Asturias has stepped up its game in terms of environmental health, going all out to closely monitor what's happening in its mountains and valleys. Throughout the past year, the regional government has deployed an unprecedented health operation, meticulously analyzing more than 1.309 specimens of various species to ensure that the ecosystem remains in top condition and free from unnecessary risks.
This effort, part of a global strategy to protect both animals and people, has involved the implementation of more than 3.500 laboratory tests of the most varied kinds. The goal is none other than to anticipate any setback, detecting in time diseases that could jump from wildlife to livestock or even to local residents, following the philosophy that health is one and affects us all.
Control of key species: wild boar and wild birds
Monitoring wild boar populations has been a key focus, as they are a highly mobile species that can carry serious problems. Fortunately, the news is excellent: not a trace of any has been found. neither African nor classical swine feverThis is a tremendous relief, especially considering the much more complicated situation in other parts of Europe. This passive and active monitoring allows Asturian livestock farmers to breathe a little easier in the face of a potentially devastating threat.
As for the birds, the technicians' keen eye allowed them to locate six cases of H5N1 avian fluSpecifically, in coastal areas like Gijón, Ribadesella, and Valdés. Thanks to their rapid detection, security protocols were activated immediately, preventing the situation from escalating. Furthermore, the program is not stopping there and is already investigating. emerging pathologies such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic feverto better understand how these viruses circulate through ticks and other vectors.
Success in the fight against tuberculosis
Asturias continues to boast of being officially free of bovine tuberculosis for several years now, and the 2025 data confirm that the hard work is paying off. Surveillance has been intensified in animals that can act as reservoirs, such as badgers and, once again, wild boar. In the latter, the The positivity rate has fallen to 1,85%.This figure is considerably lower than the previous year, demonstrating that the health controls are truly effective.
The operation has reached every corner, with special attention to municipalities like Tineo, where numerous badger samples were collected. This health initiative involves everyone from the Environmental Protection Service to official veterinarians and specialized laboratories like Jove'sforming a safety net that protects our natural heritage. The coordination between hunters, who know the terrain like no one else, and researchers is what allows us to have such a precise picture of the health of our wildlife.
All this deployment of resources and personnel ensures that the Principality has a solid scientific basis for making decisions that protect both biodiversity and the profitability of livestock farms. The combination of active surveillance in healthy specimens And the analysis of animals found dead is confirmed as the best tool to keep diseases at bay and ensure that Asturian nature continues to be a benchmark of health and environmental balance.