The growing expansion of wildlife In various regions of Spain, this is generating unprecedented concern in the agricultural and livestock sector, which is warning about the economic, environmental, and health impacts caused by this situation. In recent months, farmers' and ranchers' organizations, especially in communities such as Aragon and the Valencian Community, have raised the alarm over the proliferation of species such as wild boars, roe deer, deer and rabbits, which cause significant crop losses and represent a real risk to animal and human health.
The problem has worsened following the recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in an area of ​​Germany that had previously remained free of the disease. This has put pork producers in Aragon on alert, where the sector is a major source of fundamental pillar of the rural and export economyThe possible transmission of diseases from wildlife to livestock threatens the sustainability and viability of the sector, which represents in the Aragonese community close to 3,5% of GDP and accounts for 60% of livestock production.
Economic damage and health risks in the countryside
In the Valencian Community, farmers have estimated 40 million euros in losses which they attribute to damage caused by wildlife this year alone, according to data from AVA-Asaja. This is mainly due to the overpopulation of wild boars, rabbits, and other ungulates that invade crops, damage infrastructure, and also pose an added danger on rural roads. Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) It is estimated that up to four wildlife-related accidents occur every day in this region, some of which are fatal.
The uncontrolled expansion of these species also has a health aspect. Agricultural organizations point out that wildlife acts as a reservoir and vector of animal diseases, including swine fever, mange, tuberculosis, and bluetongue. increase in zoonotic diseases not only threatens livestock farming, but also represents a direct risk to public health.
Administrative responses and hunting control
To address this situation, various city councils and regional governments have approved subsidies and aid aimed at population control of the most problematic species. In the Valencian Community, aid includes the purchase of materials such as trap cages and the hiring of animal collection services, as well as the involvement of hunting associations in game management. Recent regulatory changes have extended the hunting season and tightened the requirements for concentrating efforts in municipalities declared to be overpopulated.
In Aragon, pressure from livestock farmers has led to organizations such as Asaja Aragon to demand national policies and agreements between communities to combat the threat posed by wildlife. They emphasize the need to implement formulas that have already proven effective in other territories, both in game control and in policies to prevent health outbreaks and support the rural economy.
For their part, the farmers' representatives emphasize that if urgent measures are not taken, the damage will not only fall on the sector's professionals, but will ultimately affect society as a whole. This could lead to higher product prices, greater risks to road safety, and the loss of biodiversity and public health.
Collaboration between administrations, farmers, hunters, and ranchers is seen as essential to moving toward more balanced wildlife management. Given the recent outbreaks of swine fever and the increasing number of traffic accidents, authorities and the rural sector are seeking to accelerate the implementation of structural and consensual solutions.
The overabundance of wildlife in Spain has gone from being a sectoral issue to becoming a public issue of the first order, where economic, health, and environmental interests converge. The current challenge is to find a balance between protecting biodiversity and reducing risks and damage, ensuring the development of rural environments and the health of animals and people.
