
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
Mickey Lee of 'Big Brother' fame dead at 35 after flu complications, family says - 2
Benin coup thwarted by loyalist troops, president tells nation - 3
Vote in favor of Your Number one BWM Vehicles - 4
How grandchildren are stepping up to fill the caregiver gap - 5
Find the Mysteries of Powerful Using time productively: Augmenting Efficiency and Proficiency
Forum Dvorah demands clear support for women in combat as IDF gender debate escalates
Your guide to how to safely thaw and cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year, according to experts
Most loved Web-based feature: Which Stage Do You Like
7 Powerful Methods for forestalling Telephone Overheating: Keep Your Gadget Cool
6 Hints to Upgrade Your Charm, In addition to Your Mentality
Michael Jordan donates $10M to North Carolina medical center in honor of his mother
'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' 1st teaser trailer unveiled: Which Bachelor Nation star is part of the cast? And when does it premiere?
Phenomenal Web-based MBA Stages for Proficient Headway
How effective is the flu shot this year? New report shows promising results












