
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
Image of foreigners being arrested in S.Africa during Eid is AI-generated - 2
The Best Portable Applications for Psychological wellness and Prosperity - 3
This cafe takes orders in sign language. It's cherished by the Deaf community - 4
NASA releases new ‘Earthset’ and eclipse images taken during historic flyby of the moon - 5
Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission
Presenting Nintendo's New Pastel Satisfaction Con Tones for Switch Gamers: 3 Upscale Choices
Vote in favor of the bloom plan that adds a bit of excellence to your life!
Bird flu poses risk of pandemic worse than COVID, France's Institut Pasteur says
Find the Marvels of the World with These Travels
'We are ready': NASA still on track to launch Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon April 1
Which sandwich do you find totally delectable? !
Russia Creates New Military Branch Dedicated To Drone Warfare
Scientists captured female sperm whales on video working together during a birth to protect the calf
Science is best communicated through identity and culture – how researchers are ensuring STEM serves their communities













