Over 3,800 wild boars removed in Valencian Community in 2026

The control plan, focused on agricultural areas and roads, has involved hunters and trapping to prevent swine fever.

Generic image of smoke rising from a forest.
IA

Generic image of smoke rising from a forest.

The Valencian Community has removed over 3,800 wild boar specimens since the beginning of 2026 thanks to a shock plan coordinated by the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente, aiming to reduce agricultural impact and accident risk.

The initiative has focused on critical points such as Xàbia-Dénia, La Valldigna, La Plana, and La Safor. Of the animals removed, over 1,300 were captured by the public company VAERSA using trapping systems, while the hunting community carried out nearly 2,000 extractions. To incentivize this collaboration, the Consell offers a subsidy of 40 euros per captured and removed wild boar, provided safety and traceability conditions are met.
The reinforcement of the operation also responds to the need to prevent the arrival of African swine fever, a disease that threatens the pig population. The operation involves 39 professionals, including hunting wardens, technicians, veterinarians, specialized laborers, and administrative staff. The Generalitat has 35 vehicles, a veterinary laboratory, seven cold storage units, and several warehouses for logistics.
Surveillance has been enhanced with technological tools such as 132 video surveillance cameras, 238 camera traps, and a drone with a thermal camera. Additionally, 169 cage traps and seven large cages are used to complement traditional hunting activities in areas with higher overpopulation.
This intervention is part of a broader strategy for wildlife management. The Conselleria de Agricultura, Agua, Ganadería y Pesca allocated a record 37 million euros in 2025 for agricultural insurance contracts, which include specific coverage for damage caused by wild fauna. Minister Miguel Barrachina highlighted that the Valencian Community invests the most in agricultural insurance.