
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
Former 'Bachelorette' welcomes 1st baby via emergency c-section - 2
CDC clarifies stance on vaccines and autism, stating no evidence supports the link - 3
The Way to Monetary Health: Individual budget Change - 4
Careful Living: Embracing the Current Second - 5
Tatiana Schlossberg, a granddaughter of JFK, is dead at 35 after cancer diagnosis
'Weezer: The Gathering' 2026 tour: How to get tickets, prices, dates and more
Birds at a college changed beak shapes during the pandemic. It might be a case of rapid evolution
Step by step instructions to Guarantee Your Internet Promoting Degree Supplements Your Profession Objectives
NASA's Artemis astronauts enter final preparations for Moon mission
Protest inspired by 'Gen Z' movement draws few young people in Mexico and many government critics
With Obamacare premium hikes, more people opting for no coverage or cheaper plans
A throat bone settles it - Nanotyrannus was not a juvenile T. rex
Vote In favor of Your #1 Method for diminishing Pressure
Avoid Large Crowds In Bali & Swim At This Peaceful Waterfall With A Gorgeous, Natural Pool













