
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
Thousands of genomes reveal the wild wolf genes in most dogs’ DNA - 2
German journalists' union condemns attack on reporters in village - 3
Longtime United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno resigns from space company. 'Finished the mission I came to do.' - 4
Like 'accelerating from stationary to supersonic flight': Europe's Hera probe boosts speed, stays on course for November asteroid rendezvous - 5
Ageless Tastefulness: An Outline of Valuable Gemstones and Adornments
Amid growing bipartisan scrutiny of Pete Hegseth, Trump says he 'wouldn't have wanted … a second strike' on alleged Venezuelan drug boat survivors
What is a Trump Gold Card? U.S. launches $1 million immigration visas
The best movies to watch this holiday season: Stream 'A Christmas Story Christmas,' revisit 'The Night Before' and discover 'The Baltimorons'
From a new flagship space telescope to lunar exploration, global cooperation – and competition – will make 2026 an exciting year for space
Home Wellness Basics: Building Your Home Exercise center
What to watch for in weight loss drugs in 2026
Iran executes two men who tried storming military facility during January protest crackdown
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss: What to know
College students are now slightly less likely to experience severe depression, research shows – but the mental health crisis is far from over













