Oman Halts Bird and Livestock Imports from Portugal and Egypt Over Animal Health Fears

Oman has moved swiftly to protect its borders from potential animal health risks by suspending imports of live birds from Portugal’s Santarém province and certain livestock from Egypt’s Beheira Governorate. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources announced the decision under Ministerial Resolutions No. 236/2025 and 235/2025, citing veterinary advisories and national quarantine laws.

The suspension targets live birds, animal products, derivatives, and offal from the affected regions, following reports of health concerns that could threaten Oman’s livestock sector. Officials say the restrictions are a precautionary measure to safeguard both animal and public health.

Products that have undergone proper heat treatment or processing in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards are exempt from the ban. The ministry emphasized that the restrictions are temporary and will remain in force until the situation improves and the affected areas are declared free of the health risk.

The move underscores Oman’s commitment to maintaining strict biosecurity measures and protecting its food supply chain from external disease threats, reflecting a proactive approach to animal health management across the region.