
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
Looking for a great Thanksgiving side dish recipe? These are the crowd-pleasers the Yahoo team swears by. - 2
Extravagance SUVs for Seniors: Solace, Innovation, and Security - 3
Watch Chinese astronauts enjoy '1st ever space BBQ' from Tiangong's brand-new oven (video) - 4
5 Breakout Stars in Late television Series - 5
Famous Places to get-away for Americans
Tremendous Spelunking: Cool Caverns All over the Planet
German finance minister sees advantages of smartphones in schools
Which Instax Camera Would it be a good idea for you to Purchase?
Avoid Slam: Clearing the Street for the Eventual fate of Standard Size Trucks
An Extended time of Self-Reflection: Self-awareness through Journaling
Telecommute Arrangement: What's Vital for Your Efficiency?
Taylor Momsen explains why she quit 'Gossip Girl': 'I really didn't want to be there'
What causes RFK Jr.’s strained and shaky voice? A neurologist explains this little-known disorder
Telescope in Chile captures stunning new picture of a cosmic butterfly












