Spain intensifies wild boar control to combat African Swine Fever

Authorities in Spain are intensifying efforts to control wild boar populations to mitigate sanitary, environmental, and road safety risks, primarily driven by the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

In Catalonia, the detection of new ASF cases in Barcelona and Molins de Rei has led the Department of Agriculture to extend restrictions on natural areas, including the Collserola Natural Park, for at least three more months. This decision aims to prevent virus transmission and animal distress, despite local criticism regarding the impact on public access. To date, 69 ASF outbreaks have been reported in the region, involving 386 positive cases across 13 municipalities.

Simultaneously, a massive population control plan in the Valencian Community has resulted in the capture of 5,337 wild boars through hunting and specialized trapping systems. These operations target high-density areas like Xàbia-Dénia and Alicante to protect crops and prevent the expansion of ASF. In the municipality of Oliva, recent efforts using modular traps successfully removed 27 animals in a single night.