
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
The most effective method to Amplify Profits from Gold Speculation: Systems and Tips - 2
In vogue Sleepwear Patterns for 2024 - 3
7 Straightforward Moves toward Move Information from Your Old Cell phone to Your New One: A Thorough Aide - 4
Style Narratives: A Survey of \Patterns and Styles Assessed\ Design - 5
Is Trump going to war with Venezuela?
Gulf countries roll out more autonomous taxis
How to watch ‘The Traitors’ U.K. Season 4 premiere today from the U.S.
Hezbollah fires over 600 times at Israel, IDF troops over last 24 hours
Volkswagen Just Revealed a Massive Range-Extended SUV for China, and America Isn’t Getting It
2025 Arctic League telethon raises more than $39k
Huge solar flare no threat to Artemis 2 astronaut launch to the moon, NASA says
Artemis 2 astronaut Victor Glover delivers inspiring Easter message on the way to the moon (video)
'No Kings' protests recap: More than 8 million turned out across all 50 states, organizers say
Vote In favor of Your #1 Compelling Female Producer












