
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
Remote Headphones: Upgrade Your Sound Insight - 2
The Best 20 Tunes that Characterized an Age - 3
Drones, physics and rats: Studies show how the people of Rapa Nui made and moved the giant statues – and what caused the island’s deforestation - 4
Pilot captures jaw-dropping northern lights show from 36,000 feet (photos) - 5
Authorities arrest 7 bodyguards in connection with a Mexican mayor's assassination
South America's Memorable Destinations: A Movement Guide
How to watch ‘The Traitors’ U.K. Season 4 from the U.S.
I decided to become a single mother by choice. I wasn't ready to stop dating.
Day to day Temporary Positions That Compensate Fairly in the US
6 Objections for an Ocean side Wedding
Instructions to Perceive and Grasp the Early Side effects of Cellular breakdown in the lungs
I spent the last year transforming my life. Becoming a Rockette for a day made me confront a fear I couldn't shake.
7 Moves toward a Sound and Dynamic Way of life
Vote in favor of Your #1 Instructive Toy: Learning and Tomfoolery Joined













