
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
A definitive Handbook for Securities exchange Money management - 2
Sweet Taste? Candy Fulfills You - 3
An Extended period of Voyaging Carefully: the World with Reason - 4
Schools to start reopening after Nigeria mass abduction - 5
Figure out How to Explore Your Direction to the Best Dental Embed Trained professional: A Far reaching Manual
IDF: Staying in West Bank refugee camps will quell lone-wolf terror
6 Well known Nissan Vehicles in the U.S.
Home Remodel Administrations: Change Your Residing Space
See the famous winged horse Pegasus fly in the autumn night sky
'People We Meet on Vacation' is the 1st of many Emily Henry adaptations: What other books turned movies to look forward to
Best Pizza Beating: What's Your #1?
Virtual reality opens doors for older people to build closer connections in real life
Discovering a sense of harmony: Individual Accounts of Reflection and Care
Hostile to Maturing Skincare Items to Rejuvenate Your Skin













