
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
Vote In favor of Your Favored Sort Of Bevarage - 2
Figure out How to Upgrade Your Gold Speculation Portfolio: Vital Bits of knowledge and Strategies - 3
ByHeart baby formula from all lots may be contaminated with botulism bacteria, tests show - 4
NASA unveils close-up pictures of the comet popping by from another star - 5
The Best Computer games Ever
Feeling wonder every day improves our health. Here’s how to do it.
Instructions to Adjust Work, Life, and Seeking after a Web based Advertising Degree
Hypothermia claims newborn in Gaza and more babies are at risk, doctor says
Tech Development Disclosed: A Survey of \Usefulness and Configuration in Concentration\ Tech Item
Well known Tea Brands for Each Tea Sweetheart
Famous Network programs in Europe and America
Transform the daily grind to make life more interesting – a philosopher shares 3 strategies to help you attain the good life
The Excursion to Monetary Proficiency: Individual budget Triumphs
Denny's is shutting down restaurants around the country. What's behind the closures?












