
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
Becoming amazing at Systems administration: Individual and Expert Tips - 2
Faulty glucose monitors linked to 7 deaths and more than 700 injuries, FDA warns - 3
Apartment Turned Into Nightmare 'Ice Castle' After Tenant Shut Off Heat Causing Pipes to Burst: VIDEO - 4
Your kid wants it now. What saying yes, no or not yet teaches kids about money and instant gratification. - 5
The capacity to understand people on a profound level: Exploring Life's Intricacies
Blue Origin's next space tourism flight will break new ground for people with disabilities
Chemical leak in Oklahoma forces evacuations and leaves many ill
US FDA declines to approve Corcept's drug for rare hormonal disorder
7 Popular Vacation destinations In China
Scientists dove hundreds of feet into the ocean and found creatures no human has ever seen. Our trash beat us there
How does Spotify Wrapped calculate your listening age? What your number says about you.
My Excursion to a Better Way of life: Health Experiences
They want better health care — so they're turning to crypto startups
Step by step instructions to Protect Your Speculations with Cd Rates












