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The Catalan government is enacting strict penalties for individuals entering restricted areas of the Collserola Natural Park following the detection of African swine fever among the local wild boar population. The measures aim to prevent the further spread of the highly contagious disease, which poses a significant threat to both wildlife and the region’s pork industry.
Authorities announced the restrictions on Sunday, emphasizing a “zero tolerance” policy for those who disregard the access ban. According to a government spokesperson, “We urge the public to stay away from Collserola. Access is prohibited, and anyone violating the mobility restrictions will be subject to sanctions.”
Expanding Restrictions to Contain the Outbreak
Since the initial discovery of six infected wild boars, the government has implemented a tiered system of restrictions. A six-kilometer radius encompassing 12 municipalities is under complete lockdown, while a wider 20-kilometer perimeter affecting 64 municipalities faces limitations on leisure activities, hunting, and biodiversity-related operations. In addition, the Barcelona Provincial Council has ordered the closure of three natural parks under its jurisdiction.
The inner zone, impacting popular recreational areas with restaurants, picnic spots, and children’s farms, prohibits all access to natural environments. Hunting and forestry work are suspended, and any activity in rural areas is banned for biosecurity reasons. Authorities are deploying physical and chemical barriers, alongside traps, to control the wild boar population.
Affected Municipalities in the Inner Zone
The following municipalities are directly impacted by the strictest restrictions: Sabadell, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Polinyà, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Montcada i Reixac, Ripollet, Barberà del Vallès, Badia del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Terrassa, and Rubí.
Joint operations involving the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan police), the CAR (regional environmental agents), Seprona (nature protection service), and local technicians have been activated to enforce the regulations within these areas.
Broader Measures in the 20-Kilometer Perimeter
The outer perimeter of 20 kilometers imposes more nuanced restrictions. These include limitations on leisure, hunting, and biodiversity activities, as well as a prohibition on any actions that could interfere with boar population control and biosecurity efforts. Access to the entirety of Collserola Natural Park is restricted for leisure purposes.
The affected municipalities within this perimeter include:
- Alt Penedès: Gelida, Sant Llorenç d’Hortons
- Anoia: Els Hostalets de Pierola, Masquefa
- Bages: Castellbell i el Vilar, Mura, Rellinars
- Baix Llobregat: Abrera, Castellbisbal, Castellví de Rosanes, Cervelló, Corbera de Llobregat, El Papiol, Esparreguera, Molins de Rei, Olesa de Montserrat, Pallejà, El Prat de Llobregat, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Sant Climent de Llobregat, Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Torrelles de Llobregat, Vallirana, and La Palma de Cervelló.
These measures underscore the seriousness with which Catalan authorities are addressing the threat of African swine fever, aiming to protect both the region’s natural environment and its vital agricultural sector. The situation remains fluid, and authorities will continue to monitor the spread of the disease and adjust restrictions as necessary.
