
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
Exclusive-Head of Pemex's production arm to step down in coming days, sources say - 2
Tesla Germany Registrations Quadruple to 9,252 Vehicles in Best March Ever - 3
'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' 1st teaser trailer unveiled: Which Bachelor Nation star is part of the cast? And when does it premiere? - 4
Flying without a Real ID? That'll soon cost you $45, TSA says. - 5
After toilet and email issues, Artemis II astronauts fire engine to head for the moon
BHP liable for 2015 Brazil mine disaster: UK court
The most effective method to Amplify Profits from Gold Speculation: Systems and Tips
Analysis-NASA's moon mission tests aerospace old guard as SpaceX, Blue Origin hover
Turkey, Egypt, Qatar discuss second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal
Russia confirms 16 Cameroonian soldiers killed in Ukraine war
Astrophotographer captures spectacular photo of Antennae Galaxies dueling in deep space
IDF Home Front Command extends siren warning times for Hezbollah rockets in North
Monetary Strengthening: Assuming Command over Your Cash
Scientists map of old Mars river basins for the 1st time. These could be great places to search for ancient life












