Spain Reports 27 Confirmed Cases of African Swine Fever in Wild Boars, Expands Infection Zone

Spain has confirmed a new case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in a wild boar, bringing the total confirmed cases in wildlife to 27 since the outbreak began in early December 2025. The recent positive case was detected in Sant Cugat del Vallès near Barcelona, different from the initial cases in Cerdanyola del Vallès. Following this discovery, authorities have expanded the infection zone to include a 20-kilometer radius around the outbreak area, adding new municipalities such as Begues, Gavà, Olesa de Bonesvalls, and Subirats.

Authorities have conducted extensive surveillance by analyzing approximately 193 to 200 wild animal carcasses found in natural settings, roads, and railways, all of which tested negative beyond the confirmed cases. Furthermore, 55 pig farms within the restricted area have been inspected, with no symptoms or lesions indicative of ASF detected.

To prevent further spread, intensive efforts are underway to locate and capture wild boars, alongside reinforced isolation measures including the installation of new barriers and fencing to control animal movements. Collaboration among various agencies, including the Generalitat's Rural Agents Corps and local police, is central to these ongoing control measures.

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food emphasizes the serious threat ASF poses to the pig sector, while clarifying that the disease does not affect humans. Genetic analysis of the virus is ongoing to determine its origin, with no current evidence linking the outbreak to the IRTA-CReSA laboratory in Bellaterra. Authorities remain vigilant, maintaining stringent biosecurity protocols and surveillance to contain the outbreak.