Saudi Arabia temporarily bans poultry and egg imports from France and Poland over avian influenza outbreaks/Representative Image
Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned the import of poultry and table eggs from France and Poland after both countries reported serious outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease (ND). The move follows urgent warnings from international health authorities and aims to protect public health and the local poultry sector.
What the ban covers
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announced the temporary ban after an advisory from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The ban specifically targets:
- Live poultry
- Table eggs
- Poultry and egg products that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment to eliminate HPAI or ND viruses
Products that have been properly heat-treated are allowed. This includes poultry meat, table eggs, and other processed products that meet safety standards ensuring the viruses are destroyed.
Requirements for exempted products
The SFDA outlined strict rules for any poultry or egg products exempted from the ban:
- Heat treatment must meet approved health standards.
- Shipments must include a health certificate from accredited authorities in France or Poland.
- Certificates must confirm that the product is either free from viruses or that the virus has been eradicated.
These measures ensure imported products do not pose any risk to humans or local poultry.
Outbreak situation in France and Poland
France and Poland are currently facing significant outbreaks of HPAI and Newcastle disease among their poultry and wild bird populations. These outbreaks have led to mass culling of infected and exposed birds and the implementation of strict control measures to contain the spread. As of January 2026, the situation in both countries remains serious and ongoing, raising concerns among international health authorities.
Saudi Arabia’s preventive measures
The SFDA’s decision reflects a proactive approach to protecting public health and the poultry industry. By enforcing the ban and requiring verified health certifications, Saudi Arabia aims to prevent the entry of infectious bird diseases that could have serious economic and health consequences.
