
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
Advocacy groups react after Mattel introduces 1st Barbie doll with autism - 2
6 Famous kind of practice on the planet - 3
How to get tickets for AC/DC's 2026 'Power Up' Tour - 4
Find the Standards of Powerful Cooperation: Accomplishing Cooperative energy and Coordinated effort - 5
The Green Transformation: 5 Feasible Living Practices
Instructions to Guarantee Kids Foster Solid Dental Propensities
5 Critical Rules For Business Regulation Chiefs
Find the Advantages of Deep rooted Getting the hang of: Extending Information and Self-awareness
Move. Cheer. Dance. Do the wave. How to tap into the collective joy of 'we mode'
Manual for Tracking down Spending plan Agreeable Travel Objections
Von der Leyen: Paris meeting sends signal of unity for Ukraine
Step by step instructions to Guarantee the Life span of Your Dental Inserts: Support and Care Guide
Bowen Yang is reportedly leaving 'Saturday Night Live' after this week's episode
Manual for Tracking down the Immaculate Magnificence of Focal Asia












