
MADRID, Nov 29 (Reuters) - About one third of Spanish pork export certificates have been blocked after the first outbreak of swine fever for three decades, Spain's agriculture minister said on Saturday.
"Of the 400 export certificates to 104 countries, a third are blocked. We are working to open them as quickly as possible," Agriculture Minister Luis Planas told a press conference.
The virus, last recorded in Spain in 1994, was detected in six wild boar near Barcelona.
Planas said the value of the country's pork exports is 8.8 billion euros ($10.20 billion), of which 58% goes to the European Union.
He said exports to the EU were not affected except those which fell within a 20-kilometre zone near the source of the outbreak.
"Our task is to keep international markets open," he added.
Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia has barred access to a major natural park after six wild boar found dead near Barcelona tested positive for African swine fever.
The Collserola park was closed for all leisure activities and outdoor activities were restricted in 60 villages near the centre of the outbreak, the Catalan Agriculture Ministry said late on Friday.
Catalan authorities will deploy traps for wild boar and deploy police to enforce barriers to the area.
African swine fever is not harmful to humans but spreads rapidly among pigs and wild boar.
Taiwan was the latest country to announce restrictions on Spanish pork imports, when its agriculture ministry said on Saturday it had banned all pork products and live pig imports.
China has banned pork imports from Barcelona province, a Chinese Customs document seen by Reuters showed.
Britain on Friday said it would temporarily stop imports of pork meat from Catalonia. Mexico has suspended imports of pork products from Spain.
$1 = 0.8624 euros)
(Reporting by Graham Keeley, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Kirsten Donovan)
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Fetterman says he's back home after a fall put the Pennsylvania senator in the hospital - 2
Islamic State group militants claim capture and execution of a Nigerian brigadier general - 3
Step by step instructions to Prepare with Senior Protection for Inward feeling of harmony. - 4
Toyota Motor Europe to roll out smart EV charging through new partnerships - 5
Bad flu season getting worse; skyrocketing cases set state record
Rick Steves' Newest Guidebook Is A Fresh Perspective On Italy Spilling The Country's Secrets
6 Well known Nissan Vehicles in the U.S.
Meet the Stars of the Feline World: Well known Pet Feline Varieties
Pick Your Favored pizza beating
5 Great High-Mileage Electric Vehicles Of 2024
Defence chiefs of Thailand and Cambodia to discuss ceasefire
‘Nahariya get ready’: Banner displaying Hezbollah threat mounted in Tehran’s Palestine Square
Moon rush: These private spacecraft will attempt lunar landings in 2026
Rediscovering Euphoria: Individual Accounts of Conquering Despondency












