Oman bans bird imports from eight countries over health risks

Dubai: Oman has announced an extensive ban on the import of live birds and related poultry products from eight countries, citing public health and veterinary safety concerns.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources issued Ministerial Resolution No. 144/2025, which prohibits the entry of live birds, their derivatives, products, and offal from regions across Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa.

The directive, taken as precautionary veterinary measures, goes into effect immediately.

Among the affected areas are Victoria in Australia; Bong County in Liberia; Kayseri Province in Turkey; Changhua, Chiayi, Tainan, and Yunlin in Taiwan; Masovia, Warmian-Masuria, Pomerania, and Greater Poland in Poland; the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil; Durres in Albania; and Pampanga and Camarines Sur in the Philippines.

The resolution was enacted under the authority of the Veterinary Quarantine Law, issued by Royal Decree No. 45/2004, and its accompanying regulations under Ministerial Resolution No. 107/2008.

The ministry stated that the decision follows guidance from the competent veterinary authority and will remain in force until the risk of animal-borne disease is adequately mitigated and a formal order to lift the ban is issued.

The ministry clarified that exemptions will apply to bird products and derivatives that have undergone heat treatment or other processing compliant with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code established by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE