Catalonia Plans to Ease African Swine Fever Restrictions in Collserola

Six months after an outbreak of African swine fever (PPA) in feral pigs led to a closure of large parts of the Collserola Natural Park, the Catalan government is weighing a partial relaxation of the access bans. Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Òscar Ordeig said the number of positive cases is improving, although three new infections were confirmed in the high‑risk zone last week. He explained that any easing would be limited to specific areas, mainly around Barcelona, to provide an alternative mobility option for residents.

Local authorities such as the mayor of Sant Cugat and a citizen petition with over 4,000 signatures have urged the reopening of zones like Torre Negra and Bosc de Volpelleres. The outbreak has already caused significant economic damage to the pig sector, with estimates of around €900 million in losses and the capture of more than 6,000 feral pigs in the infected area and over 26,000 elsewhere. Officials stress that the virus has not entered farms and has remained within the perimeter, while experts continue to study the strain and its virulence.

The minister emphasized caution, stating, "Ens estem plantejant estudiar una flexibilització…" and added, "Possiblement, en l’entorn de la ciutat de Barcelona…" indicating that any changes will be carefully managed.