
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
Four Dead in Last Month From Animal Attacks in Nepal - 2
French Senate debates social media ban for under-15s - 3
Figure out How to Pick a Crematorium: Key Contemplations. - 4
The Conclusive Manual for Spending plan Travel: Opening Undertakings on a Tight budget - 5
A coup too far: Why Benin's rebel soldiers failed where others in the region succeeded
Watch Blue Origin's huge New Glenn rocket ace its epic landing on a ship at sea (video)
Dental Embed Developments: Upsetting Current Dentistry
The Manual for Decent European Urban communities in 2024
How Mars 'punches above its weight' to influence Earth's climate
15 Outrageous Cosplay Outfits That Will Blow You Away
EU waters down plans to end new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035
These are the Fastest Italian Sports Cars
From blowouts to big interiors, ‘Tuscan Mom’ style is Gen Z’s answer to beige burnout
James Webb Space Telescope watches 'Jekyll and Hyde' galaxy shapeshift into a cosmic monster













