Spanish authorities have confirmed the presence of the African swine fever virus in two wild boars found dead on November 25 and 26 in the natural park of Cerdanyola del Vallès, just north of Barcelona. It is the first occurrence of the disease in Spain since 1994. The virus is mainly present in central and eastern Europe, but is gradually spreading westwards.
Surveillance zone includes the veterinary faculty
The virus is highly contagious for domestic pigs and wild boars. Veterinary authorities have activated the contingency plan, including a 20 km surveillance zone around the outbreak, which includes municipalities such as Sabadell – site of the veterinary faculty of Barcelona – Sant Cugat, Rubí and part of the Collserola Natural Park.
(photo @Kevin Jackson/Unsplash)