France and Poland, two major countries from which Saudi Arabia imports its poultry and eggs, have been struggling with a major outbreak of the avian influenza since quite some time now.
Saudi Arabia has been left with no other option but to place a temporary ban over the import of poultry and eggs from France and Poland, because of significant outbreaks of a highly pathogenic avian influenza as well as Newcastle disease in many parts of both the countries.
The decision to place a ban over the import of poultry and eggs from France and Poland was taken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, which stated that the step was taken in response to an urgent directive issued by the World Organization for Animal Health, after the detection of diseases in several parts of the countries. The move is a clear indication of the Government and state’s concern for public health and to take steps to safeguard it, as well as to prevent the spread of the diseases into the Kingdom.
So far, the ban only applies to poultry and table eggs produced from the affected countries, but excludes products that have undergone heat treatment during their production, as heat treatment has been proven to exterminate the avian influenza in France and the Newcastle disease virus in Poland. Still, the authorities say it is mandatory that these products go through a strict check, which must ensure that they meet the required standards and approved health checks.
In case of any import of processed products from France and Poland, the importers are required to provide a health certificate issued by the authorities responsible for the import, verifying that the products have undergone the required treatments and processing methods to eliminate the viruses and pathogens fully.
France and Poland have been struggling with major outbursts of Avian influenza and Newcastle disease among its poultry and wild bird population, which in turn has led to large-scale culling operations and strict eradication measures. At the start of the new year 2026, health authorities in both the countries continue to report major outbreaks of the discussed diseases and resulting health concerns in poultry and table eggs.
