
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
Last Christmas, 3 million viewers watched a Chiefs love story — will Bills fans fall just as hard this year? - 2
Nature's Best: A Manual for Beautiful Train Rides - 3
RFK Jr. says fewer flu shots for kids may be 'better.' What experts say. - 4
Creativity Revealed: A Survey of \Making Shocking Looks\ Cosmetics Item - 5
Christmas 2025 skywatching guide: What you can see in the night sky on Dec. 25
Congress is running out of time to extend ACA subsidies as the GOP moves on to an alternative plan. Here's where things stand.
Netflix's 'Lord of the Flies' show blends 'Adolescence' and 'Yellowjackets'
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 186 — Snow on the Moon?
Employers and staff feel effect of fuel price rise
Dutch police probe a small blast outside a pro-Israel Christian center
Euclid space telescope sees gorgeous cosmic cloud | Space photo of the day for Nov. 18, 2025
Monetary Security: Building Serious areas of strength for an Establishment
Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans
What’s the shadowy organisation taking Gaza Palestinians to South Africa?











