took part in individual waits.

The high-risk zone covers 19 municipalities, including Barcelona, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Molins de Rei, Rubí, Sabadell, Terrassa, Sant Just Desvern and Esplugues de Llobregat, as well as access points to the Collserola Natural Park.

Sant Cugat mayor criticises prolonged closure

Òscar Ordeig, Catalonia's Agriculture Minister, announced that the closure of natural spaces in Sant Cugat and the high-risk zone would be extended for at least three more months.

“People’s patience has run out,” said Josep Maria Vallès, the mayor of Sant Cugat, in response to the continuing restrictions.

The Department of Agriculture continues to operate its eradication programme in the restricted area. Visitors should follow the access controls in force at Collserola entrances and in the affected municipalities.

Reported by TOT Sant Cugat.