
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
Why are NASA's Artemis astronauts wearing orange? What are they bringing to space? What to know about the preparation for their moon mission. - 2
Artemis II astronauts arrive at Florida launch site for first moon trip in 53 years - 3
People are getting their news from AI – and it’s altering their views - 4
Find the Abilities Required for Advanced Advertising Position - 5
Astonishing Deserts All over The Planet You Really want To Visit
Audits of Espresso Types: Which Mix Is for You?
IDF kills senior PIJ Gaza City Brigade cmdr. who infiltrated Kibbutz Nahal Oz on Oct. 7
Fire Allegedly Triggered by Wedding Cake Sparkler Causes Venue to Go Up in Flames, Leaving Groom with Second-Degree Burns
Promising Speculation Bearings for Portfolio Development in 2024
Netflix's Eddie Murphy documentary explains 'Saturday Night Live' beef: 'That's why I didn't go back for years'
Remote Headphones: Upgrade Your Sound Insight
West Antarctica’s history of rapid melting foretells sudden shifts in continent’s ‘catastrophic’ geology
Defeating An inability to embrace success in Scholarly world: Individual Victories
Pfizer says patient dies after receiving hemophilia drug in trial












