Update on measures to prevent the presence of wild boars and spread of AFS
The Catalan government maintains its contingency plan due to the presence of African swine fever (ASF) detected in the natural environment surrounding Cerdanyola del Vallès.
On 15 January the picnic areas located on paved areas of the campus and the path to Badia del Vallès will once again be open.
On 15 January, the picnic areas located on paved areas of the campus will once again be open to the public. It is requested that no organic waste be left outside bins or containers and that the tables not be used outside of class hours or on weekends. The path connecting the campus to Badia de Vallès will also be open, although users are asked to remain on the paved path and avoid the adjacent natural areas.
Given the possible presence of wild boars on or around the campus, located within the high-risk infected zone (0-6 km) and following the instructions of the Catalan government, leisure activities in natural spaces continue to be limited and access to the natural environment (wooded areas, river and stream beds, meadows, farmland, etc.) is closed.
Circulation within the urbanised areas of the campus is not affected by these measures.
The objective of the measures is twofold: to prevent wild boars from easily accessing food remains and to prevent pedestrians from being vectors of the virus and spreading it beyond the contingency area. Rural Agents and police services may be present around the campus during these days, as part of the planned operation. The University continues to be in contact with the authorities and will inform the university community of any relevant developments.
Civil Protection reminds us of what to do if we spot a wild boar:
• Do not touch or handle any specimen, whether alive or dead.
• Immediately notify the Rural Agents (tel. 112) and the Security and Surveillance Service 93 581 2525.
• Maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching it to take photographs or videos.
• If you walk your dog, always keep it on a leash.
Although the disease does not affect humans, neither by contagion nor by the consumption of meat, it is highly contagious between domestic pigs and wild boars, with a mortality rate that can reach 100%. For this reason, several measures have been put in place:
- A 20 km surveillance zone around the focus, which includes municipalities such as Sabadell, Sant Cugat, Rubí and part of the Collserola Natural Park.
- Restriction of movements on pig farms within the perimeter and veterinary inspections.
- Protocol for searching for carcasses, selective capture and disinfection. Automatic suspension of pork exports to third countries.
More information: Government website