Morocco suspends poultry imports from Portugal after bird flu outbreak

MOROCCO – Morocco is suspending all poultry imports from Portugal after Lisbon health officials confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1).

The Ministry of Agriculture announced the measure on September 8, 2025, describing it as a temporary step to reduce the risk of the virus entering domestic markets.

The suspension applies to live birds, fresh and frozen meat, eggs for human consumption, processed poultry products, and poultry-based animal feed.

Only feed that has undergone heat treatment proven to eliminate the H5N1 virus will be permitted, and such shipments must be accompanied by veterinary health certificates issued by the exporting country.

According to the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), the decision was formally communicated to Portuguese authorities and will remain in place until the outbreak is contained.

ONSSA said it will review the restriction based on epidemiological updates from Portugal and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The outbreak in Portugal was first detected at a laying hen farm outside Lisbon where abnormal mortality was reported.

Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain, leading to the culling of affected birds and disinfection of the site.

WOAH also documented a separate outbreak in Samora Correia involving more than 257,000 fattening ducks, where over 1,000 died and thousands were culled to prevent wider transmission.

Health experts believe migratory wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are contributing to the spread of the virus across Europe.

Germany has also reported similar cases, raising concerns about how quickly the disease is moving across the region.

The trade suspension is expected to create challenges for Morocco’s poultry sector, as Portugal supplies frozen meat and hatching eggs critical for local farming.

Industry observers warn that reduced imports may increase pressure on domestic production and lead to higher consumer prices for poultry meat and eggs, both of which are staple foods in Moroccan households.

Producers are already facing higher costs of feed and energy, and the new disruption adds to existing financial strains.

Analysts say Morocco may need to diversify sourcing by turning to Spain, France, or Brazil to fill the gap left by Portugal.

At the same time, calls are growing for the government to expand support for local poultry farmers through subsidies, veterinary services, and improved infrastructure.

Strengthening domestic production, experts argue, would reduce reliance on external suppliers and help Morocco manage risks linked to international disease outbreaks.

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