Catalonia adds three outbreaks of African swine fever in wild boars, bringing the total to 77

The Official Veterinary Services of the Generalitat have reported nine new cases in wild boars, all findings of carcass remains. The outbreak now totals 419 positive animals across thirteen municipalities.

According to agrodigital.com, veterinary authorities have confirmed three new outbreaks of African swine fever in wild boars since the update on October 8. There are nine new cases, all found as carcass remains, distributed among Molins de Rei (4), Cerdanyola del Vallès (2), Sant Cugat del Vallès (1), Sant Quirze del Vallès (1), and Barcelona (1).

The total now stands at 77 outbreaks, of which three are primary and 74 secondary. The 419 positive wild boars are spread across 13 municipalities in the Vallès and Baix Llobregat, including Terrassa, Rubí, Sabadell, and Esplugues de Llobregat. The new cases are located in restricted zone II, within the protected perimeter surrounded by fences.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 14,077 animals have been tested with no positive results. Of these, 11,990 were captured or culled without symptoms, and 2,087 entered passive surveillance, meaning whole carcasses or remains found in the wild and animals with symptoms that were culled.

The search for carcasses continues, and trained rural agents and hunters are reducing the wild boar population with traps and population control under the supervision of the competent authority. Additionally, fences and other barriers have been reinforced, prioritising the corridors used by wild boars.

In farms and other pig establishments in zones I and II, controls remain in place. No positive cases have been detected in domestic pigs, and most farms in zone II are empty. The Ministry urges heightened biosecurity in farms and during animal transport, and reminds the obligation to report any suspicions to veterinary services.

For residents, the recommendation is to report if they find a wild boar with symptoms or a carcass in the wild, via the Ministry's website or the health surveillance guide for wildlife. The Ministry clarifies that African swine fever is not zoonotic, meaning people cannot be infected either through contact with the animals or by consuming their products.