
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
Down to earth Manual for A Modest Hyundai Ioniq Electric for Seniors - 2
Israeli military says it hit dozens of military facilities in Tehran - 3
Iran begins cloud seeding to induce rain amid historic drought - 4
Robyn returns to music with 'Dopamine,' her 1st single in 7 years: 'Came to save music once again' - 5
Charli xcx teases new film ‘The Moment’: What to know about the A24 movie
Savvy Cleaning: The 6 Robot Vacuums of 2024
Toyota Motor Europe to roll out smart EV charging through new partnerships
Virtual Domains d: A Survey of \Inundation and Ongoing interaction Mechanics\ Computer game
Jupiter and the moon take a sunset stroll on March 26. Here's how to see it
Thermo Fisher wins contracts as pharma shifts production to US, CEO says
5 Worldwide Road Food varieties You Should Attempt
Heavy rain, floods kill at least 45 people in Afghanistan, Pakistan
Canada's Friendly Sunshine Coast City Is An Outdoor Playground Perfect For Hiking And Paddling
'Supergirl' drops 1st teaser trailer: Watch Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El and the return of Krypto the Superdog











