
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
Launch pad damaged as Russian rocket blasts off for space station, agency says - 2
Health Retreat at Home: Taking care of oneself Practices - 3
Here's what can happen if you drive under the influence of pot - 4
Ariana Grande says Eternal Sunshine 2026 tour will be her last for a 'long, long time': 'One last hurrah' - 5
Figure out How to Keep up with Oral Wellbeing During Pregnancy
Vote in favor of your favored spot to peruse
Tech for Efficiency: Applications and Apparatuses to Accomplish More
7 Extraordinary Efficiency Applications for Experts
What to know about new CDC deputy director who has been critical of COVID vaccines
10 Activities to Lift Your Consume and Bust Your Stomach
Finding Ideal Date Spots for Two or three Encounters
The most effective method to Shake Hands During a Pandemic: Wellbeing Tips and Behavior
Which Breakfast Enraptures Your Taste Buds? Vote
Step by step instructions to Lessen Your Gamble of Creating Cellular breakdown in the lungs












