Two new cases confirmed in Barcelona and Molins de Rei
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed two new cases of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar, one in Barcelona and another in Molins de Rei, detected during the past week. This brings the total number of positive cases since the outbreak began on 28 November 2025 to 386, according to data published by the Generalitat on 10 September 2026. A total of 502 wild boar samples were analysed last week, with two testing positive, a weekly positivity rate of 0.40%. Since the start of surveillance, 12,277 wild boar have been tested, with 386 positive and 11,891 negative results.
Over 11,600 wild boar captured in containment effort
As part of the ongoing eradication operation, 534 wild boar were captured last week within the restricted area, which includes both high- and low-risk zones. The total number of animals captured in the infected zone now stands at 11,676. The high-risk zone currently includes 19 municipalities, among them Sant Cugat, as well as the Barcelona enclave and access points to the Collserola Natural Park. Despite the new cases not being located in Sant Cugat, the town remains within the restricted perimeter. Within the high-risk area, 36 traps and 94 collective traps known as pig brigs have been installed to increase capture capacity. Additionally, 351 fencing operations have been carried out to prevent wild boar from entering or leaving restricted areas.
The virus remains confined to wild fauna and has not spread to farms, meaning the outbreak is still under control, according to the Generalitat.
Over 1,000 personnel deployed in eradication efforts
The eradication task force mobilised 1,048 personnel last week. Of these, 348 belong to the intervention group, including Rural Agents, GECA, GEK9, the Drone Unit, ADF, Mossos d'Esquadra, Tragsa, GEPIF, and a private canine detection team. The public order group, comprising Mossos d'Esquadra, local police, Civil Protection volunteers, and the Civil Guard, accounted for 700 personnel. The Generalitat continues to urge the public to respect signage and access controls, avoid feeding wild boar, and dispose of waste in sealed containers. Anyone finding a dead or symptomatic wild boar should call emergency services on 112.
Collserola access restrictions extended
Access to natural areas remains restricted across the 19 municipalities in the high-risk zone. The closure of Collserola will remain in place for at least three more months, until nearly the end of 2026, due to continued detection of infected animals. This follows the discovery of five dead wild boar with ASF last week, including three in Sant Cugat, one in Barcelona, and one in Molins de Rei. The Agriculture Minister, Òscar Ordeig, cited scientific criteria for maintaining the restrictions, stating that disturbing the animals could accelerate virus spread. He apologised to residents for the prolonged disruption, acknowledging their frustration while stressing the necessity of containment.
Primary sources: govern.cat, Servei deplanificació, seu.santcugat.cat, Direcció General de Protecció Civil de la Generalitat de Catalunya, premsa.santcugat.cat. Reported by CatalunyaPress.cat, elperiodico.cat, democrata.es, worldpressa.com, elpuntavui.cat, elmundo.es, en.ara.cat, TOT Sant Cugat.
