Oman halts poultry imports from India over health risks
hermally processed poultry items compliant with WOAH standards are not affected.
OMAN – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has suspended the import of live birds and poultry products from Kerala, India, citing concerns over animal health.
The decision follows an assessment by the country’s veterinary authorities on the current livestock disease situation in Kerala.
Under the ministerial order, the ban applies to live birds, their byproducts, derivatives, and waste originating from the Indian state.
The restriction will remain in force until the authorities confirm that the health risks have been resolved and a formal notice is issued to lift the ban.
The ministry clarified that poultry products that have been heat-treated or processed according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code are exempt from the restrictions.
This move comes after Oman recently expanded poultry import bans to multiple regions in Europe due to new animal health alerts.
Ministerial Decision No. 258/2025, issued by H E Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi, limits imports from Gelderland in the Netherlands, Žilina in Slovakia, West Flanders and Antwerp in Belgium, Nordland in Norway, and Zeeland and southern Denmark.
The European import suspension will remain until the underlying health issues are addressed and an official announcement is made to lift the ban.
According to the ministry, the restrictions cover live birds, products, byproducts, and derivatives from the identified European regions while processed poultry remains allowed if it meets WOAH standards.
The November 3 announcement followed a previous decision banning poultry imports from Ardabil Province in Iran, Drenthe Province in the Netherlands, and Veneto in Italy under Ministerial Resolution No. 244/2025.
Authorities noted that both the Indian and European bans are enforced under the Veterinary Quarantine Law, created by Royal Decree No. 45/2004 and implemented through Ministerial Resolution No. 107/2008.
The ministry emphasized that these steps are preventive measures aimed at protecting local poultry production and public health from the spread of transboundary animal diseases.
Products that comply with WOAH thermal processing standards are the only items allowed to enter Oman from the restricted regions, ensuring safe imports.
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