
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
They died 'doing what they loved': The stories of workers in their 80s who died on the job - 2
Most loved Fish Dish: What's Your Sea Pleasure? - 3
Uncover the Manageable Fish Practices: Sea agreeable Feasting - 4
'Harmonious' meeting between Merz, Lula despite Belém controversy - 5
Find the Insider facts of Viable Advertising: Building a Positive Brand Picture
Find the Techniques for Powerful Review Propensities: Opening Your Scholarly Potential
Saturn's moon Titan may not have a buried ocean as long suspected, new study suggests
6 Useful Home Espresso Machines
Chinese mega embassy could bring security advantages, says No 10
Instructions to Expand Your Smash 1500's Presentation: Tips and Deceives
How comfort foods trigger pleasure in our brains
10 Asian Countries Perfect for Solo Female Travelers
Manual for 6 Busssiness Class Flights
Best Pizza Beating: What's Your #1?













