
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
Viable Tips for Seniors to Purchase a Minimal expense Jeep Wrangler - 2
Guns N' Roses 2026 Tour: How to get tickets, presale times, prices and more - 3
Activists: Venezuela released just nine prisoners despite promise - 4
Must-Have Wellness Gear: What to Purchase for Successful Exercises - 5
Vote In favor of Your Favored Occasion Arranging Administration
MacArthur Foundation awards $100M to outbreak surveillance network, a boost amid global health cuts
Best Exciting ride: Which One Rushes You the Most?
Merz visit highlights new strategic, and strained, Germany-Israel bond
Timothy Busfield turns himself in to face child sexual abuse charges in New Mexico
What’s your chronotype? Knowing whether you’re a night owl or an early bird could help you do better on tests and avoid scams
Alleged maple syrup scam in Quebec uncovered by Canadian broadcaster
Find the Mysteries of Effective Objective Setting: Transforming Dreams into Feasible Targets
Is an $85 apple pie worth it? Our Thanksgiving taste test says … maybe.
Argentina reportedly delaying embassy move over Israeli company's oil project near Falklands












