Catalonia faces troubling news again: in the outskirts of Barcelona, in the Cerdanyola area, 21 new cases of African swine fever have been detected among wild boars. All infected animals were found dead within the six-kilometer zone where the outbreak began back in autumn 2025. The situation has worsened over the past week, with the total number of confirmed cases since November reaching 85. For local farmers and hunters, this has been a real blow—not only due to concerns for animal health, but also for the future of the region’s meat industry.
Catalan authorities are openly concerned: African swine fever (ASF) can wipe out an entire herd on a farm in just days. Although the virus poses no danger to humans, its spread threatens serious economic losses. Spain hasn’t faced such cases since 1994, and now regional services are forced to monitor every movement within the infected area. Strict restrictions were imposed after the first victims were found: nature reserves have been closed, access to forests is limited, and pig farms have been isolated.
Restrictions and measures
However, there is also cautious optimism. Beyond the six-kilometer radius, no new cases have been detected, and authorities now plan to gradually lift restrictions in more distant areas. In the coming days, following the expert committee’s recommendations, bans on visiting natural areas within six to twenty kilometers may be lifted. This decision is especially important for local residents who have long awaited a return to normal life, as well as for organizers of outdoor public events.
Nevertheless, strict measures remain near the outbreak area. Farms are still under control, and hunting is allowed only under special conditions. In recent weeks, the number of wild boars captured has increased significantly—authorities openly admit this is a necessary measure to contain the epidemic. Still, it is too early to relax: health services continue their monitoring, and farmers keep counting their losses.
Parallel threats
While Catalonia is fighting African swine fever, the region faces other challenges as well. In 79 municipalities, restrictions linked to cattle dermatopathy—a disease that came from France and affected local herds—were recently lifted. More than a thousand farms were at risk, but thanks to an almost complete vaccination campaign and swift government action, the situation is gradually stabilizing. However, in some areas, such as Alt Empordà, restrictions remain in place for now—if no new cases appear, they are expected to be lifted by the end of February.
Vaccination has become a key tool in fighting epidemics. In the affected areas, the share of vaccinated animals has reached 99%, and now the goal is to bring this figure to 100% by the end of January. Only then can we count on full immune protection and a return to normal life. For farmers, this is not just a formality: their future and financial well-being depend on meeting these requirements.
Financial support
The authorities of Catalonia have not left those affected without support. As of January 15, compensation payments for the forced culling of livestock have been completed, with €6.3 million allocated for this purpose. For many farmers, this money has been their only chance to stay afloat after heavy losses. However, despite the support, the mood in the agricultural sector remains tense: no one can guarantee that outbreaks will not recur.
The situation with African swine fever and cattle dermatose has shown how vulnerable even the most developed regions are when facing epidemics. Catalonia found itself at the epicenter of two crises at once, and only coordinated actions by the authorities, farmers, and veterinarians helped prevent disaster. But it’s too early to relax—the fight continues, and every new case keeps everyone on alert.
