
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
'Stranger Things' character guide: The nerds, the newcomers and the rest of the Season 5 cast - 2
German diesel hits new records over Easter weekend - 3
Exploring Being a parent: A Survey of \Bits of knowledge and Guidance for Guardians\ Nurturing Book - 4
Fears of global aluminum shortages intensify - 5
The most effective method to Guarantee Thorough Inclusion in Senior Protection.
Fiber is something most people could use more of. But experts advise caution with 'fibermaxxing'
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
Investigating Cooking and Culinary Expressions: An Excursion Through Flavors
An Investigate of 6 Creative Specialty Mixed drinks
There are thousands of aligned holes in Peru. Archaeologists now think they know who made them
Surveys of Music Collections by Film Stars
Tech Patterns: Contraptions That Will Shape What's in store
The best movies to watch this holiday season: Stream 'A Christmas Story Christmas,' revisit 'The Night Before' and discover 'The Baltimorons'
Gulf countries roll out more autonomous taxis












