
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
5 High Limit Outer Hard Drives For Information Stockpiling - 2
Kennedy approves adding two rare disorders to newborn screenings - 3
Instructions to Amplify Certifiable Experience While Chasing after an Internet Advertising Degree - 4
Pick Your Favored kind of sandwich - 5
This Unique National Park In Canada Is Famous For Its Otherworldly Limestone Monoliths
Luigi Mangione‘s lawyers say Bondi’s death penalty decision was tainted by conflict of interest
Mobility exercises are an important part of fitness as we age. Here are some tips
The Oscars are moving from ABC to YouTube starting in 2029
Figure out How to Upgrade Your Gold Speculation Portfolio: Vital Bits of knowledge and Strategies
'Hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter named as Ahmed al Ahmed
6 U.S. States for Climbing
Doctor's orders? ‘Belly laugh at least two to five days a week'
Vote in favor of your Favored kind of craftsmanship
7 Espresso Machines for Home Baristas












