
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
The most effective method to Consummate the Specialty of Handshaking in Business and Group environments - 2
At least 30 killed in attack on Nigeria village - 3
Single women risk rape and exploitation in search for better life in Europe - 4
It's been 20 years since MTV's golden couple split. These producers saw it all unravel. - 5
‘Nahariya get ready’: Banner displaying Hezbollah threat mounted in Tehran’s Palestine Square
Scientists dove hundreds of feet into the ocean and found creatures no human has ever seen. Our trash beat us there
Rediscovering Experience Through Excursions: Individual Travel Stories
Ten Awesome Authentic Realities That Will Leave You Interested
The Effect of Online Organizations on Society: Beating the Difficulties
Cyber Monday 2025: Save over 70% on HBO Max with this Prime Video streaming deal
Popular Home Rug Series For You
Brazil judge orders government to add JBS subsidiary to 'dirty list' for slavery
Monetary Strengthening: Assuming Command over Your Cash
Collierville residents with no power as temperatures plunge













