
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
Boeing's troubled capsule won't carry astronauts on next space station flight - 2
Remain Fit: Powerful Wellness and Work-out Schedules for a Better You - 3
Don’t let food poisoning crash your Thanksgiving dinner - 4
Recent studies prove the ancient practice of nasal irrigation is effective at fighting the common cold - 5
Find the Wonders of the Silk Street: Following the Antiquated Shipping lanes
The Most Well known Online Entertainment Forces to be reckoned with of 2023
What's the new 'Knives Out' mystery about? Everything to know about 'Wake Up Dead Man,' including who's in the cast and what the reviews say.
Figure out How to Amplify the Resale Worth of Your Kona SUV
5 Must-Attempt Fascinating Dishes from Around the World
How much would you pay to meet a Real Housewife? At BravoCon, the limit does not exist.
10 Work Valuable chances to Assist with supporting Your Advanced degree
Damaged launch pad: How long before Russia can send astronauts to the ISS again?
Is Chinese food truly flavorful?
Make your choice for the music application with the most amicable connection point!












