Òscar Ordeig, the Agriculture Minister of the Generalitat of Catalonia, highlights the exceptional nature of the current outbreak of African swine fever located in the densely populated metropolitan area of Collserola, which complicates efforts to control it. He noted that this outbreak is particularly challenging as it is situated in a metropolitan area, unlike previous cases in other countries. The recent restrictions imposed in Barcelona are part of the necessary measures to try to mitigate the spread of the disease among wild boars.

Ordeig analyzed the situation by referencing the 25 countries that have previously dealt with outbreaks of African swine fever, stating that none of them have successfully eradicated the disease in less than a year. He emphasized that the average time to eliminate the pathogen from the population, from the first detection to eradication, is around 14 months. This timeline serves as a cautionary tale emphasizing that the current outbreak will not be resolved quickly, foreboding challenging times ahead for local swine farming communities and public health.

The minister's remarks come at a time of heightened concern, indicating that monitoring and controlling the movement of wild boars is crucial, as the disease could potentially spill over into domestic swine and complicate the situation further. The local and regional authorities are likely to ramp up measures to prevent the outbreak from worsening, which may include restricting hunting or further implementing biosecurity protocols to protect domestic herds from the impending threat of African swine fever.