Spain's Popular Party has accused the central government and Catalonia's Generalitat of the African swine fever spread due to 'climate fanaticism' policies limiting wild boar hunting and reducing Seprona's presence. The disease was detected last week in Barcelona's Collserola natural park, with nine wild boars confirmed affected. Authorities have activated containment measures to prevent its spread.
African swine fever (ASF) was declared last week in Barcelona's Collserola natural park, initially affecting wild boars. According to Catalonia's Generalitat Agents Rurals, 50 wild boar carcasses have been collected in the zero zone, though only nine have tested positive for the disease. Experts note that carcasses do not automatically indicate infection, and the origin remains unknown, possibly linked to contaminated food, as stated by Agriculture Minister Luis Planas.
The Generalitat has activated a contingency plan with two perimeters: a 6-kilometer one with mobility restrictions and a 20-kilometer one confining 39 farms to prevent animal movements and facilitate disinfection. Hunting is banned in the 20-kilometer zone to avoid virus spread. Over 240 professionals, including Agents Rurals, Guardia Civil, and the Military Emergency Unit (UME), are involved in the operation. On Wednesday, firefighters joined to disinfect paths in Cerdanyola and Sant Cugat del Vallès, using chemical and physical barriers to block expansion toward Sant Llorenç del Munt park. The perimeter remains stable, with no findings outside the zone.
The Agriculture Ministry had warned 18 months ago of high risk in Catalonia due to abundant wild boars near the AP-7 highway, a high-traffic international route. Catalan farmers trust their farm biosecurity measures and call for calm, stating they are 'victims' of the crisis.
Politically, PP spokesperson in Congress Ester Muñoz has blamed the Executive's 'sectarianism' and 'climate fanaticism' for preventing wild boar hunting, as well as 'concessions' reducing Guardia Civil's Seprona presence in Catalonia. She expressed concern over potential spread to regions like Aragón, Castilla y León, Andalucía, Extremadura, or Castilla-La Mancha, and criticized President Salvador Illa for not canceling his Mexico tour. The PP has submitted a non-legislative proposal in Congress and requested Planas's appearance.