The state’s agriculture minister, Oscar Ordig, on Tuesday asked for “more personnel” specialized in anti-hunting to manage the swine fever outbreak detected in Catalonia. He noted in a press conference: “We need the largest possible number of forces and people.” “The first hours are critical.”
Ordig pointed out that when an animal is found, an operation is carried out with disinfection equipment, a 10-meter perimeter is created and the animal is guarded until experts arrive. That is why I have requested more professionals to continue carrying out work to combat this scourge.
The advisor explained that this Tuesday, 100% of the 6-kilometer radius in which the outbreak developed will be completed, and a “second corridor” will be implemented for control in that area. Ordig, who has identified containing the outbreak within a 6-kilometre radius as his main priority, insisted on asking residents not to approach the area or the rest of Collserola Park, even if the disease has not been transmitted to humans.
Ordig did not confirm that the origin of the outbreak was a sandwich. “This is an unconfirmed option. It could be a garbage container or a vehicle with organic remains,” he noted. “The scientists and technicians in the department will be the ones to determine that.”
The advisor announced that a “set of measures” would be presented in the coming days to support the sector financially. He, in turn, explained that all mayors of Catalonia would be summoned to activate plans to combat the wild pig population. “We have overpopulation,” he noted.
Ordig did not want to comment on the duration of the restrictions, and is confident that if the outbreak is brought under control, non-EU exports in the pork sector can be reopened “gradually”.