
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
Brexit's Effect on New York's Ascent as a Main Monetary Center - 2
Step by step instructions to Lessen Your Gamble of Creating Cellular breakdown in the lungs - 3
Bondi Beach survivor criticizes police for inaction during terror attack - 4
Step by step instructions to Keep up with the Life span of Your Kona SUV's Battery Duration - 5
Everything to know about NASA's moon mission launching this week
Tasting America: An Excursion Through Darling Cheap Food Brands
Independence from the rat race: How to Save and Contribute Shrewdly
Manual for Tracking down the Mysterious Cascades in China
Setbacks in Texas and elsewhere put Republicans' redistricting hopes in doubt as key deadlines loom
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah continue to trade attacks
Research highlights potential dangers of ultra-processed foods for women under 50 regarding precancerous polyps
‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
NI economy losing momentum due to Iran crisis
Ads promising cosmetic surgery patients a ‘dream body’ with minimal risk get little scrutiny













