
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
7 Straightforward Moves toward Move Information from Your Old Cell phone to Your New One: A Thorough Aide - 2
A volcanic eruption may have catalyzed the plague's arrival in Europe, study suggests - 3
The Best Cell phone Brands for Tech Aficionados - 4
'Euphoria' releases Season 3 photos with Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi and others: See them - 5
Winona Ryder didn't take the 'Stranger Things' plot lightly. How 'otherworldly' grief and a kidnapping in her hometown informed her character.
Poll: Most are satisfied with their health insurance, but a quarter report denials or delays
How did birds survive while dinosaurs went extinct?
6 Asian Urban areas to Visit
HR exec caught on Coldplay 'kiss cam' with boss finally breaks her silence: 'I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons'
Deadly attack on kindergarten reported in Sudan
KJ Apa stars as Jimmy Stewart in new biopic: See his transformation
Medicine doesn’t just have ‘conscientious objectors’ − there are ‘conscientious providers,’ too
10 Distinct Kinds of Chinese Neighborhood Specialty Hot Pot
6 Financial plan 3D Printers with the Best Worth










