
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
Optimal Beauty Parlor Medicines for Upgraded Wellbeing and Appearance - 2
RFK Jr. releases new dietary guidelines with emphasis on protein, full-fat dairy - 3
Ukraine's new defense minister just outlined how dire its troop shortage has become - 4
Members of Kenya-led security mission in Haiti were involved in rapes, U.N. says - 5
Research highlights potential dangers of ultra-processed foods for women under 50 regarding precancerous polyps
Warnings rise for U.S. as severe flu strain causes outbreaks in Canada, U.K.
US FDA panel to weigh bid to market nicotine pouches as lower-risk than cigarettes
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launches landmark Mars mission in New Glenn rocket’s first big test
In a first, scientists observe a comet reversing its spin
Abbott issues US device correction for some glucose monitors over faulty readings risk
Trial of pro-Palestine activist begins
Obamacare enrollment declines as US subsidies expire
What will the Artemis 2 astronauts eat during their historic moon mission? (video)
No red, no long shorts: The fashion rules Joe Burrows lives by













