Collserola loses 90% of its visitors due to the swine-fever alert in Barcelona

Access to Collserola park has fallen by 90%. Most residents are respecting the restrictions. Police patrol and explain the reasons for the closure. There are already 238 cases of African swine fever in wild boar. The situation is causing concern in Barcelona.

Life in Barcelona has suddenly changed for those who used to walk or play sport in Collserola. The park, one of the city’s largest green lungs, has seen visitor numbers fall by 90% in recent days. The restrictions imposed by the health alert have transformed the routine of thousands of Barcelona residents.

According to those responsible for the park, most residents are complying with the access restrictions. Police presence has intensified on the paths and main access points, where officers inform people who approach about the ban and the reasons that justify it.

The reason for these measures is the spread of African swine fever among the wild boar population. The latest count brings the number of infected animals to 238, a figure that has heightened concern among both the authorities and local residents.

The temporary closure of Collserola affects not only those seeking nature close to home, but also those who rely on the park for their daily well-being. Uncertainty over when the space can be enjoyed again adds tension to everyday life in the city.

Collserola is much more than a park: it is a protected natural area covering more than 8,000 hectares and linking Barcelona with several municipalities in the metropolitan area. Its biodiversity and its role as a refuge for local wildlife make it an essential enclave for urban quality of life. Managing health emergencies in this setting requires coordination between administrations and constant monitoring to preserve both public health and ecological balance.