Catalonia reports first week without African swine fever in wild boars

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food has reported the first week without a positive case of African swine fever in wild boars since the outbreak began on November 28. Out of 302 samples analyzed this week in the high-risk zone, none tested positive, a result that officials say reinforces confidence in current eradication strategies and biosecurity measures.

Since the start of the outbreak, approximately 11,331 wild boars have been analyzed, with 379 testing positive. In the infected zone, around 11,000 wild boars have been captured to date.

Catalan Agriculture Minister Óscar Ordeig stated that restrictions on accessing natural environments, such as Collserola Natural Park, may be eased in the coming months once experts advise it and the sanitary clearing is largely complete. However, he warned that a forced de-escalation could lead to the outbreak becoming uncontrolled. To be declared free of African swine fever, the region must maintain a year without positive cases.