One third of Spanish pork export certificates blocked since swine fever outbreak, minister says
MADRID, Nov 29 (Reuters) – Nearly a third of Spanish pork export certificates have been blocked following the first outbreak of swine fever in three decades, Spain’s agriculture minister said on Saturday.
Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas said at a press conference: “One third of the 400 export certificates issued to 104 countries have been blocked. We are working to open them as soon as possible.” he said.
The virus, which was last recorded in Spain in 1994, was detected in six wild boars near Barcelona.
The value of the country’s pork exports is 8.8 billion euros ($10.20 billion), 58% of which goes to the European Union, Planas said.
He said exports to the EU were unaffected, except for those falling within a 20-kilometer zone close to the source of the outbreak.
“Our mission is to keep international markets open,” he added.
Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia has banned access to a major natural park after six wild boars found dead near Barcelona tested positive for African swine flu.
Collserola park was closed for all recreational activities and outdoor activities were restricted in 60 villages near the center of the outbreak, the Catalan Ministry of Agriculture said late Friday.
Catalan authorities will set traps for wild boars and deploy police to put up barriers in the area.
African swine fever is not harmful to humans but spreads rapidly among pigs and wild boars.
Taiwan has become the latest country to impose restrictions on Spanish pork imports, with its agriculture ministry announcing on Saturday that it is banning all pork products and imports of live pigs.
A Chinese Customs document seen by Reuters showed that China has banned pork imports from the province of Barcelona.
Britain announced on Friday that it would temporarily halt pork imports from Catalonia. Mexico has suspended imports of pork products from Spain.
$1 = 0.8624 euro)
(Reporting by Graham Keeley, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Kirsten Donovan)
