African swine fever adds a new case in wild boars in Molins de Rei

The outbreaks of African swine fever in wild boars in Catalonia now total 74, with 410 positive animals spread across 13 municipalities. The latest case has been located in Molins de Rei.

A new case of African swine fever in wild boars has been identified in Catalonia, specifically in the Barcelona municipality of Molins de Rei. This is reported by Interempresas, which reflects the latest update from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

According to the report dated 15 October, the detected outbreaks amount to 74 and the positive animals to 410, distributed across 13 municipalities. Of these outbreaks, 3 are primary and 71 are secondary.

The case was reported by the Official Veterinary Services of the Generalitat of Catalonia after locating remains of a wild boar carcass in restricted zone II, within the area delineated by perimeter fencing. The notification came after the ministerial update on 8 October.

The positives are spread across Cerdanyola del Vallès, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Terrassa, Rubí, Molins de Rei, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Sabadell, El Papiol, Castellbisbal, and Esplugues de Llobregat. Several of these localities are part of the metropolitan area of Barcelona.

The same report notes that 13,700 animals have been tested with negative results. Of these, 11,647 are specimens captured or shot without symptoms, and 2,053 correspond to passive surveillance, which includes complete carcasses, remains found in the natural environment, and animals shot with symptoms.

Control tasks continue with the search for carcasses and the reduction of the wild boar population through trapping, with the work of rural agents and trained hunters. Fencing and other barriers are also being reinforced to limit animal movements.

In pig farms in the restricted areas, biosecurity inspections and enhanced surveillance are maintained. The Ministry has not detected any positive cases in pig farms and urges the implementation of strict preventive measures.

For residents of these municipalities, the recommendation is to report any suspicions to the official veterinary services, whether it be a dead wild boar or an animal showing symptoms.