Oman updates poultry import restrictions amid animal health concerns

OMAN – Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has revised its import rules for live birds, their products, derivatives, and waste from selected countries and regions through two recent ministerial decisions.

Ministerial Decision No 42/2026 lifts previous restrictions on consignments coming from Odisha state in India, Buenos Aires Province in Argentina, and the Irish counties of Cavan, Meath, Monaghan, Laois, and Carlow.

Authorities said the decision follows routine reviews of animal health measures, taking into account the current epidemiological situation in the countries concerned.

At the same time, the ministry issued Ministerial Decision No 43/2026, temporarily banning imports of live birds and related products from Catalonia in Spain, Perth and Kinross in Scotland, the provinces of Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and Davao del Sur in the Philippines, and Podlaskie and Lubelskie in Poland.

The ministry explained that the ban will remain in effect until the relevant animal health risks are addressed and further clearance is granted by the competent authorities.

Officials noted that the measures are intended to prevent the introduction of transboundary animal diseases and to align with international veterinary and sanitary standards.

Products, derivatives, and waste that have been heat-treated or thermally processed according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines are exempt from the ban, as the treatment reduces the risk of disease transmission.

The announcement follows news that Global meat processor JBS is investing US$150 million to expand its production facilities in Oman, including both existing and new sites.

JBS has acquired an 80% stake in a newly formed food holding company in Oman, with its local partner, Oman Food Capital, retaining the remaining 20%.

The company said the investment will be used to produce poultry, beef, and lamb at two facilities, one of which has been inactive for approximately a year.

Chief Executive Gilberto Tomazoni told reporters the expansion is part of JBS’s strategy to develop a regional supply chain in the Middle East and reduce reliance on imports.

JBS also plans to raise chickens locally in Oman and source cattle and lamb from farmers within Oman and North Africa, aiming to integrate production across multiple locations.

The ministry and JBS both emphasized that the updated import policies and local production efforts are part of ongoing measures to safeguard animal health and food supply security in Oman.

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