
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
When the moon hits your eye from your Orion ship up high, that's a 'mare' - 2
Instructions to Adjust Work, Life, and Seeking after a Web based Advertising Degree - 3
Scientists solve the mystery of the prehistoric 'Burtele Foot' - 4
New electric car registrations rise sharply in Germany in March - 5
Google's proposed data center in orbit will face issues with space debris in an already crowded orbit
'Everyone in this prison has had family killed or shot'
Are Saturn's rings made of a lost, shattered moon? New evidence arises for the case
The Most recent Microsoft Surface Genius PC: Ideal for Very good quality Planning and Gaming Needs
Outer space conditions hamper sperm's ability to navigate toward an egg
Israeli archaeologists launch project to trace origins of ancient pottery
Mating injuries may lead scientists to identify dinosaurs’ sex
Central African Republic's president sworn in for a third term after disputed election
Keep It Cool: Uncovering Famous Fridge Brands for Each Home
RFK Jr. succeeds in changing hepatitis B recommendation | The Excerpt













