
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
6 Asian Urban areas to Visit - 2
Telescope in Chile captures stunning new picture of a cosmic butterfly - 3
Sea level doesn’t rise at the same rate everywhere – we mapped where Antarctica’s ice melt would have the biggest impact - 4
New India programme supports tribal families hosting tourists - 5
Italy now recognizes the crime of femicide and punishes it with life in prison
The Best 20 Tunes that Characterized an Age
Iran Used $2 Billion in Crypto to Run Its Militant Proxies in 2025
Step by step instructions to Guarantee the Strength and Life span of Your Pre-assembled Home
Instructions to Pick the Ideal Pre-assembled Home for Your Necessities
The Force of Care: Living with Goal
Bad flu season getting worse; skyrocketing cases set state record
An Ideal Getaway - Spots for Solo Travel
The Delight of Camper Vans: Choosing the One That Meets Your Requirements
Survey: Canteen Cups With Great Warm Protection Impact













