
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
Instructions to Arrange Your Compensation During Medical caretaker Prospective employee meetings - 2
Vote in favor of your #1 Sort of Convenience for a Family - 3
Fundamental Home Machines for Improved Solace in Summer - 4
4 Sound blocking Earphones for Prevalent Sound and Solace - 5
The Best Computer games for Multiplayer Fun
Artemis II astronauts make long-distance call to the space station as they head home from the moon
Is relief in sight? Flu season still brutal but cases are declining.
The Effect of Online Organizations on Society: Beating the Difficulties
At least 490 protesters killed in Iran, activists say
The most effective method to Succeed in Your Web based Advertising Degree: Procedures for Progress
New dinosaur tracks in Italy illustrate herds moving in unison
The beauty advent calendar boom is here. Sephora kids are all in.
Paris Agreement target off the table, report says
Brazil judge orders government to add JBS subsidiary to 'dirty list' for slavery













