Saudi Arabia halts poultry and egg imports from France and Poland over bird flu outbreaks

France and Poland have been grappling with significant outbreaks of avian influenza

Last updated: January 08, 2026 | 10:39

1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia halts poultry and egg imports from France and Poland over bird flu outbreaks

AFP

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry and table eggs from France and Poland following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease in parts of both countries.

The decision was announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, which said the measure was taken in response to an urgent advisory issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health after the detection of the diseases in several provinces. The move is intended to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of animal diseases into the Kingdom.

Also Read: Urgent recall in Saudi Arabia: contaminated chicken frankfurters pulled from shelves

The ban applies to poultry and table eggs originating from the affected countries but excludes products that have undergone heat treatment proven to eliminate the avian influenza virus in France and the Newcastle disease virus in Poland. The authority said such products must meet approved health requirements and standards.

Importers are also required to provide an official health certificate issued by accredited authorities in France or Poland confirming that the products are free of the relevant viruses or that the pathogens have been fully eradicated through approved processing methods.

France and Poland have been grappling with significant outbreaks of avian influenza and Newcastle disease among poultry and wild bird populations, prompting large-scale culling operations and strict containment measures. As of January 2026, health authorities in both countries continue to report active and ongoing outbreaks.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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