
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
One spent $20 on candy. Another paid $700 for a custom costume. Here's how Halloween costs stacked up this year. - 2
4 Famous Attractions at Disneyland - 3
2024's Hot Games: Must-Play Titles of the Year - 4
How on earth did 'Shark Tank' star Kevin O'Leary end up in 'Marty Supreme'? I'll let him explain. - 5
‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ hits streaming: How to watch, cast info and everything you need to know
Manual for 6 Busssiness Class Flights
5 Great Home Remodel Administrations With Green Arrangements In 2024
The Best 15 Applications for Efficiency and Association
One dead, six wounded in various crime-related shootings in Israel over the weekend
Which sandwich do you find totally delectable? !
Tear gas and arrests: Iranian regime continues crackdown on protesters amid economic unrest
National health ranking puts Georgia near bottom of list. Here's why
NASA's Apollo 8 moonshot saved 1968. Could Artemis 2 do the same in 2026?
Instructions to Explore the Universe of Vehicle Leases













