
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
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss: What to know - 2
Deadly attack on kindergarten reported in Sudan - 3
New peace laureate: Iran's arrest of Mohammadi 'confession of fear' - 4
Israeli media reports Iran attacking greater Tel Aviv region - 5
Mexico says a third of 130,000 missing people might be alive, fueling criticisms by families
4 Coolers for Present day Kitchens
37 Things Just Individuals Experiencing childhood during the 80s Will Comprehend
Oil, energy and food: Which countries in Europe are most exposed to higher food prices?
No respite for German economy as experts slash forecast over Iran war
The Specialty of Compromise: Examples from Reality
6 Exemplary Mexican Dishes
Figure out How to Modify Your Pre-assembled Home for Greatest Solace and Stylish Allure
10 Demonstrated Tips to Boost Your New Android Cell phone: A Thorough Aide
Dark matter may be made of pieces of giant, exotic objects — and astronomers think they know how to look for them













