
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
Vote in favor of your #1 Sort of Convenience for a Family - 2
A Manual for SUVs with Less Noteworthy Gas Mileage - 3
Police investigate Lahav 433 officer accused of sexually harassing subordinate policewoman - 4
The most effective method to Remain Ahead in the Most recent Advanced Patterns with a Web based Advertising Degree - 5
Santa's sleigh or the International Space Station? How to spot a bright Christmas flyby Dec. 24 and 25
Greenland’s melting ice and landslide-prone fjords make the oil and minerals Trump is eyeing dangerous to extract
The last penny was pressed by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia today. Could the nickel and dime be next?
German foreign minister backs abandoning EU's unanimity principle
Massive supernova explosion may have created a binary black hole
Pick Your Favored sort of cooking
Top 20 Compelling Business Books for Progress
Key Little Things That Advantage Old People
The Incomparable Advanced cameras: Which One Will Win?
Find the Insider facts of Compelling Systems administration: Building Associations for Progress













