
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
Amateur's Manual for Venture Strategies for Tenderfoots - 2
'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' teaser trailer reveals Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby back in action - 3
Step by step instructions to Protect Your Speculations with Cd Rates - 4
Grasping the Course of Evacuation and Extradition in U.S. Migration - 5
Desired Travel Objections Worldwide: Where to Go Straightaway
Behind every perfect holiday memory is a mom on the brink
CPA Canada appoints eight directors as new governance model takes effect
Miss Thailand Pageant Contestant's Veneers Fall Out During Speech on Stage
Surveys of Music Collections by Film Stars
Kaiser Permanente affiliates to pay $556 million to resolve US claims alleging Medicare fraud
BHP liable for 2015 Brazil mine disaster: UK court
Remote Headphones: Upgrade Your Sound Insight
MacArthur Foundation awards $100M to outbreak surveillance network, a boost amid global health cuts
Figure out how to Put resources into Lab Precious stones: A Novice's Aide











