Oman extends poultry import ban to more European regions

OMAN – Oman has widened its ban on poultry imports, prohibiting the entry of live birds and related products from additional regions in Europe following new animal health alerts.

A recent decision issued by H E Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, restricts imports from Gelderland in the Netherlands, Žilina in Slovakia, West Flanders and Antwerp in Belgium, Nordland in Norway, and Zeeland and southern Denmark.

The order, outlined under Ministerial Decision No. 258/2025, states that the suspension will remain in force until the health issues behind the ban are resolved and an official notice is issued to lift it.

The ministry clarified that the restrictions apply to live birds, products, byproducts, and derivatives from the listed regions.

However, the rule exempts poultry goods that have undergone heat treatment or processing in compliance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the decision was formally issued on November 3.

This latest move follows a similar ban announced late last month covering three other regions affected by disease outbreaks.

Under Ministerial Resolution No. 244/2025, the ministry had already prohibited the import of live birds and poultry products from Ardabil Province in Iran, Drenthe Province in the Netherlands, and the Veneto Region in Italy.

Authorities explained that both bans were enacted under the Veterinary Quarantine Law, established through Royal Decree No. 45/2004, and its implementing regulations under Ministerial Resolution No. 107/2008.

The ministry reaffirmed that these measures are preventive steps to safeguard local poultry production and public health from transboundary animal diseases.

It further stated that only products proven to be processed according to WOAH standards remain exempt from the restrictions.

Poultry Sector Output

Despite the bans, Oman’s poultry industry has shown gradual growth in recent years.

Official data indicates that the country produced approximately 6.81 thousand metric tons of poultry meat in 2022, marking a 3.7 percent increase from the previous year.

Industry analysts note that local production continues to play a vital role in maintaining domestic food supply amid fluctuating import conditions.

The ministry has not yet provided an estimate of how long the current restrictions may remain in place or whether additional countries could be added to the list if new health alerts arise.

For now, Oman continues to monitor international disease updates closely to assess future import decisions.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.