
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
Eating ultra-processed foods could raise precancerous polyp risk for women under 50, according to research - 2
Green Inflections: A Manual for Inside Plants - 3
Farmers worry about rising cost of fertiliser - 4
A definitive Manual for Well known Fragrances - 5
Step by step instructions to Remain Spurred While Chasing after a Web-based Degree
Rediscovering Euphoria: Individual Accounts of Conquering Despondency
Audits of 6 American Busssiness Class Flights
Latvia seeks emergency UN meeting over Russian missile attack on Lviv
Discovery of ancient pleasure boat reveals Egypt's maritime history
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Israeli Chief of Staff declares new border with Gaza Strip
The Oscars are moving from ABC to YouTube starting in 2029
Affordable Care Act enrollment is slightly ahead of last year, despite expiring subsidies
'Sex and the City' star Kim Cattrall marries longtime partner Russell Thomas in intimate London wedding











