UAE Bans Poultry Meat From Riyadh Over H5n8 Bird Flu Strain

Following a recent alert from the Gulf Early Warning Centre about a highly contagious strain of bird flu, H5N8, detected in Riyadh’s Azizia market, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has implemented immediate precautionary measures. In response, the UAE has enacted a comprehensive ban on poultry imports from Saudi Arabia.

Key Precautionary Measures:

• Import Restrictions: MOCCAE has prohibited the import of all domestic and wild live birds, ornamental birds, chicks, hatching eggs, and non-heat-treated waste materials from Saudi Arabia. Additionally, poultry meat, non-heat-treated products, and table eggs from the affected Riyadh area are banned.
• Exception for Treated Products: Consignments of untreated products shipped before December 1, 2017, may enter the UAE if accompanied by valid certificates. However, thermally treated poultry products, including meat and eggs, are exempt from this ban and can still be imported from Saudi Arabia.
• Enhanced Bio-Security: These measures are part of MOCCAE’s strategic objective to bolster bio-security, prevent the spread of the bird flu virus, and protect the health of the country’s poultry industry. The Ministry aims to eliminate pathogens before they can impact public health and poultry safety.
• Stringent Inspection Process: MOCCAE is rigorously reviewing documentation for all food products entering the UAE. This includes certificates of origin, health certificates, and halal certifications. Additionally, shipments undergo sensory inspections and quality checks to ensure compliance with UAE standards. Samples are sent to laboratories for testing to confirm their safety and suitability.

Global Context and Previous Actions:

Bird flu outbreaks have affected poultry populations worldwide in recent years, with some strains causing human infections. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia imposed restrictions on poultry imports from countries such as Bulgaria to curb the disease’s spread.

MOCCAE’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to maintaining high bio-security standards and safeguarding public health by preventing potential outbreaks and ensuring the safety of imported food products.